Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
(I Thessalonians 4:1-2)
The challenge we will discuss this week is to “abound more and more” by taking responsibility for one another.
My gut instinct is not to look after someone else, but Paul wrote, “Let each of you not look only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4) And as natural as it is to look after myself first–it is most important to put others ahead of myself. (Philippians 2:3; Romans 12:10)
Jesus had throngs of people around him and often had to withdraw himself just to pray. (Mark 1:35-39; Luke 4:42-44) On the surface, it seems selfish that He would withdraw Himself to pray. But He was human and needed to spend time with God improving Himself. His own interest was never more important than others. As soon as He finished praying He said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well, for I was sent for this purpose.” (Luke 4:43)
Our Purpose:
“We urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” (I Thessalonians 5:14)
Paul’s urgency is directly related to the return of Jesus. (I Thessalonians 5:2) Since Jesus is returning, and we do not know the day or hour it is imperative that we admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, and help the weak. It is our individual responsibility to have one another prepared for the Lord’s glorious appearing.
The Hebrew writer charges us, “Consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Notice why we are stir up one another: because the Day of the Lord is drawing near! It is our tendency to think that missing a service is no big deal. I’m not here to discuss that, but we are required to encourage brothers and sisters who might be practicing this habit because the Day of the Lord is drawing near!
Paul offered a prayer on behalf of the Thessalonians that we should all offer on behalf of our brothers: “Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” (I Thessalonians 3:11-12)
Ways We Can Take Responsibility:
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10) Opportunities arise every single day to do a generous thing for our brothers, relish those opportunities. When the little things are done out of genuine love it is noticed and greatly appreciated. We can abound by taking advantage of the ALL opportunities the Lord gives us.
“Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:16) People are more willing to ask for help when we ask them for it first. May we never be too prideful to admit we struggle and we need help. And may we be kindhearted when we are confessed to and earnestly pray for one another to overcome sin.
“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20) If you see your brother in sin, do everything humanly possible to encourage that brother. Our approach to our fallen brother is critical, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2) Let us truly love one another!
We have a responsibility to our brothers to watch out for their souls. May we not shrink from it, but rather embrace it and abound in it!
Next week we will discuss how to “abound more and more” by building broader relationships with our brothers.
~ by Wes Gossett