Sunday, February 1, 2009

Have the Right Attitude

Focal Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
We are continuing our study of 1 Thessalonians this week and this will be our last lesson in this book. 3 weeks ago, we examined how our belief in Christ is to shape our personal goals and behavior. Today, we will be looking at the attitude and action we are to exhibit toward our Christian brothers. We will be focusing on our attitude toward our leaders, toward "weaker" members, and toward worship.

1Thessalonians 5: 12- 13
In these verses, Paul asks us to respect 3 different types of leaders, those "who work hard" among us, those who are "over us in the Lord", and those who "admonish" us.

Those that work hard are easy to identify. Simply observe the world around you each week when you come to church. Your Sunday school teachers, nursery workers, choir members, custodial crew, GA leaders, RA leaders, care group leaders, mission workers, camera men, sound crew, and other lay workers are there. Week in and week out they work hard.

Those who are over us in the Lord are the ministers and deacons of our church. The Holy Spirit is leading them and they in turn are leading us.

Those who admonish you are your friends and fellow believers who hold you accountable. Perhaps you have an accountability group or just a good friend that will hold your feet to the fire when needed.

Paul writes that we are to respect these people. This means that we are to listen to what they have to say to us, carefully consider their advice/ leading, and follow it if it is in line with God's word (see v. 21). Further, in verse 13, Paul writes that we are to "hold them in the highest regard" in love. The Greek work for highest is a double compound work meaning super super abundantly. Therefore, we are to demonstrate super super abundant love toward other believers that God has placed in leadership positions around us.

Consider how you demonstrate love to the Christian workers and leaders that influence your world each week. Are you demonstrating any love at all? Is it abundant? Is it super abundant? Or do you make an effort to show super super abundant love to them? Consider that this is important so that these fellow brothers and sisters in Christ will not grow weary. I can tell you from personal experience that it always lifts my mood and energy level when someone tells me they appreciate my efforts. Each worker wants assurance that their efforts are actually making a difference. It is true that heavenly awards await but it is also true that "a body gets tired".

Think of our ministerial staff:

Dr. Dan Spencer (Pastor): Bro. Dan was raised in a Christian home as a Pastor’s son. He received Jesus as his personal Savior at the age of 16. He has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Hannibal-Lagrange College and Troy University and is currently pursuing a degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. Bro. Dan was called to First Baptist as Pastor in 2000. He is married to Tresa and they have two sons, Jeremiah and Jacob. Bro. Dan may be contacted through the church office at 229-228-6800 or by e-mail at dspencer@firstbaptistonline.com

Rick Jordan (Minister of Music): Bro. Rick has been the Minister of Music at First Baptist Church since 1973. Bro. Rick also provides the leadership for the Television Ministry. He holds music degrees from Shorter College and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is married to Margie and they have two grown sons, Kyle and Kevin. Bro. Rick may be contacted through the church office at 229-228-6800 or by e-mail at rjordan@firstbaptistonline.com.

Don McMillan (Minister of Discipleship and Administration): Bro. Don received Jesus as his personal savior at the age of 20 and surrendered to the Gospel Ministry at the age of 37. He received his Seminary degree in Education/Administration from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and began his ministry at First Baptist in 1987. He is married to Donna and they have two grown children, Kevin and Christy, and four grandchildren. Bro. Don may be contacted through the church office at 229-228-6800 or by e-mail at dmcmillan@firstbaptistonline.com.

Keith Stewart (Minister of Education and Outreach): Bro. Keith began his ministry at first Baptist in 2002. He is a graduate of Valdosta State University and Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. He is presently pursuing a Doctorate degree at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Keith and his wife Beth were married at First Baptist in 1987 and they have 3 children, Hannah, Braden and Bethany. Bro. Keith may be contacted through the church office at 229-228-6800 or by e-mail at kstewart@firstbaptistonline.com.

Reid Wylie (Minister of Youth and Activities): Bro. Reid was born and raised in Americus Georgia and graduated from Samford University. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, Bro. Reid enrolled in New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where he will obtain his Masters of Arts in Christian Education degree. Reid was called to the Ministerial staff of First Baptist Church in 2006. Bro. Reid may be contacted through the church office at 229-228-6800 or by e-mail at rwylie@firstbaptistonline.com.

Tom Jacobs (Minister of Senior Adults): Bro. Tom and his wife Jane are the proud parents of three grown children, Amy, Chad and Greg and proud grandparents of four grandchildren. Bro. Tom received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida, his Masters from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and his Doctorate from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He began his ministry to senior adults at First Baptist in 2006. Bro.Tom may be contacted through the church office at 229-228-6800 or by e-mail at tjocobs@firstbaptistonline.com.

Consider all that they do each week. What can you do to show them super super abundant love this week?

1Thessalonians 5: 14-15

In these verses, Paul urges us to:

  • warn those who are idle (some of the Christians in Thessalonica used their expectation of the Lord's return as an excuse to stop working. Their attitude was "since Jesus is coming soon, we don't need to continue to work since it won't matter anyway". Paul is teaching that this is an improper attitude.
  • Encourage the timid.
  • Help the weak.
  • Be patient with everyone. ( I think these last three are especially important when dealing with new, young, or immature Christians. They may not know exactly what their gift is. They may not have the extensive Bible knowledge you have. They may not understand how the church "process" works. However, they are often looking for ways to serve and get involved. The response that you have to them may determine whether they continue to find ways to be involved or not. The response that you have to them may lead to discouragement, embarrassment, and dissatisfaction. As a result, they may fall away and become prey for fringe groups or people looking to twist God's word for personal gain.)
  • Do not seek revenge.
  • Be kind to each other.

Paul again is urging us to encourage and edify (build each other up) each other (This is one of the major themes of 1 Thessalonians). We are family and we should all be looking for ways to help each other.

1Thessalonians 5: 16-22

In these verses, Paul is encouraging us to have a proper attitude concerning the leadership of the Lord. We are to be joyful always. This does not mean that we are never to be sad or afraid and that a permanent smile is to be tattooed across our face. Jesus wept (john 11:35). The women hurried away from the tomb afraid yet filled with joy upon discovering that it was empty (Matt 28:8). This joy comes from always remembering what Jesus did for us when He died on the cross for us. In Acts 16: 34, the jailer was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God. In John 15: 10-11, Jesus tells us that our obedience to Him leads us to be filled with His joy and that as a result our joy is complete. We are joyful always when we are always in His will! We remain in His will by continually seeking His will through prayer. The natural progression for living an obedient, joy filled life is thanksgiving.

Finally, we need to have the proper attitude toward God's prophecies. In the old testament, God sent prophets to bring His word to His people. Today, God sends preachers to bring His word to His people. Again, we are to listen respectfully, test what is being said, decide if this is the Holy Spirit's leading, and then follow if the answer is yes. We are always to remain under the ultimate leadership of our Lord but clearly recognize that He puts pastors and preachers in our lives at certain times with certain messages to move us to action. Failing to respond is to put out the Spirit's fire and is out of line with God's will.

Do you feel joyful always? If not, first consider whether you have truly accepted Jesus as your Savior and Lord. Then, consider whether you pray frequently/ continually during the day to determine His will for your every action. Remember, only complete obedience to our Lord will lead to complete joy. Consider whether you have an attitude of contempt for his prophesies (preaching of His word) or whether you are genuinely open to His guidance/ moving when you enter a worship service.

Have a great week! I love you all!