14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14 (ESV)
Ministry is not biblically restricted to solely those God calls into a full-time church related vocation. Each believer in Christ is to minister to other believers in Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote the primary task of a local church pastor, or minister, is to equip the saints for the work of ministry (Eph. 4:12). The Apostle Peter agreed. God calls each believer to serve; either vocationally or voluntarily.
10 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10–11 (ESV)
Therefore, Paul’s instructive commands to the Thessalonian believers were not limited to just the church elders and pastors. They were applicable to all followers of Christ; then and now. What were these commands by Paul and how may they be applied in our lives today?
To begin with, the apostle urged the Thessalonians regarding the forthcoming commands. To urge (παρακαλοῦμεν; parakaloumen) means to presently, actively, and collectively encourage, implore and exhort. This was a compassionate and affectionate entreaty to Paul’s fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. What he was about to emphasize was important and obedience was required. However, he did not want for them to perceive him as harsh.
What were these stringent commands from God, through the apostle? How are God’s people to treat others in the church?
First, believers are to “admonish the idle.” To admonish (νουθετεῖτε; noutheteite) is a present, active, plural imperative verb. To admonish means to instruct, teach and advise. Who are believers to admonish, instruct, teach and advise? Scripture says the idle (ἀτάκτους; ataktous). These are they who are undisciplined and disorderly. This is a word used in the military for anyone who fails in their responsibilities. In the church, it applies to those church members failing to meet the personal, family, financial, and spiritual responsibilities. Paul also addressed this idle behavior in the church in his second letter to the Thessalonians.
2 Thessalonians 3:6 (ESV) – “Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.”
2 Thessalonians 3:11–12 (ESV) – “For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.”
Duties believers may neglect include working hard at their jobs, education, home responsibilities, and serving in the local church. This neglect often coincides with the presumption by the idle that other believers will take care of their needs and wants.
Years ago, when I served as a pastor, there was a single mother actively involved in the church who became seriously ill. Prior to her illness, she worked and supported herself and her son. During her lengthy sickness and convalescence, the church paid her monthly bills and provided for other needs. There was wonderful rejoicing as she regained her strength and became well.
However, a problem arose when she no longer wanted to return to work, even though she was able. She expected the church to continue to financially support her and her child. When the church leadership informed her this would not happen and financial support from the church would not continue, she became angry and left the church. The church wide rejoicing for her restored health transitioned into disillusionment regarding her preference to be idle.
“Paul says, “Admonish the idle” (v. 14). The Apostle returns to the subject he addressed in 4:9–12 when he told us to work with our hands. Individuals who are able to work but are unwilling to do so disturb the peace in the church because ongoing support of the able-bodied leads to resentment from those who do obey Paul’s command to labor. Idle people are to be admonished, to be warned to abandon their laziness and get about the business of finding and keeping a job,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
I also had a student who exhibited the same idle like tendencies. He was adept at spiritual conversation, but lax in completing course assignments. He contacted me and acknowledged his lack of due diligence in the course, but begged me to extend him grace by not giving him a deserving low grade for the class. This I chose not to do. I gave him the grade he earned, but I then used this situation as a teachable moment.
Have you encountered such Christians who are lazy and dependent on others, not because they cannot work but chose not to? May we strive to instruct and teach fellow brothers and sisters in Christ when they fail in their responsibilities. May we also be receptive when a brother or sister in Christ approaches us regarding the same issue of idleness.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blesse day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!!
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