Respect the Gospel Workers

May 29, 2024

Title: Respect the Gospel Workers

Scripture:

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 ESV

We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves."

Bible commentary

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST Bible commentary Volume 7

Labour. Greek word: kopiao (see on Phil. 2:16; 1 Thess. 1

"It was Paul’s custom to ordain elders in every church he established (Acts 14:23). The new officers were necessarily inexperienced, and were perhaps not receiving proper recognition. Those who minister to the church should be respected. They should be remembered and acknowledged for their own sake (see 1 Cor. 16:15-18; Heb. 13:7). Such consideration places a great responsibility upon church officers to be men of God."

For their work’s sake.

Or, “because of their work.”

"The Christian church has no room for man worship, but encourages proper respect of those who bear worthily sacred responsibilities."

Ellen Gould White

"..Working for God in a lowly station helps prepare one for pastoral leadership

—Brethren, treat men as men, not as servants to be ordered about at your pleasure. He who indulges a harsh, overbearing spirit might better become a tender of sheep as did Moses, and thus learn what it means to be a true shepherd..."

Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 262, 263.

"Leadership necessitates gaining the confidence of those for whom you labor—In order for a man to become a successful minister, something more than book knowledge is essential.

The laborer for souls needs integrity, intelligence, industry, energy, and tact. All these are highly essential for the success of a minister of Christ. No man with these qualifications can be inferior, but will have commanding influence. Unless the laborer in God's cause can gain the confidence of those for whom he is laboring, he can do but little good."

—Testimonies for the Church 3:553