Title: First Things for the Last Days Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24 Church Leaders 1 Thessalonians 5:12 (NASB), “But we ask you, brothers and sisters, to recognize those who diligently labor among you and are in leadership over you in the Lord, and give you instruction, 13 and that you regard them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.” • “Good leaders don’t inflict pain; they bear pain.” Gospel Culture 1 Thessalonians 5:14, “We urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek what is good for one another and for all people. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit, 20 do not utterly reject prophecies, 21 but examine everything; hold firmly to that which is good, 22 abstain from every form of evil.” • Ray Ortlund, “In a gospel culture we look around at each other in Christ and think, ‘You are a sinner, but what of it? If Christ has set you free, so will I.’ That faith, that reverence, is where sinners can live and thrive and change. People are looking for a church like that. It’s a taste of Jesus and a foretaste of heaven. By God’s grace, let’s build it together.” Holiness Until Jesus Comes 1 Thessalonians 5:23, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will do it.” • Richard Halverson, “The church that Christ is building confronts the world, not by cleverness or wisdom, not by programs or methods or institutions. The church Christ is building confronts the world in the very power of God himself in the life of believers.”