Living in Peace
1 Thessalonians 5:12-15
Pastor Jerry Koller

· Paul is drawing attention to those who are over the church, those who are over them in the Lord.
· The word “over” carries with it the idea of “presiding over,” those individuals who “lead, manage, rule and care for” the saints.

Let’s look at another word in regard to these individuals who served in an oversight capacity. Paul refers to them as those who work hard.
· The word Paul uses includes labor or toil, but it takes the hard work to the point of exhaustion—not just physically but also mentally.

Notice where this hard work is carried out. Paul says it is among you.
· It has to do with “in, on, at, by, or with.”
· It denotes “position, location, or association.”

They admonished the saints.
· Admonishing includes warning with the intention of correcting behavior or beliefs.
· It carries with it the idea of a gentle but firm guidance in order to bring about positive change.
· The overall goal of their admonition is to nurture spiritual growth and maturity.
· All these aspects can easily be summed up as pastoral care.

Again, what does Paul ask of the brethren? He asks them to respect these individuals.
· Another word for respect is appreciate.

Continuing this thought and request, he says, in verse 13

Paul wanted them to esteem their leaders highly and lovingly.

He also tells them why: because of their work.

Whether or not there were issues in the church with people not respecting or appreciating leadership, the last half of verse 13 fits no matter what the occasion or issues may be.

· Vasha Ferguson is recovering from parathyroid surgery.
· Derrick (grandson of Bruce & Vasha Ferguson) is recovering from a stroke.
· Paul & Pat Fitton and their family upon the loss of Paul's mom, June , on 2/12.
· Curt Bales is admitted to Caretel Inns St. Joseph rehab center as he recovers from a broken knee. Visits, cards and calls (269-214-8023) are encouraged. The address is 3905 Lorraine Path, St. Joseph MI 49085.
· Miriam Bryant is having difficulty with both of her hands being numb, tingly, and extremely painful. Please pray that her doctor can find something to help alleviate the discomfort.
· Vincent Bryant (Miriam's son) is traveling back and forth to Grand Rapids as he is being evaluated for a kidney transplant. Please pray for safety and that he will be approved for a procedure soon. He's been on the transplant list for several years.
· Jeremy Price is scheduled for surgery at U of M Hospital on 3/12 for a spinal infusion and adding a cage to the L5S1 joint in his spine. Pray that surgery is successful, and his pain will be alleviated.
· Bruce and Vasha Ferguson are recovering from a car accident that occurred 1/22.
· Beth Bocock continues to recover from ulcerative colitis.
· Cam (18 yar-old son of Tracy Marshall’s co-worker) has mosaic trisomy 3, is having seizures, and a brain tumor was discovered, but they don’t think the two are related so he continues testing.
· ​Patrick Low had a successful procedure to break large kidney stones into smaller pieces; continued prayers are appreciated as he deals with this ongoing issue.
· Linda Newell · is recovering from surgery for a herniated disc in her lower back.
· Judy Jones (wife of Pastor Grady Jones/friend of Pastor Jerry) is recovering from a successful surgery and doctors believe they removed all of the cancer. She is waiting for biopsy results to decide how to proceed with treatment.
· John Randell (friend of Bruce Ferguson) has been diagnosed with stomach cancer.
· Lennon McKamey (son of Kyle & Sarah) needs surgery on his shoulder. Please pray that preparing for surgery goes smoothly.
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com