1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 And we beseech you, brothers, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;… I. THE PARTICULARS UPON WHICH THIS CLAIM FOR THE MINISTERS OF CHRIST IS FOUNDED. 1. The influence of the ministerial office. They are "over you in the Lord" by a Divine appointment, by your own choice; not as task masters, nor by mere human patronage. Their influence is full of care, exertion, watchfulness, responsibility. 2. The employment of the ministerial office. They "admonish you." Ministers are builders, watchmen, teachers, soldiers. Their labours are — preparatory in studies, executive in duties, solitary in trials. II. STATE THE NATURE AND PRESS THE DUTY OF THAT RESPECT WHICH CHRISTIAN CHURCHES OWE TO THEIR MINISTERS. 1. The due proportion of that respect: esteem them in love. 2. The motive which should influence: "for their work's sake." A high valuation of the ministerial office. 3. The evidences which prove it is genuine. Attention to the comfortable support of a minister. A regular, devout, conscientious attendance on his ministry. A tender regard for his character. 4. The mode by which the text enforces the duty." I beseech you, brethren." (E. Payson.) Parallel Verses KJV: And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; |
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