The work of salvation transforms how you relate to those whom God has put in authority in the church, your brothers and sisters in faith, and how you live in the world.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 are the final instructions of Paul's letter. From the start, Paul encouraged the church that they were doing well and demonstrating true evidence of faith. These instructions are not a rebuke of sin or an identification of error or heresy in the church but an encouragement to continue to grow in the faith.

How Christians live and relate to one another in the church directly relates to how effective they are in God's work and their continued sanctification. Many things can hinder sanctification, but none are more destructive than an unhealthy church and unhealthy relationships in the church.

This passage teaches three categories of instructions for how Christians are to live, relating to the leadership of elders, ministry to one another, and living according to the will of God.

Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.

This sermon was originally preached on 4/6/2025.

Books and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon notes are available at http://bensmithsr.org/resources.

For more information on Central Baptist Church, visit www.cbcwaycross.org.