Don’t Waste the Wait - Part 2 - 7/28/2024

Don’t Waste the Wait - Part 2
1 Thessalonians 5:12-15
Last Sunday we looked at this passage, “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (James 5:7-8). Jesus is coming back. How should we wait? James said, “wait like a farmer waits for his harvest: Be patient, pray and prepare. Apparently, the church in Thessalonica had stopped everything as they waited for the Lord’s return. In Paul’s letter to this congregation (and to us) he reminds them how they should wait: “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all” (1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV).
Admonish the Idle
The word admonish has the idea of instructing someone with the aim of motivating them to act. To admonish is to warn. The KJV translates 1 Thessalonians 5:14 like this, “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly”. To admonish the idle is to warn the unruly.
Encourage the Fainthearted
To be fainthearted is to be discouraged. We all get discouraged, and when we do, we need someone to help us and encourage us along the way.
Help the Weak
It is possible Paul had in mind people who were weak physically or spiritually. To be weak is to be powerless to change something. We all feel powerless in some area of life. What do we do? We help each other (Romans 15:1-2). Remember that we serve an omnipotent, powerful God and when we are weak, He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-11).
Be Patient with Everyone
Being patient with everyone might be the most difficult of all. God is working on each of us to make us into His image. Until He finishes His work, we will always need patience with each other.
People are watching. You represent the King of Kings. You represent your Father in Heaven. Jesus is coming back. So, get to work. Don’t be idle. Encourage the discouraged. Help those who feel weak and powerless. Be patient with everyone. That, my friends, is time well spent.