1 Thessalonians 5:14

“And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all”

“And we exhort you”: Three distinct groups in this congregation needed specific attention. This is another way to keep peace in. congregation. Problems usually only grow worse if they are not confronted. “Brethren”: Notice that all Christians have an obligation to the elders. “Disorderly”: “Those who are out of line, probably referring to the idlers and busybodies” (Vincent p. 49). Compare with 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:11. “Originally referred to the soldier who is out of step or out of rank, or to the army moving in disarray. Frame adds the point that it is not idleness in the sense of legitimate leisure that is meant, but loafing. The use of this word makes it quite clear that there were some at Thessalonica who had ceased to work and were imposing on the generosity of others” (Morris p. 168). “Who were playing truant from work” (Stott p. 122). God knows that at times we might have to be stern with another Christian (2 Timothy 4:2; Acts 8:20). Notice that God is very fair. The disorderly man is given. warning, and it is not until the second letter, in which we find that such warning has not been heeded, that disfellowship then takes place (2 Thessalonians 3:14). Compare with Matthew 18:15.

“Encourage”: Which includes the ideas of console and comfort as well. “The fainthearted”: “The timid” (Con). “Those of little heart” (Vincent p. 49). “In every community there is the faint-hearted brother who instinctively fears the worst, help others to be brave” (Barclay p. 240). “Despondent or worried or sad, it is broad enough to cover those who were lacking in strength to face up to persecution and those who were saddened or worried by the death of their relatives or friends” (Marshall p. 151). This could also include people that were also anxious in reference to their own salvation. “There are those who are temporarily overwhelmed by the stress of things. Such should not be condemned but consoled and encouraged, so that they may be fitted for the battle once more” (Morris p. 169).

“Support”: To hold oneself opposite another, to care for, hold up. “Weak”: One without strength. “The primary sense is, keeping one's self directly opposite to another so as to sustain him” (Vincent p. 49). The weak may include members weak in knowledge, or members who have conscience problems with things even in the realm of moral neutrality (1 Corinthians 8:7). Some writers feel that in this context the weak might include members who still felt the strong pull of worldly temptations (1 Thessalonians 4:1 ff). “The law of the jungle says that the weak shall perish and only the fittest survive. The law of Christ is that the strong shall support the weak. (Romans 15:1)” (Fields p. 143). Notice that the weak and faint-hearted are not despised, yet neither are they pitied. We should not offer excuses for their lack of faith or courage, rather we are to help them grow. Implied in this verse is that the various groups being exhorted are expected to receive and embrace such encouragement and admonition. If we are to support the weak, that necessitates the weak accepting our help. If. am to hold on to the weak, then the weak must be willing to let me hold on to them (Hebrews 12:12). The thought is that it is good for weak souls to know that there are others who are with them, who will cleave to them in the difficult moment, who will not forsake them (Morris p. 169). Notice that God knows that the local congregation is fully equipped to support its own members. Paul is saying that we need to make it hard for people to fall away. That if. Christian is going to forfeit their salvation, then they must deliberately resist all our efforts, they must turn their back on God and us.

“Be longsuffering toward all”: This does not mean that we are to allow people to do anything they like, or remain in their sins (Matthew 18:15 ff). It does mean that patience is. greatly needed quality in dealing with brethren in the above groups and just brethren in general (2 Timothy 2:24 ff). “Christians are not to be of hasty temper (1 Corinthians 13:7)” (Erdman p. 68). We must always remember that we are trying to win souls, and not just an argument. People, even fellow Christians can try our patience. Hendriksen notes, “Thus instead of quickly rejecting anyone, patience should be shown” (p. 136).

This passage and other verses inform us that we are not allowed to quickly write people off, including those in sin (Matthew 18:15), even. factious man is given some patience (Titus 3:10). Patience can be learned and appreciated, when we remember how patient God is with us (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13). Sometimes we are too easily discouraged when dealing with people. Jesus pointed out that people do not always make. clean break with habitual sin on the first attempt (Luke 17:3). As long as people are willing to repent, then they are to be given another chance. We must be willing to work hard with every convert, because we do not always initially know who has the real good and honest heart.