Big Duties to Dodge Big Problems
1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
September 28, 2025
Dr. Kelly B. Burton

Paul began this letter reminding the church that they were chosen by God via the preaching of the Gospel. Now he closes the letter charging them with three moral instructions that every Christian needs to hear if they want to dodge big problems. These moral instructions are not jotted down to fill in space; no, they are carefully outlined fundamental obligations to those who belong to the Church. Notice the flow of the outline: Christians are to respect hard-working leaders, they are to answer the call to be ministers to each other, and Christians are to pay close attention to their own character habits.

Sermon Idea: Church membership is not for spectators. Serve each other.

Three moral instructions for every Christian:

A. Your Christian Leaders 5:12-13
Guardians of the Church to protect, to nourish, and to guide.

B. Your Call to Ministry 5:14-15
Warn, encourage, help, and be patient with each other.

C. Your Character Habits 5:16-22
In every situation, thank God. Let the Spirit fire you up to serve.