1 Thess. 5:12-13; 1 Tim. 4:11-15, Shepherds and Sheep

1 Thess. 5:12-28 concludes with several admonitions that relate to the character and operation of the local church.  There are truly valuable things for us to hear and heed, beginning with the encouragement to submit to the church leadership.  This could be a problem for believers in Thessalonica but also for believers today.  Paul encourages both the leadership and the body of believers.  This being a relatively young church undoubtedly they were all still learning the basics of being a local church.

·        Three duties of shepherds.  These three participles indicates Paul was addressing one group of men with three functions that were ongoing at all times. 

o   Laboring in the flock.  The word simply means they were to work hard at their tasks as shepherds of the flock.  It is the same word used of the body as a whole in 1 Th. 1:3.  Thus it was one way these men led by example.  Verse 14 indicates there were challenges, as is the case in any church.  Thus they needed to recognize shepherds is hard work.  If you want a good illustration of this in Paul's ministry check out 2 Cor. 6:3-10 where he speaks of the things that commend him as the Apostle of Christ.

o   Overseeing the flock.  This is not the technical word ‘overseer’ used, for example, in 1 Tim. 3:1.  It is the word translated leadership in Rom. 12:8 when speaking of spiritual gifts.  It is required of leaders in 1 Tim. 3:4-5 and 3:12 (rules his house well) and in 1 Tim. 5:17 (elders that rule well).  In general this involves their authority to build u and not tear down the church (2 Cor. 10:8).  Specifically it involves being alert to false teaching and to sheep that are hurting from the many dangers and pitfalls encountered by those who walk the narrow path.

o   Admonishing the flock.  This is a ‘negative’ form of teaching.  Again, it is not tearing people down but building them up by showing need for correction in life or doctrine.  Many times church leaders have needed to have the approach of Paul when he told the Corinthian believers I write these things not to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children (1 Cor. 4:14).  While this might seem at times to be an uncomfortable duty it is clearly a fundamental duty of leadership.  We see it in Paul’s words and example to Elders: Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears (Acts 20:31).  Again he described him ministry in this way in Col. 1:28: We proclaim Him (Christ), admonishing & teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.  To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy which so powerfully works in me.

We can never underestimate the need for Christ-like shepherds in the local manifestations of the Body of Christ.  Jesus is the Chief Shepherd and He will hold the under-shepherds accountable (1 Pet. 5:4).