Concerning Congregational Leaders

• 12, 13  We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
  • 1 Timothy 3:1, 4, 5
  • 1 Timothy 5:17

Concerning Congregational Accountability

• 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
  • Ephesians 4:15, 16
• 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.

Concerning Congregational Gatherings

• 16–18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
• 19–22 Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:7
  • 1 Corinthians 14:5, 12, 26

Concerning Congregational Assurance

• 23, 24 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
  • Philippians 1:6

A Congregational Benediction

• 25–28 Brothers, pray for us. Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

So What?

• Our enduring commitment to one another proclaims our commitment to Christ.
  • John 13:34, 35

Further Discussion

• How do I allow church elders, leaders, and other members to correct and encourage me?
• In what ways am I impatient with others in our church, and how can I seek to show them grace in these areas?
• How do I grow from and actively participate in the corporate gatherings of our church?