Warning! Warning! Warning!

I Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

When someone is not performing his duties, a meeting is generally called to urge him to step up and do his job or experience the wrath of his supervisor or boss. Paul saw neglecting duties as an urgent matter. He addressed the brethren (the believers, the church folk). He strongly urged them to warn those who are unruly within the church to get on their post and to perform their assigned duties. Paul, led by Holy Spirit, outlined 22 commands and admonitions for the believer. The outline included the following: 1.) Do not sleep as others do; instead be spiritually alive. 2) Watch out for enemies of Christ because they are your enemies also, enemies of the faith and enemies of your Christ-like lifestyle. 3.) Be alert and clearheaded and not intoxicated. Benson Commentary explained it this way: it said, “Night is the time for sleep, and they that are guilty of drunkenness, gluttony, and other vices of intemperance, generally choose to hide them under the cover of darkness …” 4.) Put on the armour of God. In order to withstand the evil day and to stand against your enemies in this present time, you must be clothed in God’s clothing and weaponry. The armour of God consists of the following:  1.) Truth, 2.) Righteousness, 3.) The gospel of peace, 4.) Faith, 5.) Salvation, 6.) The Word of God. Each piece is strategically located for your protection and victory. Warn the unruly.   To be continued.

Scripture References: I Thessalonians 5:6-7; Ephesians 6:11-17

Prayer for Today:   Father, after I have warned others, I ask for a continual anointing of your Spirit so that I myself may not be a cast-a-way, not following the warning myself. In JESUS name, AMEN.

Whatever you must do today, there is a grace for that. Accept the grace and make it a sweatless day.

Love

Dianne