Pastors Teach Us The Gospel — 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13
Sep 1, 2026 27
Who helps you keep looking to Jesus when you’re struggling to keep going?
1 Thessalonians 5:12–13
[12] We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, [13] and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. (ESV)
Pastors are a gift from God to encourage us in the gospel.
Often, pastors are among the most influential people in our lives because they teach us about Jesus. They remind us of God’s grace shown in the perfect life, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection of King Jesus.
In these verses, Paul describes their work in three ways: they labour among us, lead us in the Lord, and admonish us.
Pastoral ministry is hard work.
Preparing Bible teaching, praying for people, visiting the sick, and caring for those who are struggling all take time and energy. Much of that work happens where the congregation cannot see it.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
Pastors also lead God’s people.
In Mark 10:42-45, Jesus says that Christians are to be different in how they exercise authority. Rather than lord it over others, Christians are called to be servants. And so pastors are to shepherd God’s people with service and sacrifice. This is the example shown by Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for many.
Pastors sometimes admonish us.
To admonish is to warn someone firmly. Pastors warn us against sin and help us see where our lives need to change. This should not be harsh, but it may be uncomfortable. We need people who will lovingly bring God’s word to bear on our lives.
How should we respond?
Paul says to respect them and esteem them highly in love because of their work. We value those who teach us the gospel, listen as they explain Scripture, and encourage them in their ministry.
And we seek peace together. Pastors and congregations are not opponents. We belong to the same Lord.
The Good News Is…
Our confidence is not ultimately in our pastor, but in the One our pastors teach us about. Jesus. He came to serve us and gave up his life to rescue us as his people.
Jesus is the gift the world needs. It is only through Jesus that we can know God and be forgiven by him. And so pastors are a gift from God in that they labour to help us see Jesus clearly.
Pastors need the grace of Jesus just as much as their congregations do. Together, we keep looking to Jesus, receiving his grace, and learning to serve one another because Jesus first served us.
Reflection
How has God used a pastor to help you see Jesus more clearly? Take a moment to thank God for them and consider how you could encourage them this week.
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited