12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor 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. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

A. Under-shepherds worthy of respect by sheep

1. They labor hard: 1 Thess. 5:12

a. Labor in prayer: Acts 6:4, Col. 4:12

b. Labor in the Word: Acts 6:4, 1 Tim. 4:16, 2 Tim. 4:1-2

2. They lead well: 1 Thess. 5:12, Luke 22:24-27

a. As examples in the flock: John 13:12-15, Titus 2:7, 1 Thess. 2:9-10

b. As protectors of the flock: Acts 20:38-32, Prov. 27:23

3. They love thoroughly: 1 Thess. 5:12, Eph. 4:11-12, Acts 20:27

a. Easy instruction: 1 Thess. 4:1, 1 Thess. 4:9-10

b. Difficult instruction: 2 Tim. 4:1-2, Heb. 12:14, 1 John 2:15, Luke 14:26-27; 33