Verses 1-6
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Verse 1. Especially when you are going to be away from believers for a time, make sure that you show love through thoughtful goodbyes. Hugs are valuable.
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Verse 2. Many of Paul's words were encouraging. He did well to speak what he knew would be helpful.
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Purpose to make all of your words encouraging. Be as helpful as you can be in your speech.
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Verses 7-12
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Verse 7. Believers in this time and place also gathered at least weekly, and they observed communion as a meal together.
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Gather with believers often, and share meals with one another in remembrance of Christ.
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Verse 7,11. Paul took as much time as he could, before leaving, to help his fellow believers.
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Be willing to lose sleep to serve others!
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Verse 10. Paul knew when a person was going to be raised from the dead. This is why he said, “...his life is in him.”
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Do not be too quickly troubled when a person has suddenly died. Pray! God may perform a miracle.
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Verses 13-17
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Verse 16. Know your plans, and set deadlines for yourself, as Paul did to arrive at Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. Make decisions that will help you to avoid delays, wherever possible.
Verses 18-24
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Verses 18-21. Strengthen people by setting a good example. Here is a good example:
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No matter how hard it is (verse 19b),
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Be humble and serve others (verse 19a),
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Offer all the help that you can (verse 20a)
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Spend time with all the believers around you, individually (verse 20b),
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Focus on speaking the Word of God (verse 21).
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Believers will be stronger to follow the Word of God from you when they see that you live out the Word yourself.
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Verses 22-24. Hardship will not move you, or rob your peace, if you choose to live your life selflessly. When things are hard:
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Focus on being selfless. This will also help you have more joy.
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Verses 25-31
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Verses 26-27. As believers, it is bad if we neglect to preach the full gospel. We are complicit in the death of unbelievers if we willingly avoid speaking the truth.
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Share all parts of the gospel, including the harsh parts; people need to hear it to be saved!
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Verses 28-31. Understand that dangers and false teaching will show up in churches. Leaders need to watch out for believers to make sure that they are not led astray.
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Believers are precious. Watch out for each other and keep an eye out, especially, for dangerous people or information that pulls believers away from following the Word.
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Verses 32-35
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Verse 32. Trust God with His own people.
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Verses 33-35. Work as much as you need to, to be to able pay for your own necessities and to give generously to others.
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Leaders/pastors should work a separate job to pay their own bills. They should not depend on the church to provide for them. This is the best example to believers.
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If leaders want the money of the church, they are coveting! Work diligently for yourself to avoid this covetousness.
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Verses 36-38
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Pray with your loved ones—fellow believers—before leaving them, if you will be away for a long time, or if you do not expect to see them again.