Friday March 20th-Walking in Wisdom
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Friday March 20th- Walking in Wisdom
I Thessalonians 2
Paul
wasn’t just a preacher of the gospel who proclaimed the salvation of God and
then casually moved on to the next town. Paul was a minister of the Gospel. He
truly cared about nurturing the faith of new converts. This is very evident in
his letter to new converts of the church of the Thessalonians. As we reach out
to others to disciple them, we can learn a lot from the example of Paul’s
letter.
Paul
was grateful and celebrated that others had become believers in Christ. He
didn’t forget his new brothers and sisters in Christ but remembered them in his
prayers.
As he
reflected upon the church in Thessalonia, he remembered these 3 important
qualities they possessed. FAITH-HOPE-LOVE.
Specifically,
faith that was evident in their works, labor that was fueled by
Christlike love, and hope in Christ that could endure.
“We
give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our
prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith
and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
(1:2-3)
Paul
was confident that these new believers were not just responding to the words he
had proclaimed but had actually been impacted authentically by the convicting
power of the Spirit of God. “For we know, brothers loved by
God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only
in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full
conviction.” (1:4-5)
Paul
had set the example of standing up boldly for his belief in the midst of
conflict and danger. He had taken risks because of his genuine concern for the
souls who were in need of Jesus.
“But
though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you
know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the
midst of much conflict.”(2:2 )
He saw
this same faith and courage in the new believers who also faced risk, trial and
potential persecution.
“And
you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much
affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,” (1:6)
Paul
sets an example to us of how important it is when witnessing to others to be
personable and genuine vs pushy and overbearing. We must take the time to get
to know others and spend vested time and interest in them.
“But we
were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.
So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not
only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very
dear to us.” (2:7-8)
God
wants us to build others up vs tear them down.
“we
exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner
worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. (2:12)
Each
soul won for Christ was special to Paul. He realized the importance and
significance of securing souls for eternity“ For
what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his
coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.” (2:19-20)
Paul
was with the Thessalonians 3 weeks before conflict necessitated that he leave.
He rejoiced in their genuine conversion but he was not satisfied without
knowing that their faith was growing. He knew that Satan would target them just
as he targets all Christians to wound and hinder their spiritual growth and
strives to keep them from being effective witnesses. “For
this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith,
for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would
be in vain.” (3:5)
How
uplifting it was to Paul to learn that this young church continued to persevere
in their faith and influence those around them. A seed planted was growing and
thriving, empowered by God’s Spirit. “for this reason, brothers, in
all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your
faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the
Lord.” (3:7-8)
I know many of you feel like you have little or nothing to give. I am bold to say on the authority of God’s word: if you are a Christian, that is not true.
and you are a fountain (John 4:14-7:38).
This is not a matter of personality.
This is a matter of faith. Trust him, and give yourself. [ John Piper]
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