START WITH SCRIPTURE:
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
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OBSERVE:
Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his credentials by the example of his lifestyle as he ministered among them. Could it be that some were already questioning his legitimacy in his absence?
The question is pertinent because there were other preachers of a slightly variant Gospel that tended to follow in Paul’s wake wherever he established his churches. Quite often in the epistles we find Paul writing not merely to send a friendly greeting but to correct errors that might have been creeping in, or to answer important questions.
Here, he establishes his credentials.
He reminds them that he had worked hard among them at spreading the Gospel.
He also reminds them that he had made an effort not to be a burden on them —presumably financially. We know from other sources that he didn’t take wages or honoraria for his ministry, even though he made it clear that it was perfectly legitimate for those in ministry to receive financial support. In 1 Corinthians 9:13-14, he lifts up an example from the Mosaic Law:
Don’t you know that those who serve around sacred things eat from the things of the temple, and those who wait on the altar have their portion with the altar? Even so the Lord ordained that those who proclaim the Good News should live from the Good News.
But as for himself, he simply didn’t want to be “in debt” to anyone for his preaching. In Acts 18:3 Paul’s livelihood is identified as tent-making.
He seems to boast about his character to them:
how holy, righteously, and blamelessly we behaved ourselves toward you who believe.
While this might raise eyebrows in modern eyes as conceited, it was imperative that he establish his squeaky clean public image with his Thessalonian church members.
He reminds them that he was like a spiritual father to them:
we exhorted, comforted, and implored every one of you, as a father does his own children, to the end that you should walk worthily of God, who calls you into his own Kingdom and glory.
Ultimately, his credentials are confirmed by their faith, because they received his message as the very word of God.
APPLY:
In an ideal world, those who are holy, righteous and blameless would not have to prove themselves to others. We would be able to accept each person’s word without exception.
However, the world of the early church wasn’t perfect, and neither is our world. We’ve all had experience with those whose actions didn’t match their words. Jesus advised his disciples,
by their fruit shall you know them (Matthew 7:16).
And the same is true today.
When we work hard at our ministry, whatever that may be, it is noticed. Our character is confirmed when we are who we say we are. May we be able to say to others who see our lives:
You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.
RESPOND:
This is a cynical, suspicious world simply because some people have given Christians a bad name by their actions. My response must be to live as a good witness for Christ — by hard work, holiness, righteousness and blamelessness. And I know from experience, the only way I can do that is through the assisting grace of God.
Our Lord, I have nothing to brag about when it comes to my accomplishments or my character apart from what you have done in my life. Help me to bring honor to your cause by what I say and do. Amen.
PHOTOS: "1 Thessalonians 2 verses 11 and 12" uses this photo: "Father and Son" by Jody Morris is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic license.