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“Word of God) and grow to partake the bread. Paul also described himself as a father dealing with his own children (v. 11). A father must keep watch on his family. He must support and make sacrifices for his children’s welfare. He must also live an exemplary life – holy, blameless …”
[:en]SCRIPTURE: 1 THESSALONIANS 2
“We speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4)
Paul’s motive in preaching the gospel was to please God and not for men’s approval. His ministry was motivated by love and not for material gain, fame or popularity. He was a good example of a Christian worker.
- Paul was a “faithful steward” of gospel. Despite of the danger of persecution, he continued to carry on his calling. He never improvised the message to win friends. He never used flattery words to win converts or influence followers. His motive was pure and honest – to glorify God, not for his own glory.
- Paul compared himself to a gentle and patient mother caring for her children (v. 7). He emphasized the loving care that mother would give to her own children. A mother must feed her new-born babies with milk as he slowly graduate to solid food. New-born Christians also need the milk ((Word of God) and grow to partake the bread.
- Paul also described himself as a father dealing with his own children (v. 11). A father must keep watch on his family. He must support and make sacrifices for his children’s welfare. He must also live an exemplary life – holy, blameless and just – for his children to imitate. He must teach, encourage and counsel them to become spiritual children.
- Paul considered himself as brothers with the Thessalonians and part of the family. He loved them, prayed for them and desired to see them again (v. 17)
Lastly, Paul warned his spiritual family of the enemies who would persecute them. He endured all kinds of suffering for the joy of seeing the glorious day of Christ’s coming.
LESSON:
Our ministry for the Lord should be out of love for Christ and others. We should never compromise God’s truth to influence or please people. Our focus should be on Christ alone so that the lives of people could be changed. We should maintain a gentle attitude towards fellowmen. Be considerate, be teachable, be compassionate in our relationship with people.
A minister should take good care of new believers until they are matured enough to stand firm in God’s truth. He must live a life worthy of God by his words and example. He must be willing to suffer for Christ’s sake. But he will get his highest reward and greatest joy when he sees people come to believe in Christ and grow in him.
W[:]