1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 - God-focused Conduct

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Paul’s Conduct (cf. Acts 17:1–9)

1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. 3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.

4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. 5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 9 For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

10 You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; 11 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, 12 that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

God-focused conduct ruled this example for us to follow in imitating Christ.  He was purposeful with the gospel and ministry to those he visited as the first verse makes clear.  Paul reminded those Thessalonians he served that what work he had done for the Lord was not lost or without effect in their lives because God had led him to them in the first place.  He compared their good reception and treatment of him and his words and deeds of ministry with that of those at Philippi who had not done well in hearing God through him there.  He also reminded them that even though he was treated shamefully at that other town that he was still holding nothing back in love when he came to Thessalonica with the same message of the words of life in Christ which is the gospel of hope.  He was conflicted and could have after being wary of the same possible response from them but chose to trust God and remained bold in proclaiming and ministering the gospel to them as well.  The example he set was to challenge them as he did the Philippians with the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) as he lived righteously and transparently (Colossians 2:8, 2 Corinthians 2:17, 1 Peter 2:1) before them in his conduct of words and actions.  We are likewise obliged to speak and minister the gospel openly and not try to trick people into belief by methods that hide out true purpose of helping them understand the gospel of Jesus Christ and the things He taught us (Matthew 28:20).  Since God is the one entrusting us with these words of reconciliation to life and knows the motives and intentions of our hearts, we should take these words to heart and seek to speak honestly with love even if it may mean a harsh response of rejection.  We never should be fake or put on an religious act to win people to Christ, but sincerely speak the whole truth as fellow sinners saved by grace and not out to make ourselves look good to anyone or earn points for God in proclaiming the gospel we are compelled (1 Corinthians 9:16) to do and desire to do because of the grace shown us.  Paul did not use his calling as a position of power or demand for recognition but cared for those he ministered to with real compassion and in godly humility as we should also imitate in our minds and hearts.  We should be pouring out our lives as he gave the example just as Jesus Christ poured Himself out (Philippians 2:17, 2 Timothy 4:6, Galatians 1:4, 2:20, 1 Timothy 2:6, Titus 2:14) to the point of suffering and death for our salvation from the wrath of God on our sins which we are all born deserving.  We should likewise pour ourselves out for others with love and hard labor in telling the gospel and helping others to grow who come to know Him through the message preached and the work of God to convert their souls through repentance and faith in Jesus.  To do this, we cannot continue in sin or try to deceive people into believing but be examples of those who walk worthy of our calling to inspire others to do the same as we are disciples making disciples (2 Timothy 2:2) of honor to God’s kingdom and glory!  Since we are now children of God in Christ, we should help others for their good in spiritual growth as if they were our own children as well just as we see this example to imitate (1 Corinthians 11:1) here.  This is our goal of God-focused conduct.