Genuine Christianity - Studies in 1 Thessalonians - 6
A Genuine Servant
We now turn to chapter two of 1 Thessalonians. You will recall that Paul has written to the Church for a number of reasons. One reason is that the Jews had misrepresented him to the Thessalonian believers. They had accused him of self-interest. If Paul was so concerned about them, then where is he now? He left them quickly and has not been seen since. Now, we know why Paul left Thessalonica quickly. He was in danger because the Jews had stirred up trouble for him. He writes this second chapter to defend his behaviour. He does it not for his own sake but for the sake of the Gospel.
Paul does not care what people might say about him personally, but when what they say may affect the outcome of the Gospel he defends himself. In doing so Paul shows us the character of the Christian worker. Since all Christians are called to serve God in some way these characteristics should be seen in our lives as well. What then are the marks of a genuine Christian?
The genuine Christian is a Steward of the Gospel. Paul says in verse 4, "We speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel". To be entrusted with the Gospel is to become a steward of it. You will behave in a certain way. You will be:
Patient in suffering. Paul says in verse 2, "We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi."
He also faced the same thing in Thessalonica when he arrived there. How many people will carry on doing something when it brings nothing but trouble? Its human nature not to continue doing something when things get tough. Especially if they are doing it for selfish reasons. To continue in the face of trials shows the sincerity of the messenger. Paul said in verse 2, "But with the help of our God we dared to tell you his Gospel.
We continue because God helps us. He will support you in the battle. You will be: Pure in motive. Paul said in verse 4, "We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts". God searched Paul's heart and approved of him. How do we know? Because He blessed his ministry with much fruit. The issue of motive before God is important. Some may serve God out of selfish interests. They want the praise of men.
They want a platform to display their ego. Some look for applause and recognition. Albert
Camus said, "Too many people now climb onto the cross merely to be seen from a distance". Be sure you're serving the Lord out of a pure motive to exalt his name in the world.
You will be: Pleasing in method. Paul said in verse 5, "You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed". They did not look for personal profit, praise or power. I trust you are not like those whom William Still describes. He says of some Christian workers that they are, "peddlers of various wares, leading the people into their own power, using them for their own aggrandisement to boost their ego and indulge their desire for power." Make sure your methods are honourable and they draw men to Christ not to yourself.
The genuine Christian is like Mother to her children. A mother is gentle. Paul says, "We were gentle among you, like a mother". The picture here is of a nursing mother with an infant. See how gently she handles her baby; how soothing and calm her voice is. She carries it carefully. There is no roughness.
The words in verse 7 translated "little children" mean a mother with trying children. Some believers can be awkward! But we are to respond with gentleness. Paul showed his genuineness in the way he dealt with them. A mother is caring. Paul says in verse 7, "Like a mother caring for her little children". This speaks to us of protection, security, safety and comfort. A mother will provide all these things. So you will care for your brothers and sisters in Christ in the same way. A mother is yearning. Paul said in verse 8, "We loved you so much ... we share our lives with you". Paul was yearning for the believers just like a mother whose child is away from home. Do we so love one another that our hearts yearns for each other's fellowship? Does our care extend to the sacrificial giving of ourselves for each other?
The genuine Christian is: Like a Father to his children. Paul said in verse 11, "You know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his children" A father acts responsibly. We read in verse 9, "We worked night and day in order not to be a burden to you." A father will do all he can to provide for his family.
Are you acting like a father in your church? Doing your duty in a responsible way. Being dependable and supportive. A father is a good example to his children in the home.
Paul says in verse 10, "You are witnesses how holy ... we were among you". We cannot underestimate the impact of example. How we live has a profound impact on others especially in church. Be an example of righteousness and blamelessness.
A father is an instructor. In verse 12 Paul says that a father is, "encouraging, comforting and urging"
To encourage is to get to the side of someone and spur them on. To comfort is to support someone and show concern. To urge is to implore and charge someone to be all that they should be for the Lord. Be a fatherly figure in your church.
Lastly, the genuine Christian is: A Herald. Paul said in verse 13, "When you received the word of God, which you heard from us". The only way people will hear the good news is when they hear it from us. As those entrusted with the Gospel we are under obligation to tell it to men and women.
The herald proclaims a message. That is his job. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1 verse 21 "For since in the wisdom of God the world through wisdom did not know God it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe". God's method has never changed. He brings people into the kingdom through the heralding preaching work of Christians like you and me.
The marks of a genuine Christian worker are seen in Paul. They should be apparent in your life too. May the Lord bless you as you seek to be all he requires of you as we have discovered in this chapter.