Shoe-Leather Faith Series

Shoe-Leather Faith

1 Thessalonians 4: 9-12

The opening verses of this chapter dealt with the lives of believers and their responsibility to maintain godly character and integrity before the world. Paul left them a stirring exhortation in Vv. 1-8. These verses are a continuation of that exhortation and the apostle continues to provide sound doctrine regarding our witness and behavior among men.

This is a topic we have dealt with quite extensively as we have moved through this blessed book verse by verse. Some might think that it is a bit redundant, but I am convinced we need daily reminders and challenges to present ourselves in a way that pleases the Lord. There are many professors of faith, but far fewer actual possessors of faith. This is not something we should take lightly or without consideration. As the children of God, we have an obligation to present ourselves pleasing unto the Lord every day and in every circumstance.

We may fail to realize it, but the world around us is watching our lives. They have heard many who profess Christ, only to see their actions betray their words. The world is looking for those who are real. We have the privilege and obligation to present our faith to the world.

As I studied these verses, I discovered a profound statement by John MacArthur. “Christianity is a shoe-leather faith—a living, practical faith that hits the streets in normal, everyday life, affecting everything from believers' simplest attitudes and most mundane actions to their profoundest thoughts and noblest deeds.” (1) That is an interesting concept: shoe-leather faith, faith that isn’t kept in the closet or worn only on special occasions, but faith that is worn every day, before the world, and publicly displayed. I would like to consider the expressions of our faith as we think on MacArthur’s statement: Shoe-Leather Faith. The first expression Paul reveals is:

I. The Realm of our Love (9)

A. The Exhortation (9a) – But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you. Paul speaks of the love they have for one another. He reveals that their love is already evident. They are expressing their love one for another such that he doesn’t need to mention it, but he humbly reminds and encourages them to continue in that love. (Those who are right with God do not mind being challenged and encouraged to continue in the things they are already doing.)

We need to look at this a bit more closely before we move on. Many times, in Scripture we find the word love translated from the Greek word agape, God’s love. Certainly, we ought to desire to love as God loves, without boundaries or preconceived expectations, but this speaks of another type of love in which we are responsible. The phrase brotherly love is translated from the Greek word Philadelphia, and yes that is where the American city got its name, the city of brotherly love. This is love that binds our hearts together; develops a deep affection for and commitment to each other; it moves us to act on behalf of the welfare and needs of others.

B. The Instruction (9b) – But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. They really didn’t need such a reminder, but Paul instructs them again anyway. He declares that even if he failed to encourage their love for one another, God Himself teaches us that we ought to love each other.

We know that; we are well aware of that. We know that our Lord declared that love for others was the 2nd great commandment. However, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded and challenged concerning our love for one another.

We need to love one another in order to provide strength and stability as we live among this sinful world. We need that love to keep our fellowship strong and to prevent division among the church. A loving church is a strong church. People that are loved and encouraged are less likely to stumble and fall, yielding to temptation. Let us love as God demands.

C. The Expectation (9) – Paul was not inspired of the Holy Spirit to pen these words just so the Thessalonian believers would have something to read. He penned these words for their instruction and exhortation. Paul, and the Lord, fully expected them to continue to grow in their love for one another. He expected them to feel the pain of others; he expected them to care for one another and come alongside the weak and needy.

This word was given first to the Thessalonian church, but it is here for our admonition as well. We too are obligated and expected to love one another! John 15:12 – This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 1 Pet.3:8 – Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: