The Heart Of God's Man (Part 1) Series

The Heart of God’s Man (Part 1)

1 Thessalonians 3: 1-13

The heart of a pastor is a very unique thing. He feels many of the same emotions anyone else does. It isn’t that the pastor is given something that is impossible for others to possess, but his heart is special because it is different. I can’t really explain all that God does in the heart of a man when he is called to pastor a congregation of people. Many times, the pastor does not know the membership he has been called to serve, but even before he assumes his duties, God has placed a love for those people within his heart. It is more than a desire for their wellbeing; it is a genuine love for them and a heartfelt desire to serve them. God does something special in the heart of a man when He places him in the position of pastor.

Paul certainly possessed a pastor’s heart. Even as he wrote this letter to the church, he was not with them physically, but we can clearly see that he still possessed a love for them only God could give. He had already sought to encourage and challenge their faith, and now he bears his soul unto the church. He speaks to them from the depths of his heart. I want to begin considering the qualities our Lord develops in the pastor as we think on: The Heart of God’s Man.

I. The Investment of the Pastor (1-2a) – Here Paul speaks of the personal investment and effort that he has put forth on their behalf. Consider:

A. His Forbearance (1a) – Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone. Remember the closing verses of Chp.2 – He endeavored to see them, once and again, but was hindered of Satan. The church there was his glory and joy. Paul was deeply burdened by his separation from the church. He longed to hear from them and sought to be satisfied of their well-being. The word forbear reveals the deep passion Paul had for the church. It means “to conceal, to hold out, to endure.” Paul had concealed his concern and desire for Thessalonica as long as he could. He could no longer hold out, not knowing how they fared in the current situation. 2 Cor. 11:28-29 – Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. [29] Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?

As a pastor, I am concerned about the well-being of this congregation. I am most concerned with your spiritual needs, but I am also aware of the social needs. God will not allow a man that He has placed within a congregation to go on unconcerned about their needs. When a man reaches the place that he loses his concern, it is probably time to seek the Lord about another place of ministry. (This is particular to the heart of God’s man, but all believers ought to be concerned with the well-being of the church. You don’t have to be a pastor to seek the welfare of the church.)

B. His Fervency (1b) – we thought it good to be left at Athens alone. Paul chose to send Timothy to Thessalonica and remain at Athens alone. Now, some might assume Paul was fearful of returning to Thessalonica. It might be thought that he was being cowardly and afraid for his personal well- being. Upon studying the life and ministry of Paul, that is not a valid conclusion. Paul was bold in his faith and commitment to the gospel, even if it meant persecution or physical harm.

This speaks volumes about Paul’s love and desire for the well-being of the church. Even though he longed to be there in person, attending to their needs and enjoying their fellowship, he made a personal sacrifice to stay behind for the good of the church. Paul knew the uproar that surrounded his first trip there and he wanted to avoid any further distractions.

What a lesson for all of us, pastors and believers alike. Would we be willing to lay aside our personal desires for the good of the church? Would we be willing to make such a sacrifice so that the church might prosper?

C. His Fellow-laborer (2a) – And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: Paul’s investment in the young preacher, Timothy, paid dividends for the church. Notice:

1. Timothy’s Closeness – Paul referred to Timothy as a brother. He was a fellow believer. He had trusted Christ in salvation. He too was committed to the cause of Christ and the growth of the church. Paul had not sent someone who had no desire to help the church or support her in times of need. Paul had instilled much in the heart of Timothy and he knew the church would benefit from his presence.