1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But even[a] 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[b] 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.
Note – The Apostle Paul was forced to flee for his life because of the intense persecution found in Thessalonica. His attackers and accusers tried to discourage and discredit his ministry by stating he was a failure, false minister (only desiring money and praise). The church in Thessalonica was a new church full of new believers in Christ. Without a strong foundation and assurance of this they could easily be led astray and into error. This is one of the main reasons why the Apostle Paul needed to write and remind them that he was a true witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he had lived godly before them, and the need now was for these new believers to faithful in their witness and walk in the Lord Jesus Christ.
I. OUR MOTIVATION: HIS GREAT COMMISSION
A. Undeserved Suffering
Note – Everywhere Paul went, he suffered for preaching and teaching the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. He had been persecuted in Thessalonica, just as in Philippi.
20 And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; 21 and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.” 22 Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. 23 And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. 24 Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
Note – The world would look at the Apostle Paul – persecuted, prisons, preaching, and say, “Foolish,” and “Failure.” However, the Apostle Paul knew what God had called him to do. God was his ultimate authority and he longed to hear the Lord say, “Faithful.”
Note - J.C. Penney, the great merchant, was once asked, “What were the two greatest motivators in his life?” Without hesitation he said, “I can tell you in four words: Jesus Christ and adversity.” He went on to explain that adversity taught him never to give up, always start over again, keep his faith strong, and realize that adversity makes a person strong. —Norman Vincent Peale, Plus Magazine, July/Aug. 1985, p. 28.
Note – Stay faithful in your witness to the Lord, do what He’s called you to do. He is looking for your faithfulness, not necessarily success!
B. Unlimited Strength
Note – The source of Paul’s courage was the Lord.
Note – Paul was not naturally bold, yet he grew in boldness over his lifetime due to the power, presence, and promises of God.
"I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God" - 1 Corinthians 2: 3-5
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might…praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel…” - Ephesians 6:18-19
Note – God will give you the boldness if you ask Him for it
Note – I’m thankful for the people God used in my life to speak up boldly for Jesus. For example, my minister of youth, Tom Harrison, spoke often of God’s will for our lives being that of purity and saving ourselves until marriage. He was bold to tell us the truth of God’s word and not compromise, even though it was not a popular message!
Note – Will you dare to be that kind of person in another’s life?
II. OUR MINISTRY: GROWING IN COMPASSION
Note – (1) We will focus more on pleasing God, instead of man.
Note – How much sharing our faith is done to (a) Get rid of guilt (b) Make brownie points with God? (c) Impress others with the “number of souls we brought to Jesus” or (d) Pleasing the heart of God?
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.
Note – Sales people often use deception, clever TV ads, etc. to get you to buy their product (I bought hook, line, and sinker for a sorry weed-eater).
Note – (2) We will intentionally cultivate caring relationships inside and outside the body 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.
Note – This will take time, tenderness, tenacity
Note – Can you imagine a family bringing their newborn home, setting him down by himself and saying, “You are on your own now. Milk and juice are in the fridge. Curfew is 10 PM.”
"As one whom his mother comforts, So I will comfort you; And you shall be comforted in Jerusalem" - Isaiah 66:13
Note – (3) We will push ourselves to show more of God's love to others
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
Note – The Jews believed if you did not teach your child to work, you taught him to be a thief. Paul was a tentmaker and a pastor.
Note – I admire so many of you for your hard work ethic on the job, with your family and yet you are also commit much of your life to Christ’s service in the church. People joke about ministers only working 1 hour a week – in reality a minister’s work is never done.
Note – Lazy Christians makes lousy witnesses. It’s not about your boss – but remembering Jesus is your Number One Boss. Is He pleased? (Colossians 3:23)
III. OUR MARK: GODLY IN CHARACTER
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.
Note – People are watching our whole lives – not just with what we say with our lips, but how we conduct our lives
Note – Pastors young son became ill with a terminal cancer. Although the boy had accepted Christ, the pastor was not sure how to talk to his son about dying and meeting the Lord. After earnestly seeking the direction of the Holy Spirit, he went with a heavy heart through the hospital ward to the boy's bedside. First he read a passage of Scripture and had a time of prayer with his child. Then he gently told him that the doctors could promise him only a few more days to live. "Are you afraid to meet Jesus?" asked the father. Blinking away a few tears, the little boy said, "No, not if He's like you, Dad!"
Note – I’m so thankful to God my dad encouraged me to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. He led the way through taking time with me, loving mom, praying at every meal, bringing us to Sunday school and church.
Note – I’m sure it would have been easier for him to stay at home, rest, hunt, watch football, etc. My dad was found faithful in his witness of Jesus to me.
Conclusion:
To be found faithful in our witness to the Lord and others it must stem from – Our motivation (The Great Commission) – Our ministry (Growing in Compassion) – and Our mark (Godly Conduct). This is the kind of witness that honors the Lord and impacts the world!
