Essential Qualities of a Blessed Church (The Church of Thessalonica)
Discover the essential qualities of a church that consistently experiences the best blessings from God. So many churches are failing to enjoy the best of God’s blessings, benefits and bounty because they fail to meet the conditions exemplified in a successful church. We can find these qualities in Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonicans:
1. Steadfastness -
I Thes. 1:3 - "Constantly bearing in mind your work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father."
The New Testament says, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" 1 Cor. 15:58). Paul had given rational grounds for faith and hope in Christ, the risen Lord and Savior, and now calls upon these saints to be firm and unshakeable. They now had an understanding as to why they should be steadfast in all that the gospel demanded. This word "steadfast" is here used in a metaphorical sense of those who are fixed in purpose. Again, the same apostle wrote, "If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel . . . ." (Col. 1:23). The word "settled" translates the same word rendered steadfast" in 1 Cor. 15:58.
The expressed admonition by Paul, writing as the Spirit of God moved him, makes man know his need for firmness. It would seem unthinkable that a condemned sinner coming to know the saving power of God, turning in faith and repentance and being baptized into Christ for the remission of- sins, would then have great difficulty to be firm for the Lord. Yet, this is the very problem experienced -by so many would-be Christians today. Some will not leave alcohol alone; some continue to lie; others continue to steal; and continue in adultery. While the word of God forbids one to do these-things, and condemns the sinner in doing them, many so-called Christians are found engaged in them. The word of God also forbids a Christian to "forsake the assembling" of himself with the saints (Heb. 10:25), but many have no steadfastness in this matter. They can miss assembly after assembly and think there is impunity in such behavior. "Steadfast"? They do not know its meaning.
2. Supplication Oriented -
I Thes. 1:1,2 - "We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers."
People who are asking, seeking and knocking while worshiping the Lord are going to enjoy the best of God’s blessings. (Matt. 7:7) Supplication is one of several words in the Bible referring to prayer. The word is found 60 times in the Bible: 39 times in the singular and 21times in the plural; or, 53 times in the Old Testament and seven (7) times in the New Testament. It is a synonym of "prayer" and of the 58 verses where supplication is used, 31 of these verses also have some form of the word pray or prayer.
However, although supplication is prayer, it must have a specific meaning to itself. According to the word history of supplication, it refers to a bending down and indicates a bowing or kneeling in submission. 1 Kings 8:34Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land which thou gavest unto their fathers.
"And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven." By extension of this picture, to supplicate is to ask for humbly and earnestly. It refers most to the attitude of our prayer.
As a study aid to help understand the meaning of a Bible word, I often look at other words often found with the word I am studying. The word, supplication, is found seven (7) times in connection with crying out to God (1 Kings 8:28 Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day:
2 Chronicles 6:19 Have respect therefore to the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee:
Psalm 28:2Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.
Hebrews 5:7Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
Consider especially Psalm 142:1I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.
"I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication." The word is also used with the idea of weeping in three (3) passages (Jeremiah 3:21A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the LORD their God.
Hosea 12:4Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us;
Supplication, therefore, is the attitude or spirit of prayer. We bend down to God and cry out to Him for an answer. We submit to His will and to His authority. We earnestly seek His help. In this way, we make supplication to God in our prayers. May follow our example, the Lord Jesus, who "offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears
3. Spirit Led -
I Thes. 1:6 - You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit led three thousand souls to be saved on Pentecost. How? The Holy Spirit came to the apostles with miraculous demonstrations, giving proof that these men were truly messengers of God. Peter spoke "as the Holy Spirit gave utterance." Many were convicted by the truth spoken and asked, "What shall we do?" The Holy Spirit, speaking through Peter, said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2). Thus about three thousand were led by the Holy Spirit to salvation, when they heard, believed and did just what the Holy Spirit said for them to do.
This is exactly how the Holy Spirit leads Christians today. Redeemed people need the leading of the Spirit in living the Christian life as much as they did in coming to Christ. In leading, guiding and edifying the Christian, the Spirit uses the instrumentality of truth - the revealed, confirmed word of truth. The word of God is said to be the "sword (instrument) of the Spirit" (Eph.6:17).
The Holy Spirit "speaks expressly" (1 Tim. 4:1-2) giving instruction, warnings, exhortations through the New Testament. The Holy Spirit has never laid aside the agency of truth, substituting fleshly feelings, emotions, or imaginations, in the guidance of Christians. Sons of God are led by the Spirit of God as they hear the Spirit revealed message of truth, believe and obey it. This is the way that Christians walk after the Spirit," "mind the things of the Spirit," are in the Spirit," "live in the Spirit," and are "led by the Spirit" (Rom. 8:1,4,5,9,13,14).
Deity has always led by the agent/agency of revealed, confirmed truth (God’s will) being made known to man, coupled with man’s faith and obedience. The leading of Deity never overrides the will (free moral agency) of man, so that he cannot choose to do or not do the will of God.
4. Second Coming of Christ Ready -
I Thes. 1:10 - "To wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come."
Matthew 24:44 ESV /
Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Matthew 25:13 ESV / Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Hebrews 11:7 ESV / By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV /
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
1 Peter 3:15 ESV /
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
Proverbs 6:6-8 ESV /
Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.
1 John 2:28 ESV /
And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.
Romans 13:11-14 ESV / Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
5. Sounding Forth the Word of Life -
I Thes. 1:8 "For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything."
Exechotai - The word of God echoed out from their lifestyle as Thessalonica was on the main trade route to Achai by land and by sea through its main port. Their love and labors were evidence of God working in them by to will and to do of His good pleasure. (Phil. 2:13,14) Their willing to endure persecution made it clear that they were willing to identify with Christ in His sufferings as they believed in taking up their cross and following the Lord Jesus fully. They were witnesses in obedience to the Great Commission of our powerful Lord Jesus Christ through the enabling of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8) Few churches today fully appreciate how significant of influence they can have when they participate in all the aspects of world wide evangelism, missions and outreach to the 18,800 ethnic groups of the world.
6. Serving -
I Thes. 1:9 "For they themselves report about us what kind of reception we had with you and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God."
the Bible is clear in establishing that serving God ultimately translates to serving others. Thus, here are 15 Bible verses about serving God and others, all of which remind us to serve faithfully and out of love.
Romans 12:11 (#1 of 15 Bible Verses about Serving God and Others)
11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Deuteronomy 13:4 (#2 of 15 Bible Verses about Serving God and Others)
4 It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.
Galatians 5:13 (#3 of 15 Bible Verses about Serving God and Others)
13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
1 Peter 4:10 (#4 of 15 Bible Verses about Serving God and Others)
10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.
Joshua 22:5 (#5 of 15 Bible Verses about Serving God and Others)
5 But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul."
1 Samuel 12:24 (#6 of 15 Bible Verses about Serving God and Others)
24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.
Mark 10:45 (#7 of 15 Bible Verses about Serving God and Others)
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
1 Chronicles 28:9 (#8 of 15 Bible Verses about Serving God and Others)
9 "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.
Malachi 3:18 (#9 of 15 Bible Verses about Serving God and Others)
18 And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.
Matthew 6:24 (#10 of 15 Bible Verses about Serving God and Others)
24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
Luke 22:26-27 (#11 of 15 Bible Verses about Serving God and Others)
26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
John 12:26 (#12 of 15 Bible Verses about Serving God and Others)
26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
Romans 7:6 (#13 of 15 Bible Verses about Serving God and Others)
6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.
Hebrews 9:14 (#14 of 15 Bible Verses about Serving God and Others)
14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
1 Peter 4:11 (#15 of 15 Bible Verses about Serving God and Others)
11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
7. Standing Firm -
I Thes. 3:8 - For now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord."
In the midst of all the pressures to conform to this world, they stood firm to sound Biblical doctrine, truth and love.
Exodus 14:13
Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.
2 Chronicles 20:17
You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’ "
Psalm 20:7-8
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.
Psalm 30:7
O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.
Psalm 33:11
But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Psalm 40:2
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
Psalm 89:2
I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
Psalm 93:5
Your statutes stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days, O LORD.
Psalm 119:89
Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
Proverbs 10:25
When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.
Proverbs 12:7
Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm.
Matthew 10:22
All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Matthew 24:12-13
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Mark 13:13
All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Luke 21:19
By standing firm you will gain life.
1 Corinthians 10:11-12
These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
2 Corinthians 1:24
Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.
Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Ephesians 6:14
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
Philippians 1:27
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel
Philippians 4:1
Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
1 Thessalonians 3:7-9
Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?
8. Suffering -
I Thes. 1:6 - You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Sppirit.
My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14)
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27)
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9-10)
I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. (Psalm 27: 1, 3)
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7-8)
I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)
Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. (Psalm 34:10b)
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17)
Trust in the Lord and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him. (Psalm 37:3-5, 7a)
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God. By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his son is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. (Psalm 42: 5,8)
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3)
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. (Psalm 61:1-4)
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2)
You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress; my God in whom I trust." (Psalm 91:1-2)
Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation. (Psalm 91:14-16)
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:2-5)
Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord. They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord. Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid. (Psalm 112: 1a, 7-8a)
Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved. (Psalm 127:1-2)
When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted. (Psalm 138:3)
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139: 7, 9-10, 23-24)
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. (Psalm 145: 18-19)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10)
Fear of others will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. (Proverbs 29:25)
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. (Isaiah 12:2)
Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock. (Isaiah 26: 3-4)
In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. (Isaiah 30:15)
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord you God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (Isaiah 43:1b-3a)
9. Speaking Not to Please Men but to Please God -
I Thes. 2:4 - "Just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak not as pleasing men but God who examines our hearts."
Galatians 1:10 ESV / For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Proverbs 29:25 ESV The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.
John 12:43 ESV / For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.
1 Thessalonians 2:4 ESV /
But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.
Galatians 2:20 ESV / I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Isaiah 2:22 ESV /
Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he?
Galatians 1:1 ESV / Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—
Matthew 10:28 ESV
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Colossians 2:10 ESV /
And you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.
Colossians 1:27 ESV To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Colossians 1:13 ESV /He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
Galatians 6:1-18 ESV
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load. ...
Acts 5:29 ESV / But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
Proverbs 29:26 ESV / Many seek the face of a ruler, but it is from the Lord that a man gets justice.
2 Corinthians 7:1 ESV /
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
Romans 12:12 ESV /
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:1-2 ESV /
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
10. So Much Love Like a Mother to Her Children -
"But we proved to be gentle among you as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having thus a fond affection 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 very dear to us."
Several things are commanded of Christian mothers in God’s Word:
Availability – morning, noon, and night (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
Involvement – interacting, discussing, thinking, and processing life together (Ephesians 6:4)
Teaching – the Scriptures and a biblical worldview (Psalm 78:5-6; Deuteronomy 4:10; Ephesians 6:4)
Training – helping a child to develop skills and discover his/her strengths (Proverbs 22:6) and spiritual gifts (Romans 12:3-8 and 1 Corinthians 12)
Discipline – teaching the fear of the Lord, drawing the line consistently, lovingly, firmly (Ephesians 6:4; Hebrews 12:5-11; Proverbs 13:24; 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15-17)
Nurture – providing an environment of constant verbal support, freedom to fail, acceptance, affection, unconditional love (Titus 2:4; 2 Timothy 1:7; Ephesians 4:29-32; 5:1-2; Galatians 5:22; 1 Peter 3:8-9)
Modeling with Integrity – living what you say, being a model from which a child can learn by “catching” the essence of godly living (Deuteronomy 4:9, 15, 23; Proverbs 10:9; 11:3; Psalm 37:18, 37).
11. Sanctified by the Word -
I Thes. 2:13 - We also constantly thank God that when you received from us the word of God’s message you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.
It is a source of pleasure to meet with anyone who is really concerned about God’s truth. Regarding this there is but one standard—the Bible—which is the Word of God. Therefore, "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isa. 8:20). And the Spirit of God—the Author—is the only One who can interpret the Word of God. In the understanding, then, of the Word, two things are necessary:
1. A man must be born of the Spirit of God.
2. A man must be subject to the teachings of the Spirit of God.
Inasmuch as the Spirit of God always speaks according to the Word, it is thence we must get our doctrine as well as the law of our new life.
In examining the subject of Sanctification it is well to clear the ground by looking into the root meaning of the word. It is uniform in both Old and New Testaments; namely, "to separate" or "to set apart." Usually this is for some purpose in connection with the service of God. There is one instance, however, in Isaiah 66:17, in which it is not so, but the opposite, even a setting of themselves apart to do evil: "They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine’s flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, said the Lord."
Now such a use by the Spirit of the term "sanctify" shows us that the idea of being "made holy, or sinless," is not necessarily connected with sanctification. The reference already given from Isaiah 66 evidently means that they separated themselves from the Temple of Jehovah and His altar, to do evil, and hence they were to be dealt with in judgment.
Jesus said, "Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth." (John 17:7)
Prayer - May the Lord give your fellowship the enablement to embody all eleven of these qualities to maximize the blessings of our heavenly Father on your lives, ministries and communities.
The cross that He gave may be heavy,
But it ne’er outweighs His grace;
The storm that I feared may surround me,
But it ne’er excludes His face.
Chorus:
The cross is not greater than His grace,
The storm cannot hide His blessed face;
I am satisfied to know
That with Jesus here below,
I can conquer every foe.
The thorns in my path are not sharper
Than composed His crown for me;
The cup that I drink not more bitter
Than He drank in Gethsemane.
The light of His love shineth brighter,
As it falls on paths of woe;
The toil of my work groweth lighter,
As I stoop to raise the low.
His will I have joy in fulfilling,
As I’m walking in His sight;
My trials more blessings are bringing,
Christ in them is my delight.
Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/722#ixzz1zTJxojPO
