Exemplary Behavior

Introduction

Last time we were here in the book of II Thessalonians we examined Paul’s command to the Thessalonian believers to separate themselves from those who were behaving in a manner contrary to what they had been taught.

Now Paul takes the time to remind them of his own behavior among them and he then explains why they behaved as they did among them.

Paul and his companions were mindful of their behavior among other believers because they recognized the impact that their lives could have upon those around them.

How often do we fail to take into account the influence that our behavior has upon others as we make decisions and respond to the circumstances of life?

In this passage we must take note first of the:

Intentionality of Their Behavior (Vs. 7)

Paul begins by reminding the believers in Thessalonica that he had not behaved disorderly among them as some of those in the church had.

Disorderly- irresponsibly, carelessly, undisciplined.

It is apparent that the Apostle Paul and his companions carefully considered how their behavior would impact the new believers in Thessalonica.

They recognized the responsibility that they had to model the behavior they expected from the Thessalonians and to live so as to not be hypocritical.

As Paul and his companions instructed the believers in the church at Thessalonica, they were careful to follow the instructions themselves.

So many times we believers live careless lives without any consideration of how our decisions and actions will affect other believers around us.

We grow angry and frustrated and say things that we ought never to have said and another Christian comes to the conclusion that this behavior is acceptable.

We are less than faithful to the house of God setting a standard of unfaithfulness that other believers follow.

We post things on our social media accounts that are immodest or inappropriate without considering the impact it may have on our brothers and sisters in Christ.

We ought to be much more intentional about what we say, what we do, and what we post, considering the impact it may have on our fellow believers.

Paul and his fellow laborers behaved as they did, not only because it was right, but because they were determined not to be a stumbling block to other believers.

Romans 14:12-13- judgement seat of Christ- give account for causing our brother to stumble.

How often have believers justified their own behavior because of what they have seen in the life of other professing Christians?

Not only did Paul and his co-laborers behave responsibly but we also witness the:

Intensity of Their Labor (Vs. 8)

Paul and his companions were not half hearted laborers but they labored with an intensity that would serve to challenge others.

Paul and his fellow laborers took to heart Ecclesiastes 9:10- do it with all thy might. There was no one who could accuse the apostle Paul and his helpers of being lazy or idle for they worked night and day as they labored to provide for themselves as well as to instruct and help the believers in Thessalonica.

Paul and his companions were not going to be outworked and they were intent on earning their provision, none of them were looking for charity.

These men were of the belief that anyone who could work should work to provide for themselves and for those less fortunate.

There were some believers in Thessalonica who, because of their belief that Christ would soon return, had become idle and were now expecting the church to care for them.

The apostle Paul’s mindset was quite the opposite, he was determined to accomplish all that he could while there was yet time to labor. John 9:4- he was following Christ’s example knowing that there would come a time when he could no longer work.

How is the intensity of our labor whether it be in our career or in our service to the Lord? We ought to give heed to this example and we ought to labor with an intensity that would cause us to stand out from the rest of the world because Colossians 3:23-24- plainly states that we are laboring for Christ and he deserves our best.

Importance of Their Objective (Vs. 7a & Vs. 9)

Paul and his fellow laborers conducted themselves as they did because they were determined to live so as to provide an example to the believers in Thessalonica of proper behavior.

Paul and his companions willingly laid aside their own rights to receive support from those they ministered to in order to make themselves an example for the Thessalonians to follow.

You and I ought also to be intentional about living in a manner that would provide a suitable example for other believers around us to follow.

It is not as though we should desire to have a multitude of followers so that we can receive the acclaim and praise of men but that we should be so intent on living in a manner that would provide a pattern for other Christians to follow.

Our desire is that others would ultimately follow Christ by following our example. This was certainly Paul’s desire (I Corinthians 11:1)- followers of me as I am of Christ.

Paul and his companions understood the value of presenting themselves as a model of Christian behavior so that others would see and emulate their example.

It is necessary to teach others what the scriptures say about how we should behave, but how much greater the impact when clear teaching is paired with a clear model of the behavior that should arise from the instruction.

Math textbook- each chapter explains the process for solving the equation, but then gives an example that illustrates the process to be followed.

It is great to be instructed in a matter but how much greater to have a visible example which can be followed.

Think how many of Jesus actions were simply to provide an example to those who followed in his footsteps. His baptism, his praying, his suffering (I Peter 2:21).

We find the principle of learning by example all throughout the scriptures. I Corinthians 10:11/II Peter 2:6- learning from negative example/ Philippians 3:17- learning to differentiate right and wrong examples/ I Thessalonians 1:7- being an example for other believers/I Peter 5:3- elders an example to the flock

Conclusion

Will you take a few moments tonight to examine yourself? What type of example are you setting for those around you?

If every believer at High Plains Baptist Church followed your example, what type of church would HPBC be?

Are there areas that you and I need to adjust so as to be a better example? Have we been careless in our behavior or have we considered the impact that our lives have upon our brothers and sisters in Christ?