Thriving in Chaotic Times: Be An Example: I Thess. 2:9-12

I. Be an Example: Have a Work Ethic vs. 9

A. Because there were those who were lazy in the church at Thessalonica, and perhaps there was some hesitancy to give teachers money, because even in those days there were false teachers constantly asking for money. (PTL Maintenance guy/conveyer belts ex)

1 Peter 5:2 NASB95

shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;

B. Paul worked to earn his keep, so no man could say he was only there for the money. The only church that helped him was the Philippians.

Philippians 4:16 NASB95

for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs.

C. As believers we need to be the best employees, and best employers. (Charles Stanley sermon, and cleaning carpet ex)

Colossians 3:23–24 NASB95

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

D. This sets the example, and shows you care.

II. Be an Example: Have Compassion vs. 10-11a

A. In the Old Testament you needed 2 or more witnesses to verify truth. Paul is calling on the Thessalonians to be his witnesses. Because the false teachers would point out that he left, and made it seem like he had abandoned them. Even if they wouldn’t say it, God was Paul’s ultimate witness.

Deuteronomy 19:15 NASB95

“A single witness shall not rise up against a man on account of any iniquity or any sin which he has committed; on the evidence of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed.

B. Paul lived a holy life, and treated them fairly. It was evidenced in front of all. Paul didn’t play favorites.

C. In living a holy life, they saw Paul practicing his faith in good times and bad, even though it was only for 3 weeks. A lot can happen in that short period of time.

D. Paul exhorted them. The word used here for exhort is parakelo, the same word used for the Holy Spirit in John. It means to come alongside, to help. So Paul, by the power of the Holy Spirit to help these new believers.

John 17:7–11 NASB95

“Now they have come to know that everything You have given Me is from You; for the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me. “I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom You have given Me; for they are Yours; and all things that are Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine; and I have been glorified in them. “I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are.

E. He also encouraged them. There are times you need a couch, and times you need a cheerleader. That is what Paul is doing. He’s using his whistle to warn, and his pom pom’s to praise.

III. Be an Example: Have a Mentor’s Heart vs. 11b-12

A. Paul acts like a spiritual father here, in order to help them grow. Sometimes it was tough love, other times it was tender. This shows the love Paul had for those believers.

B. Like the Thessalonian believers we need to live in a manner to bring glory to God. That is our calling.