A Holy, Righteous, Blameless Behavior

Introduction

Paul has reminded the Thessalonians of the behavior they saw in him when he was among them.

He has explained the following thus far:

He was not a deceiver.

He had the responsibility to speak the message of God knowing of his accountability to him (1 Thess. 2:4).

He did not flatter the Thessalonians (2:5).

God was witness that he did not use preaching as an opportunity (facade) for his greed.

He did not abuse his authority by demanding money from them.

Instead, he worked to support himself.

Paul has used an infant and a nurse as illustrations, thus far.

Now he will liken his conduct to that of a father.

Note the familial language Paul uses to describe the initial bonds that formed between him and the Thessalonians.

Two overarching goals: bonds, pastoral and personal, more than a set of beliefs.

Honesty: A Final Reminder

Paul has reminded the Thessalonians of their first-hand knowledge of his honesty behavior among them.

He now calls them into witness of his purity.

Might there be significance to two witnesses in 1 Thess. 2:10?

In this triad, Paul reinforces that the Thessalonians, nor anyone else, had reason to find fault with his behavior.

Paul’s honesty and purity has the following significance:

He recommended himself as credible.

He modeled the lifestyle of a believer for the Thessalonians to follow.

This forms the foundation for all New Testament pastoral instruction.

Paul seems to distinguish how those who believed saw him versus those, perhaps, who did not believe.

A Father’s Concern

Paul has used familial language to illustrate his gentleness and concern for the Thessalonians.

Now, he will continue such language and liken his concern for them to a father.

This language places this statement parallel to 1 Thess. 2:7: “the children of herself.”

Also, we should note the individualized language of 1 Thess. 2:11.

Paul did not play favorites.

What he did for one, he did for each one.

As we move toward 1 Thess. 2:12, we will see Paul employ three participles to describe himself.

Encouraging

Comforting

Witnessing

The Responsibility of Obedience

Paul’s fatherly concern for the Thessalonians had a purpose.

He testified to them of the need to be walking “worthy of the God who called you.”

Christianity is more than the message of salvation.

Through salvation, we come to be in a right relationship with God.

This means we are to be an obedient people.

Paul uses this terminology frequently (note as an exx. Eph. 4:1).

We have been called into his kingdom and glory, and this means right now we are to live in a manner worthy of Him.