·
Affection,
v8. This is the only use of this
particular Greek word in the New Testament.
It refers to a kind feeling. Again, when you think of Paul whose would let
nothing get in his way of finishing the race, you may think of someone who is
driven, who might seem a little pushy and so forth. We are not surprised that Paul stood his
ground with Barnabas in the matter concerning John Mark (Ac. 15:36-41). But perhaps we are surprised to learn that
later in his life Paul greatly valued Mark (2 Tim. 4:11). Paul’s ministry was controversial from the
start. It is quite likely that he saved
Mark from great difficulty, perhaps more than he was ready for, by not having
him along on the second journey. Our
point is that we should realize Paul was a man of affection and that other’s
recognized it. There is no more proof
needed than the picture on the beach at Miletus when the Ephesian elders wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and
kissed him as he prepared to board the ship for Jerusalem. Even so the Thessalonians were dear to Paul!
·
Self-giving, v8-9. Here is a powerful aspect of God-approved
ministry. It is not just about the task
we have, which is to preach the gospel.
It is about the people. Thus Paul
shared not only the gospel but he shared his life (psuche, soul) with
them. As we work through these qualities
I keep reflecting on some interviews I have been part of, interviewing people
to serve in various positions of ministry in local churches. So often one of the key themes of these
interviews has to do with borders,
limitations. Men want to be sure
they have the right to say no to ministry for the sake of family or personal
needs. Now this may be too complicated
to consider fully here, and I want you to know that I am aware of 1 Cor. 7:25-35. But I do want to say that God-approved
ministry involves giving yourself for the sake of those to whom God has called
you to serve. Paul knew this and he gave
himself, just like his Lord gave Himself, for those he came to serve! Paul even took on a part-time job just so he
would not be a burden to them.
·
Love. If you are wondering which verse we are
referring to you can look at 1 Th. 1:4 when Paul called them beloved brethren. But if you want to see Paul’s love for them
we just saw it in 2:3-9. Love is what binds all this
together. Paul had engaged in a labor of love and they knew it because
they saw his gentleness, cherishing, affection and self-giving. We have been loosed from the bonds of slavery
to sin and we are now bound by love, the bond
of perfection (Col. 3;14). Having been
drawn by God with gentle cords, with
bands of love (Hos. 11:4) we are now in the service of Christ, our
Lord. Let us remember that when He
called us to love (Jn. 13:34-35) He first called us to humble ourselves. What He said was, You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed
your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet (Jn. 13:13-14). Paul followed Jesus. May we do the same!
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