1 Thess. 2:10-12; Acts 9:8-16, Quality Check for Ministry (6)

We are considering Paul’s ministry, and especially the character of his ministry, to the believers of Thessalonica.  We should be reminded of how quickly God worked in Paul’s life beginning with his experience on the road to Damascus (and yes, it is clear the Spirit was at work in Paul even before that moment).  Within a minute he was calling on the Lord he had been blaspheming.  Within a week he was preaching the gospel he had been resisting.  Within a year he was in intensive training in Arabia.  Within three years he was teaching others consistently.  Within five years he was spreading the gospel to places where there was no witness (like Thessalonica).

v The nature of edification ministry, v11.  We have noted the personal character exhibited by Paul: holiness, righteousness and blamelessness.  We also note the character of his ministry, serving gently as a nursing mother (2:7) and then serving as a father does his own children (2:11).  Therefore consider these things both as a servant in the body of Christ and as a father in the home.

Ø Exhorting.  This is the oft-used come alongside term.  Paul’s ministry was relational.  It was not just a ministry of speaking to the group although that was vital.  He was also willing to give personal help in applying what was taught.

Ø Comforting.  This term is similar to the preceding term but seems to stress more the speaking aspect of ministry.  Paul uses it in 1 Th. 5:14 in the warning to those who are lazy.  It reminds us that a key part of shepherding the flock is to teach them (Mark 6:34; 1 Tim. 4:6).

Ø Charging.  This is the word for testimony and indicates Paul ministry made the connection between principles in Scripture and the lifestyle of believers.  He used testimonies to show how truth was to be lived out.

v The goal of edification ministry, v11.  Paul engaged in this ministry so that the believers would walk worthy of God (Col. 1:10).  This word walk is all over the epistles of Paul.  It has to do with lifestyle.  Ministry is never, never simply for theology or for filling the mind.  The renewal of the mind is necessary to the changing of the heart which must and will show up in the daily manner of life for believers.  Repentance is a change of mind about real sins that we commit, things that are not worthy of those who have put their faith in Christ.

More specifically, our walk is to be worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.  Through the gospel those who are in Christ have been called out of the realm of death into the realm of grace and life (Rom. 5:20-21).  Each kingdom is noted by the lifestyle of its citizens.  The unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God and by unrighteous we are talking about definite, identifiable sins (1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21).  The kingdom of God is a glorious kingdom, filled with the glory of God and the perfections of His Son.  We have been elevated to a magnificent place in Christ, a place of great glory.  Thus today, now, we need the ministry of edification that we might be built up to be a glorious citizenry that honors our glorious King!