READ 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12

This morning we want to speak about how GODLY LEADERS PROVIDE SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP AND DIRECTION.

Paul considered himself a ''spiritual father'' to the believers at Thessalonica, just as he did toward the believers at Corinth. 

1 Corinthians 4:15 says, “For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.”

The Spirit of God used the Word of God in Paul's ministry, and many people in Thessalonica were born again into the family of God.

The picture of a father reminds us of the spiritual guidance and direction that is essential to being a godly leader. 

As you know, being a father is an important and serious calling. It requires devotion, leadership, and direction. 

A good and godly father will provide you with many tools. Among those are...

1.  Example for your work: vs. 9-10

Paul used the words ''labour and travail.'' 

The word “labour” speaks of labor that reduces one’s strength, the type that makes one weary.  The word “travail” speaks of hardship accompanied with distress.

It was not easy to make tents and minister the Word at the same time. 

No wonder Paul warned people ''night and day'' (Acts 20:31). He toiled because he loved the believers and wanted to help them as much as possible.

For proof of his affection for them, Paul again urged the Thessalonians to ''remember'' the character of the ministry he had with them. ''Labor and travail'' appropriately summarize the ministry at Thessalonica. 

Paul, Silas, and Timothy provided a fatherly example to the Thessalonian believers of what it meant to work, labor, and toil for the sake of the gospel. Verse 9, “For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.”

As with all leaders, a father's duty is to lead by example, setting the standard of virtuous integrity in his family; and that is also the spiritual leader's responsibility to his people. 

With that in mind, Paul called upon the Thessalonians again to remember what he had said and how he had ministered among them.

2.  Encouragement for your walk: vs. 11-12

Paul encouraged the new believers. This is what a father does with his children, for children are easily discouraged. 

New Christians need someone to encourage them in the Lord. The word ''exhorted'' means ''to call to one's side, to encourage.''  It does not mean that Paul scolded them. Rather, it means he encouraged them to go on with the Lord. 

Verse 11, “As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children.” 

Do you see the encouragement and example that Paul provided as he led the Thessalonian believers to faithfully follow the Lord?  He wanted them to walk in a manner worthy of God. That is indeed a challenge for every one of us. 

Every child must learn how to walk. He must have good models to follow. Paul encouraged them to walk ''worthy of God.'' We are to walk worthy of the calling we have in Christ Jesus. 

God has called us; we are saved by grace. We are a part of His kingdom and glory.  One day we will enter His kingdom and share His glory. This assurance ought to govern our lives and make us want to please the Lord.

The verb “have called” in 1 Thessalonians 2:12 speaks of ''calling consistently and loudly.''  God called us to salvation (2 Thess. 2:13-14), and He is constantly calling us to a life of holiness and obedience.  “But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”  (1 Peter 1:15-16).  

This passage gives us a beautiful example of New Testament follow-up. 

Paul has shown us how to raise babies. 

We must be faithful stewards, loving mothers, and concerned fathers. 

If we are not faithful to God, we may find ourselves becoming doting mothers and pampering fathers.  Children need discipline as well as love. In fact, discipline is one evidence of love. 

No wonder the church at Thessalonica prospered in spite of persecution and shared the Gospel with others for miles around.  They had been born right (1 Thessalonians 1) and nurtured right (1 Thessalonians 2). This is a good example for us to follow.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. How do you handle your time?  Are you a good steward of it?  How could you better manage your time? 

2.  In light of verse 10, how has God separated you from the world?

3.  What images come to your mind as you think of your earthly Father?  What about your Heavenly Father?

4.  How can you build up other people?  Who in your life do you need to encourage on a daily basis?