From 1 Thessalonians 1-5
Paul’s example of holy, righteous and blameless living is something we want to aspire to because non believers can be put off from the gospel by sin in our lives. Paul has also shown that following the gospel its okay to instruct believers in the way they should live. It is the life God has called them into.
This post is part of my bible in a year series.
Passage and Comments
1 Thessalonians and has some helpful verses describing the ministry of the word and Spirit in enabling people to believe (1 Thes 1-2). The following passage however caught my attention because there is a reoccuring theme running through several of Pauls epistles which describe what Paul did after people believed.
Paul begins describing his lifestyle as he preached the gospel to them.
9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. (1 Thes 2.9-10)
He worked for a living so that afterwards he could then preach the gospel. Clearly Paul was hard working. During this time he was careful to live in a holy, righteous and blameless manner. Holy meaning sacred and set apart. Righteous in terms of making a regular practice of God’s commands (1 Cor 7.19; 9.21; cf 1 Jn 3.7). Blameless generally signified the person is free from blame resulting from wrongdoing. In every way Paul conducted himself in a manner which promoted the gospel he was preaching (Tit 2.10).
11 For you know how, like a father with his children, 12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. (1 Thes 2.11-12)
Here we see what Paul instructed his audience perhaps during his gospel presentation and most definately after. He instructs them to live in a worthy manner. As I mentioned before this seems to be part of normal apostolic practice (Acts 26.20; Rom 6.17; Gal 5.19-21; Eph 4.17-24; Tit 3.8).
His reference to God’s call is interesting. In a sense God calls his people into the new life intended for them. God’s people in God’s kingdom under God as King. Believers have been glorified (Rom 8.30). Are now being transformed from one degree of glory to another (2 Cor 3.18). Will be glorified when they are raised 1 Cor 15.40,43).
For Believers
Paul’s example of holy, righteous and blameless living is something we want to aspire to because non believers can be put off from the gospel by sin in our lives. Paul has also shown that following the gospel its okay to instruct believers in the way they should live. It is the life God has called them into.
Copyright © Joshua Washington and thescripturesays, 2014. All Rights Reserved.
