Healing Hope for Broken Lives

1 Thessalonians 2:5-13

In trying to communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who do not know Him, it is important to look at the information we present, and the language we use to present it. But we must also consider the atmosphere in which we relate to those outside of Christ.

A message of love in an atmosphere of love

Postmodern man:

• does not see truth as raw information to be presented and received
• thinks that truth has to "feel" right before it can " be" right
• is more interested in seeing if truth "works" and makes a difference

The Christian:

• must show consistency between his life and the message he proclaims
• cannot proclaim the message of love and grace in an atmosphere of hostility and harshness
  
  

A message preached in sincerity

In 1 Thessalonians 2 we read something of Paul's attitude to the people he was working among. And the first point he picks up is this sincerity. With Paul what you see is what you get.

• No impure motives or tricks (v. 3)
• No flattery (v. 5)
• No mask of greed (v. 6)
• Holy, righteous and blameless among you (verse 10)

What is the key to Paul's sincerity?

• The desire to please God, who tests our hearts (v. 4)
• Not trying to please men (vs. 4, 6)

It is futile to try to deceive God. He sees our hearts, our real motives and desires. Paul, Silas and Timothy were motivated, not by self-seeking but by a genuine care for these people and as a result they were approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel (v. 4). What an honour! Paul's words demonstrate at the same time both the commendation of the messengers and the preciousness of the message. In this passage, Paul declares the extent of his love for the Thessalonians in two ways:

• He loved them like a mother (verses 7-9)

  Gentle (v. 7)

  • showing the gentleness of a mother in caring for her little children
  • getting down beside children and dealing with them at that level

  Self-giving (v. 8)

  • Instead of demanding that his needs were met, Paul worked night and day to avoid being a burden (v. 9)
  • Sharing, not only the message, but their lives also, out of love for them (v. 8)

  Most of the people that we meet up with on a daily basis have little or no understanding of Christian truth. The Christian witness has to go right back to basics and patiently explain the good news of Jesus. But for this to be done effectively, we must also give of ourselves and share our lives. Giving of our time, or material wealth, is important but the sharing of our lives is very different. Very often we hold something back, or don't commit ourselves completely. Real service is costly.
  
  

• He loved them like a father (verses 10-13)
  The aspect of fatherhood that Paul is speaking of is educating them in the way that they should live (v. 12).
  • Encouraging them to greater things
  • Comforting and supporting them in their difficulties and setbacks
  • Urging them to live lives worthy of God

  Paul and his friends' conduct among the Thessalonians was characterised by this genuineness, this sincerity that had no motives other than the establishment and upbuilding of the people. And, as a result of this, the message that Paul preached to them was recognised for what it was-not the teaching of men, but the Word of God (v. 13).
  
  

It's a salutary lesson for us. If we are to hold out the Word of Life to a postmodern generation, it has to be done in an attitude of genuine love and care-a love that is gentle and self-giving; a love that encourages, comforts and urges people to live lives worthy of God. Only then will the Gospel be recognised for what it is-not just another idea to throw into the melting pot, but revealed truth from the God who is there and to whom we are all accountable.