Walk Worthy (Sermon 2)

The idea behind this series is to examine the book of 1 Thessalonian through the lens of Paul’s statement that the believers in Thessalonica “Walk Worthy” of God. (1Thess 2:12)

NOTE: the term walking refers to behavior

This is another way of saying our behavior should match our belief

The Church

planted by Paul on his second missionary journey

majority of the congregation were working class Gentiles

Chapter 1

Paul stressed the Family relationship the believers had with God by repeatedly using the word phrase “our Father” when referring to God.

Paul reminded the Thessalonians of the example he set for them

Paul reminded the Thessalonians of the exmaple they were to the region surrounding them

Paul stressed their hope in Jesus

His past resurrection

His future return

His present work of delivering them from the wrath to come

Chapter 2

Walking Worthy is not dependent upon favorable conditions

Paul modeled walking worthy of God while experiencing mistreatment

1 Thessalonians 2:1–2 AV

For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

Evidence of walking worthy of God is that believers are faithful to God when suffering mistreatment.

Walking Worthy of God means needing only God’s approval

1 Thessalonians 2:3–4 AV

For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

1 Thessalonians 2:5–6 AV

For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

Although Paul and his team sincerly cared about, and sacrifically invested in the believers of Thessalonica, he and his team sought approval only from God

Walking Worthy of God requires genuine care and commitment to discipleship

1 Thessalonians 2:7–8 AV

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

Paul was genuine in his love for the believers of Thessalonica

Paul desired not only to instruct them in the gospel, but to invest in his own life in them

1 Thessalonians 2:9–12 AV

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. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

Discipling the Thessalonians came at a personal cost to Paul

The end goal of Paul’s effort, investment, & sacrifice was that the believers in Thessalonica walk worthy of God . . . this is discipleship in action

Walking Worthy means believing and obeying the Word of God

1 Thessalonians 2:13–14 AV

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

The believers in Thessalonica listened to Paul’s instructions/teaching.

Then they studied the scriptures to confirm in their own hearts and minds the truths God wanted them to obey

The believers are again described as becoming followers of the church of God (which means they made their behavior match their belief)

The believers in Thessalonica followed the faith of the church of God, which led them into a similar fate of the church of God

1 Thessalonians 2:16 AV

Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

Walking Worthy requires continued discipleship

1 Thessalonians 2:17–20 AV

But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.

Paul desired to see them face to face to personally disciple them

Paul credits Satan with hindering their personal discipleship

Paul disciples them by written communication

Paul calls the believers of Thessalonica to walk worthy by reminding them of who and what they are:

They are his hope, his joy, his crown of rejoicing, glory & joy

Paul also reminds them of coming of Christ

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