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I Thessalonians 2:1-13 “For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: (2) 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.”

(3) For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: (4) 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.”

(5) For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: (6) Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.”

(7) But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: (8) 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.”

(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. (10) Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:”

(11) As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, (12) That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.”

(13) 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.”

Matthew 4:19 I Corinthians 11:1 “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” I Corinthians 11:1 “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. “

Ideally… We then should be able to call upon the world to follow us, right? But what way of life should we be calling people to follow? What are we called to be, and what should we be calling others to be?

Walk I Thessalonians 2:1-13 This Way

Paul’s life was securely fixed on the importance of Scripture. Be Biblical – vs.1-4 Paul’s life was securely fixed on the importance of Scripture. Psalm 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.” II Timothy 4:2-4 “Preach the word…” Galatians 4:16 “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed…. Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”

Be Authentic – vs.5-6 Philippians 1:15-16 “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: (16) The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:”

I Timothy 6:3-5 “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; (4) He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (5) Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”

Be Gracious – vs.7-11 Are we more rude and hypercritical than we are compassionate and tolerant? Paul not only preached, but he gave his life. Romans 10:1-3 v.7 “we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children”

Micah 6:8 “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” James 2:13 “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.”

There has to be a connection between our talk and our walk. Be Relevant – vs.12-13 There has to be a connection between our talk and our walk. Christianity must become more than theological arguments. It must become a practical way of life if it is to be accepted. Ephesians 4:1 “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,”

I Pet.2:2; II Timothy 2:15; II Pet.3:18 Colossians 1:10 “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;” Hebrews 11:5 John 15:8 I Pet.2:2; II Timothy 2:15; II Pet.3:18

“For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you,” Romans 2:24 “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you,” (17) Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, (18) And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;”

(19) And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, (20) An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. (21) Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?”

(22) Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? (23) Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?”

I Had Rather See A Sermon Than Hear One Any Day! It can have more practical effect!

Let’s walk this way. By so doing, we’ll be following Jesus and we’ll also be the right example for others to follow.

The Simple Plan LIVE A FAITHFUL LIFE (Rev.2:10) HEAR – Rom.10:17; Jno.20:30,31 BELIEVE – John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6 REPENT – Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30,31 CONFESS – Rom/10:10; Acts 8:37 BE BAPTIZED – Mk.16:16; Acts 22:16 ADDED TO CHURCH (Acts 2:41,47) LIVE A FAITHFUL LIFE (Rev.2:10)