Idea: You show the genuineness of the gospel by your fatherly conduct, especially as you care for individuals at their point of need.
Intro: I have enjoyed studying the life and ministry of the great Reformer John Calvin. He is well known as a careful theologian and powerful preacher. But I have discovered many surprising things about him. Namely that he took special, personal interest in the people he served. His ministry went well beyond his sermons and theological writings, reaching out to touch individuals through personal letters and visits. He faithfully wrote to many. He also personally participated in ministering to those sick, even setting aside his own health and safety to visit plague victims. His was a ministry of word and deed.
Paul carried on such a ministry among the Thessalonians. When detractors tried to weaken the gospel by bringing accusations against Paul, he answered that they could trust the gospel by remembering his fatherly care for them. Paul's teaching and example teach another aspect of Christian witness. You prove the gospel by your blameless ministry.
1. God is a witness of blameless ministry.
2. Christians conduct themselves in a fatherly way - devout, just and blameless.
3. Fatherly care proves the genuineness of the gospel.
a. Fathers exhort their children.
b. Fathers comfort their children.
c. Fathers charge their children to walk worthy of God. |
