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We are in I Thessalonians Chapter 2 and verse 5 – Was Paul being accused of seeking fame and honour, and money when you read verse 9?

In Paul’s ministry, there was no flattery and no covetousness and no “what is in it for me” or “what can I get out of it”. He was never interested in the ‘kudos’ – personal glory – never. And, he was certainly not in it for the money.

Paul was totally sincere and that is what we are being taught to be through this letter.

People tried to destroy the impact of the message by destroying the reputation and integrity of the man of God. God was a witness to his work and life.

v.6 – We did not seek the praise of men. Ministry can become a very self-exalting matter. It is a real danger.

v.7 – There are those who say Paul was such a hard and even harsh man. And in verse 11 we learn that he treated his people as father would his children or a nurse her patients – (or a mother – verse 7).

There was a quality in his care – like a shepherd with his sheep and lambs.

We need care, and we need shepherds, more than we realise.

Gentleness without discipline is no use and loveless harshness is of little value.

‘Gentle’ here has that sense of being warm hearted – and no wintry smiles that may freeze the marrow in your bones.

This shepherd knew what it was to feed and protect and guide, with a firm fatherly oversight.

As a spiritual father he would be firm – throughout his ministry gentleness and affection mingled with firmness and encouragement.

When leading Services in the Prison we would pray that the Officers would be ‘firm and fair’ – that is what Paul is advocating in these verses – ‘firm and fair’.

v.8 – We would have given our lives for you. Here we see such compassion and love and concern. Paul was a man who knew what it was to pray and weep and teach and write.

v.9 – He did not want to be a burden. Were the critics accusing him of being lazy? Paul was serving these believers and ministering to these disciples and not burdening them.

v.10 – In one sense he is clearing his own name here for the cause of Christ. You know how we lived among you, we read in Acts 20. Paul was never content with living a superficial life – he launched out into deep waters from the outset.

You who believe know – and God puts His seal on this. He even appeals to the holy character of his life. Not one of the charges against him could stick.

v.12 – He was encouraging and comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

He had one great goal among disciples of Jesus Christ and that was to see these men and women living worthy of God who had called them.

And, verse 13 – they received the Word of God as the Word of God and not as a word from men. The Word came through men but not from men – there is a significant difference.

Their strength and endurance came from their unconditional acceptance of the Word of God.

These disciples were open and willing to go far with Jesus Christ.

You do come across people who say – “I can go so far, and no further – you see, I have other irons in the fire!” Well – say that to Jesus Christ – tell him!

“Loving Jesus – gracious Saviour – you gave all for me on the cross – you shed your blood to wash away my sin – help me to give my all to you – now – and tomorrow – until this life on earth is over. Holy Spirit – guide me and direct my paths and empower me. Amen”

"The Way" from Kevin Pauley

The First Sin