The Servant’s Concern. 1st Thessalonians 2:8 Several factors influence follow-up, which we can learn from examples in this chapter. There is a strong desire to strengthen new believers, confirm them in the faith, and bless those who have recently come to faith in Christ. We can’t truly pass on anything of value to new believers, let alone the Gospel, if our interest doesn’t come from our own hearts. Genuine affection is a deep concern, a longing, for the spiritual health and well-being of those who are “dear unto me.”
To build a relationship with a new believer that encourages their growth, I must be genuinely enjoying the Lord myself. As evangelists [v.1-6], Paul, Silas, and Timothy instinctively cared to do the work of an evangelist. Follow-up is our responsibility, as commanded by the Lord in Matthew 28:20, as part of the Great Commission. It is crucial, or the tempter will overcome them with his temptations, and our efforts will be in vain. New believers need to get a good start. There may be many teachers, but there are not many fathers [1Thes.3:5].
That kind of interest and concern requires sacrifice from those who truly care about others. Genuine love and tenderness don’t leave people to fend for themselves. We cannot leave people to their own devices or on their own without the spiritual support of mature saints who want to help them grow in the Lord.
The follow-up process may take a year or more before they develop the spiritual strength to stand on their own. When the multiplication principle is clear and the learner has moved beyond trial-and-error toward a systematic understanding of the truth, the spiritual guide can gradually transfer to others. Another example of a servant's character that emerges here is that of a brother.