1 Thessalonians 2:6-13 THE SERVANT'S CHARACTER There are challenges to those who have a heart for evangelism and who want to see that God saves living for Him and growing in faith. Three of these challenges are: first, validating the confession of faith and conversion of one who professes to be saved by showing personal interest and counseling. In order to do this; secondly, we will need to commit ourselves to follow them up and see them integrated into the life of an assembly of believers. Thirdly, the assembly needs to commit to the long-term care of the new believer and hopefully see them taking a responsible role themselves.
That kind of follow-up will include attendance at the Bible class and Bible study meetings of the assembly. Ministry meetings and attendance at conferences strengthen one when one meets with many of God's people who are there. Personal follow-up is a one-to-one relationship with a mature believer for the purpose of aiding the new child of God in growth as a Christian. In order to do that, the one following up can supply the new believer with study material such as a course to follow, a concordance, and some suitable books, as well as meeting regularly with that person.
Several factors affect follow-up that we can learn from examples in this chapter. In order to form a relationship with a new believer that will help them grow, I will need to be enjoying the Lord myself. As evangelists [v.1-6], Paul Silas and Timothy had an instinctive care to do the work of an evangelist. Follow-up is our responsibility that the Lord commanded in Matthew 28:20 as part of the commission. It is essential lest the tempter will overcome them by his temptation, and our labor is in vain. New believers need to have a good start. There may be many instructors, but there are not many fathers [1Thes.3:5].
Another example of a spiritual relationship these three men had was that of a nurse (nursing mother) caring for her children. Spiritual pediatrics involves serving them with intelligence and affection, as well as teaching them with patience. That, in turn, involves commitment on the part of the mature believer. Am I willing to spend the time necessary with the new believer? Am I willing to make this a priority and rethink the other things in which I am involved? That means there is needed concentration on my part. A person cannot take on too many people or things at one time. It may be up to us to spread this responsibility to others who want to see new believers grow.
The duration of follow-up may take a year or more before they get spiritual legs under them so they can stand alone. When the multiplication principle is obvious, and the learner has gone beyond the trial-and- error approach to the truth to be a systematic learner, then the spiritual nurse can move gradually on to others. Another example of the character of a servant that comes to light here is that of a brother.
The word "brethren" is mentioned 23 times in these epistles to the Thessalonians, indicating there is an example to follow in the after-care of converts. A brother is "family," as well as an instructor and a fellow laborer with whom we share our life in this time of conflict. The growth and warmth of the brethren should characterize the assembly environment. We need to see new believers as God sees them and be honest with them. It doesn't help or fool anyone if we want to appear perfect before them and put up a sanctimonious front [Phil.3:12].
When a person desires to be used and is willing and available, the Lord will see to it that we are where the action is. There is a need for consistency of life in ourselves if we expect to see that in a new Christian. We need to accept ourselves and our limitations before we have the needed strength of character to pass on the truth to others. The need of new believers is to have someone in their lives to communicate the principles of our new life in Christ, not just transfer spiritual truth. This becomes evident in a number of ways, as a father would nurture and instruct his children [v.11-12].
A father is careful, consistent, cautious, and comforting toward his children. God is the witness to the degree of concern we have for new believers. The attitude of honest concern will come from God and develop as we see the needs a new child of God has. To develop a relationship around the Person of Christ, we need to pass on what God has done and is doing now for us. A natural way of speaking and sharing our life in Christ sets a pattern of openness for the new Christian. By spending time together in the scriptures, a basis for living and faith is established. The Lord Jesus quoted scriptures from the Old Testament 160 times while He was with His disciples.
Building significant relationships takes time. The three men who came to Thessalonica and from whom this letter came were "pray-ers" [v.13] as well as fathers, brethren, nurses, and evangelists. In seeking to strengthen the people of God, we need patience because there will be failures. Everyone falls down sometimes, and we don't need to take it personally if someone stumbles. Reproof from a father is legitimate and is needed from time to time in order to deal with problems.
As those who care, we need to be those who pray as intercessors. Our ministry to those in Christ is to help the whole person, not just challenge their intellect. The strengthening of the intellect will strengthen the emotional life. Our emotions have an effect on our physical life. Our physical life affects the spiritual, and the spiritual affects the social life of a believer. As human beings, each part of us has an effect on the other parts, both for good and bad.
When a new Christian becomes a friend as well as a learner, they will understand our concern for them is genuine - not just a chore we have to do. At the same time, we need to understand that a leader needs to be looked up to in a relationship in order for their instruction to be taken seriously. Leaders need to know where they are going and how to get there. Assurance of salvation and establishing one's understanding of their position in Christ is where we begin. From there, we go on to what it means to be consistent in the Christian life by learning the value of devotional life, of fellowship with God and other people, and of what fundamental truths we need to know and why.
Stability in doctrine, Christ-likeness was seen by the fruit of the Spirit in one's life, and growing strong in the Lord is what we look for as mature believers who seek to help others grow. As the children of God apply the things they learn from the word of God, we will see evidence of a desire to reproduce as an interest in others is demonstrated on their part. Understanding the value of Bible doctrines is followed by a devotional life that understands how truths learned become truths enjoyed and assimilated into one's life. An active devotional life develops further into active discipleship that the commission the Lord Jesus Christ gave anticipated. The work of God is established and promoted by those who have the character of a servant so they can effectively do the work of a servant.
FEATURES THAT MARK SERVANTS His commission came from the highest possible Source The true evangelist follows on a well-marked course Wherever souls of men are lost in the bonds of sin He knows this is where the people are in the need of him So, the Gospel he explains in words that are easily understood And the searching soul grasps the meaning of Christ's atoning blood In faith the evangelist explains; by faith the lost one the Savior receives And the Spirit gives new life to the one who in Jesus believes.
Coming alongside the new child, as one who sincerely cares; Is a person of intelligence who, as a nursing mother, bears
A new spiritual child in arms of quiet and realistic affection; Making sure the new born starts life going in the right direction Patiently teaching, imparting truths needed by the new nature Compassion, understanding, spiritual instinct is a feature Of those who want the newborn child of God To not only be saved but to daily follow the Lord.
"Brethren" is a word implying there are unique family ties That can be counted on for help when unexpected needs arise Brothers in Christ instruct, share labor and at times, defend There may be differences of opinion, but when it comes to the end Brothers are there to lift a brother up when He is down We protect and support each other because he is one of our own Friends and brothers are different, but when both are one and the same We stay close and connected because we both have the same name.
Fathers are aware of each of their children and their differences By spending time together, we understand their idiosyncrasies Spiritual fathers need to be exhorters as well as committed teachers Comforting and consistency are two of their important features A father warns, charges and loves children with strong appeals He knows choices and consequences have the effect to seal The rest of a new believer's life on a road where there is no return He prays earnestly the advice he gives the learner will not spurn.
"Father in heaven, there are many who have heard the message of the Gospel through Thy servant over the last 60+ years. In Thy grace, Thou hast saved some. I do not want to leave undone anything I should do for their spiritual welfare. Help Thy servant, I pray, to be an intelligent, spiritual nurse, a faithful brother, a caring father, and an effective "pray-er." In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."