Newsletter August 2023 Part 2
Word and life
For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-8)
The apostle Paul had been called by the Spirit of God to preach the gospel in Macedonia. (Acts 16:9-10) He had won people of different walks of life to Jesus Christ and established fledgling churches in Philippi and Thessalonica, but due to the persecution that immediately arose, he was not able to stay with these believers for long. During his time with them, however, he poured into their lives, teaching them in word and by his example. To him, these new believers were like children who needed nurturing to grow spiritually. What would he do to ensure they did not succumb to the pressures of life and opposition from those hostile to Jesus?
It is this concern that prompted Paul to write the letter to the Thessalonians, reminding them of the message of salvation, commending them for their openness to receive it and their example in sharing it with others, and pointing to his own conduct as an example for Christian living and ministry. And it was this concern that caused him to send Timothy back to Thessalonica to find out how they were doing.
Ministry is about sharing the truth of God’s word, but it is also about sharing our lives with others. Church is not just a place where we go on Sunday mornings to receive an infusion that will hopefully see us through another difficult week. It is not just an opportunity to listen to a few worship songs and a sermon – something that can easily be done online. True church is community, a space where we can share the hope we have found in Jesus and our lives, with all the joys and struggles we experience as we follow Jesus.
Paul recognised this and therefore he wrote, we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. Yet he also realised his own limitations; he could not be with them all the time and they would have to learn to receive that same support from his fellow workers to who he entrusted their care and, ultimately, from each other. New leadership would have to arise from among them, modelled on what they had seen in him.
It was on that same journey, just before receiving the call to go to Macedonia, that Paul met Timothy. (Acts 16:1-3) He and Barnabas had decided to go separate ways, and Paul’s small missionary team of ministers needed new recruits whom he could train up for the great task that lay ahead; and God provided, as He always does. Paul took Timothy under his wings like a son, and soon this young man became Paul’s most trusted fellow worker. Writing later from prison to the Philippian church, the first he had established together with Silas and Timothy in Macedonia, Paul could say confidently, I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. (19-20) and “you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. (v.22)
Today God is still looking for Timothys – those who are willing to answer His call to serve by sharing His word and their own lives, those who will pour into others what God has given them. Can you hear Him calling you?