- Worthy Character
Integrity of the Messenger
For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 1 Thessalonians 2:3 (ESV)
Be a God Pleaser
not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4b (ESV)
- Caring as a Mother & Father
Mother’s Care
- Gentle
- With deep affection
- With sacrificial love
- With unselfish labor
7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 (ESV)
Father’s Care
- Stay accountable
- Walk in a manner worthy of God
10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. 11 For you know how, like a father with his children, 12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12 (ESV)
How did Paul fight the good fight and please God rather than men?
- He exalted Jesus Christ
- He faithfully proclaimed the message of the cross
- He believed in God and his promises
- He stayed away from sexual sin
- He gave to others
- He submitted to authority
- He prayed continuously