1Thessalonians 2:7-12 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherishes her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because you were dear unto us. For you remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: As you know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father does his children, That you would walk worthy of God, who had called you unto his kingdom and glory.
‘Nurse’ [Greek: trophos] nurse, feeder. It refers to a mother feeding her children.
‘How holily and justly and unblameably we behaved.’ Three major qualities in Christian living: Holily. [Greek: hosios] Holy referring to God. Justly. [Greek: dikaios] righteous, just. Just referring here to men only. Unblameably. [Greek: amemptos] Unblameable when referencing life and conduct before God and man.
‘How we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you.’ Three kinds of ministry: Exhortation. [Greek: parakaleo] to call to the aid of one. Translated in 4 ways: “beseech” (2Cor. 2:8; 5:20; 6:1; 10:1; 12:8); “desire” (2Cor. 8:6; 12:18); “exhort” (2Cor. 9:5); and “comfort” (2Cor. 1:4, 6; 2:7; 7:6, 7, 13). Comforting. [Greek: paramutheomai] to speak tenderly (John 11:19, 31). Charging. [Greek: martureo] Testifying to or strictly charging to righteousness. Translated “record” (Acts 20:26) and “testify” (Gal. 5:3; Eph. 4:17).
‘As a father does his children.’ Note the spirit of pastoral care exercised by Paul for his disciples – gentle as a mother (1Thess. 2:7), and exhorting, comforting, and charging everyone as a father does his children (2:11). Any leader will succeed with this kind of personal care for each one in his congregation.
‘That you would walk worthy of God.’ Ten tests of discipleship are noted in Scripture: World persecution (Matt. 10:25; John 15:18). and fearless teaching (Matt. 10:26-27). Fearless consecration (Matt. 10:28). Fearless faith (Matt. 10:29-31; Heb. 11:1-40). Bold confession of Christ (Matt. 10:32-33). Family persecution (Matt. 10:34-36; 19:29). Putting God first (Matt. 10:37; 22:37). Bearing the cross daily (Matt. 10:38; Luke 9:23) and following Christ (Matt. 10:38; John 10:27). Denying oneself (Matt. 10:39; Rom. 8:1-13).
‘Called you unto his kingdom and glory.’ This is the highest calling of all.
Living the Word 