Self Reliance. 1 Thessalonians 2:9-10.
Dear Royal Priesthood,
We have seen so far that Paul and his companions extended love and compassion to a Thessalonian community that was under great threat from the enemies of the gospel. They went even further and waived their right to receive support from the Thessalonians. Here we see their commitment.
Effort (v. 9). The evangelists “worked night and day” to ensure that they did not be a burden to the people they ministered to. This should not be taken as the norm for the servants of God. Scripture is very clear on the matter, “Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches” (Galatians 6:6). But the circumstances in Thessalonica demanded a sacrifice on the part of the evangelists. In this, we see clearly that they were not in it for what they could get. It is a shame that some preachers see the ministry as a way to quick riches. The idea of waiving their right to support would never see the light of day. The church must support God’s servants. But the servant must be sensitive and willing to sacrifice when circumstances call for it.
Example (v. 10). Paul invokes the witness of both the Thessalonians and that of God, as to the integrity of the team of evangelists, when they served in Thessalonica. The three words used here, “holy and righteous and blameless” speak of moral uprightness. This is still related to the sacrifice and waiver of the right to support. But it hints at the fact that they did not deceive or mislead the Thessalonians.
It is easy to curry favor and provoke sympathy by false pretenses. They did not wear tattered clothes so that someone would pity them and buy better clothes for them, for instance, or tell teary tales of suffering and hunger. Moral integrity is also about contentment in God. Let no servant of God con his way to material help.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.