Note how Paul exhorts them, “11 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and [c]charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, 12 that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (1 Thess. 2:11-12). As Paul begins this chapter, he is going to teach them, “How to Walk Worthy” and connects that to suffering that will come to every Christian who so walks. Verse 1 and 2 “1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But [a]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” (1 Thess. 2:1-2). Remember as recorded in Acts 16, what happened to Paul and Silas? (vs.22-24) Their clothes were torn off—they were beaten with rods, with many stripes—thrown into the inner prison—feet fastened with stocks.
How then do the saints walk worthy?
With Boldness. Jesus said, “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).
With Purity. “3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. 4 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. 5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a [b]cloak for covetousness—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ” (1 Thess. 2:3-6).
With Desire to Please God not man. “we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts“. • We didn’t teach error; we were pure in our teaching. • We didn’t come to flatter you, we held no pretext for greed—required nothing from you. • We didn’t seek glory from men, from you, or from anyone.
With Affection and Love. “7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 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” (1 Thess. 2:7). We cared for you—loved you—like a mother loves and cares for her own child. Not—well—here is the message—Jesus died and rose for you—take it or leave it—goodbye. Think about the fact that Paul was only there for three sabbaths – Acts 17:2. That was either 2 weeks or 3 weeks depending on when Paul came. But just think—of the words Paul used to paint a picture of love…nursing mother—loving mother—affection—and well pleased—dear to us. And in the midst of that—Paul says, we also shared our own lives with you…