The Fathers We Need

1 Thessalonians 2:9–12 (ESV)

9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.

Although Paul was never married and had any children of his own, he often spoke of those who were converted under his preaching as his own children

The people of the churches that Paul planted and cared for, he considered his children

In Ephesians 5-6, Paul under the inspiration of the HS could give us instruction about marriage and children

So even though not through personal experience, Paul under God’s direction well understood the family relationship

And all of us fathers and grandfathers in here this morning can draw from Paul’s example of what a father should be like

As a matter of fact, Paul sets the example of what all of us as Christians should be like

 

Paul took his calling of God very seriously

He was very careful to conduct himself in a way that showed no selfishness on his part that would draw attention to himself

For example: although he had the right to support we see in v9, he worked day and night so that he could earn his own way and not depend on the new Christians to support him (although many of the churches he planted supplemented his income)

But Paul didn’t want to be a burden.  He didn’t want it to be about money…but about proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ

Paul lived his life for Jesus

As well, fathers and grandfathers, should we not live our lives for Christ?

Should our lives not proclaim the gospel of Christ to lost men who are around us?

Should our conduct not draw people to Christ?

Of course, it should

 

Speaking back to the Thessalonians, Paul proclaimed in v10 that the people he preached to and God were witnesses to how he conducted himself

Holy and righteous and blameless were the qualities of his conduct, that Paul held to

He lived his life Holy: meaning separated to God from sin

It did not mean he was sinless, but it does mean that sin was not a part of his lifestyle

Holiness to God was Paul’s lifestyle and this was demonstrated to others, no matter what situation he found himself or to what group of people he was with

Even when he was in prison for preaching the gospel, Paul still conducted himself as one who belonged to God

 

The word “holy” in our Scripture today can also be translated as “devout”

A devout Christian is one who takes their relationship to God very seriously

God is not just part of their life; He is their life

In other words, Jesus is not just one part of a long list of things in my life: Jesus is my life.  He is my everything!

I’ll admit, I don’t always get that right but that should always be my priority as a Christian

And when we don’t get it right, let’s confess it to God

And when we fail, we must not use the excuse that we are too weak

• We have the power of the HS of God that helps us to live the life
• Holy conduct is required of us:
  • 1 Peter 1:15–16 (ESV): “but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

 

Christian fathers, grandfathers: we must demonstrate a godly life of holiness as an example to our children and grandchildren…so that they come to know Christ as we do

 

Holiness is how we conduct ourselves, then notice the term “righteousness”

10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.

Righteousness is your status in Christ

While you work toward living a holy life, righteousness is a gift given to you when you were saved

When you confessed that you were a sinner and trusted Jesus as your Savior, you became in right standing with God…you became righteous and no man can take that from you

How you live your life demonstrates your right standing with God in front of your children and grand-children

I want my grandchildren to see Christ in their Pop

 

Paul also noted in v10 that his conduct was blameless

Psalm 119:1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!

Blameless doesn’t mean sinless

Blameless is 2-fold:

• First: like righteousness it is a benefit of your salvation.  When you are saved, you are no longer guilty before God.  You are set free from the guilt of sin.  You are blameless
• Secondly: blameless is also a moral character to be achieved.  In other words, with the help of the HS, I strive to live a moral life because I belong to Christ

These 3 things are connected:

• Holiness is how I conduct myself, how I live my life
• Righteousness is what God gave me when I was saved and should lead to holy living
• Blamelessness is also a gift rec’d from God.  I’m not sinless, but I am free from the guilt through Christ

Can we have one of these without the other?  No

If you’re saved, you are righteous in God’s eyes and no longer live a life of guilt over your sin…blameless

And these 2 qualities will show in how you live your life, your morality, your character, you live a life of holiness

 

So, how should I conduct myself as a father and grandfather?

My conduct should be a life of holiness

My conduct should demonstrate righteousness

My character should be blameless shown by moral living

Will I always get it right?  No.  But I can’t use my weakness for excuse, when I have the HS within me to empower me to do these things

 

Now, notice the wisdom beginning in v11:

For you know how, like a father with his children, 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.

Paul took on the role of a father with his children when speaking to the church

The conduct of holiness, righteousness, and blamelessness that we just studied: Paul exhorts or urges the church that they should follow this example

 

Bear in mind the church he was talking to was in the very corrupt city of Thessalonica

It was not easy to conduct yourself properly as a Christian in Thessalonica

It was probably very discouraging at times…but Paul urged them and encouraged them not to give up

He also charged them with the responsibility that they had

“Walk in a manner worthy of God”

Live in a way that measures up

Christian father and grandfather: God called you to it

And since God called you to it, God will help you do it if you’ll trust Him!

Men, let’s be examples to our children and grandchildren of what it means to be a Christian!

You can do it!!