THE BOOK OF FIRST THESSALONIANS
(“And We’re Walking, And We’re Walking”)
I Thessalonians 2:9-16 (NASU)
(A) ONE GOAL OF THE GOSPEL
(1) Paul’s proclamation of the Gospel of God to the Thessalonians (as described for us in chapter two) involved a lot of personal effort and sacrifice.
For one thing (according to verse two), Paul had faced a great deal of “opposition” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:2) from many of the Jews in Thessalonica (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:14-15), who (according to the Book of Acts), after hearing him preach that Jesus is the Christ, 5“… formed a mob and set the city in an uproar … (shouting) ‘These men who have upset the world have come here also; 7… they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying … there is another king, (named) Jesus.’” Indeed, they “stirred up the crowd and … city authorities” to such an extent, that the local “brethren” felt compelled to hustle Paul and his entourage out of town under the cover of darkness (c.f. Acts 17:1-10).
According to verse three, Paul worked hard to make sure the Gospel he proclaimed to the Thessalonians was free from “error (and) impurity (and) deceit” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:3). While according to verse four, he was always careful to speak with the goal of pleasing God rather than men (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:4).
According to verse five, Paul had diligently avoided the use of flattery, as well as even a hint of greed (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:5) – nor (verse six) had he done anything that might have been interpreted as seeking glory from men (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:6). Moreover, (according to verse eight) he had actually invested his own life in the lives of the Thessalonians (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:8).
While in Thessalonica, (verse nine says) Paul had worked “night and day” with his own hands, “so as not to be a (financial) burden” to any of those to whom he was proclaiming “the gospel of God” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:9). He had also (according to verse ten) made every effort to behave in a “devout, and upright, and blameless manner” toward the Thessalonians (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:10).
What’s more, (verse seven says) his evangelistic methods had been marked by the “gentleness and tenderness” of a nursing mother (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:7) – while also (according to verse nine) “exhorting and encouraging and imploring” the Thessalonians “as a father would his own children” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:11).
(2) So, why did Paul put all this personal effort and sacrifice into proclaiming the Gospel of God to the people living in Thessalonica? Why did he go to all this trouble – why did he expend all this energy?
From what we’ve seen in the previous two messages,1 part of the answer is, that he wanted to see some of the Thessalonians get saved (c.f. Romans 11:14; I Corinthians 9:22; 10:33; I Thessalonians 2:16) – saved from the guilt, and power, and consequences of their sins – saved from the wrath of God that is coming upon everyone who rejects Christ as Savior and Lord (c.f. John 3:36; Romans 5:9; I Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9).
Part of the answer is also that Paul wanted to see some of the Thessalonians receive the free gift of eternal life (c.f. John 3:15-16; Romans 6:23; I John 5:11-12) – the promise of which gives us hope in the face of death – a life that will be spent in heaven, with our Savior.
BUT, before we get to heaven there’s the matter of life here on earth. Hence, part of the answer to our question is found in this morning’s text, where Paul says he wanted to see the Thessalonians “walk in a manner worthy of the God who (had) call(ed) (them) into His own kingdom and glory” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:12). In other words, one of his desires was to see the Thessalonian believers start living lives that become people who have made genuine professions of faith in Christ. To put it another way, not only did he want to see them justified, he also wanted to see them sanctified. Indeed, he desired to see in them the kind of sanctification that naturally and normally follows a genuine conversion experience (c.f. Hebrews 12:14).
(3) Every pastor worthy of that title wants to see his people “walk in a manner worthy” of their calling in Christ – and is deeply saddened when they don’t (as every Christian should be). The Apostle John once said: “I have no greater joy than this, to hear (that) my children (are) walking in the truth” (c.f. III John 1:4). Paul told the Thessalonians much the same thing at the end of chapter two (starting at verse nineteen), when he said (in part): 19“who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not … you …? 20… you are our glory and joy” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:19-20) – that is, so long as they were learning to “walk in a manner worthy of the God who (had) call(ed) (them) into His own kingdom and glory” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:12).
(4) Having said that, however, there’s someone else all of us need to be more concerned about pleasing than our pastor – and that’s our God and Savior! Hence, Paul told the Colossians to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, TO PLEASE HIM in all respects” (c.f. Colossians 1:10). While in First Thessalonians chapter four, he will say: “you ought to walk (so as to) PLEASE GOD” – after which he encouraged the Thessalonians by telling them that’s how they “actually (were) walk(ing)” (c.f. I Thessalonians 4:1). Hence, we see that even when people are “walking in a manner worthy of their calling in Christ ” (c.f. Ephesians 4:1), it’s proper to encourage them to keep on doing so – and, to even “excel still more” (as Paul says in chapter four, verse one) (c.f. I Thessalonians 4:1).
(5) One of the goals of proclaiming the Gospel, then, is not just to make converts, but disciples (c.f. Matthew 28:19) – with a disciple being someone who is continually striving (by Christ’s enabling grace) to imitate their Savior, in part, by learning how to “walk in a manner worthy of the God who has called them into His kingdom and glory” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:12).
A WALK THAT’S WORTHY OF OUR CALLING
(1) Let’s take a closer look at our text, then, which is part of a longer sentence that begins in verse ten in the NASU (verse eleven in the NIV and ESV) – and reads as follows: 10“You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; 11just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, 12SO THAT you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:10-12).
The words “so that” connect what has come before with what we find in verse twelve – in other words, as we’ve already pointed out, Paul has done all the things described in verses one through eleven “SO THAT” the Thessalonians might not only profess faith in Christ, but also (as a result of that) start “walking in a manner worthy of the One who saved them” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:12).
You and I who have been saved, have been saved for a reason – the reason being, “so that” we can now glorify God by the way we live (which is something we could not do prior to our conversion).
Among other things, that means salvation is not ultimately about us – i.e. about OUR escaping hell (c.f. I Thessalonians 1:10) – or OUR getting to spend eternity enjoying the indescribable things God has prepared for those who love Him (c.f. I Corinthians 2:9). Those are wonderful benefits to be sure! – and I would not have you think otherwise. But, that’s not what the ultimate goal of our salvation is all about. Rather, it’s about being able to glorify our God and Savior by walking in a manner that is worthy of (or pleasing to) Him!
In light of what God has done for us, by saving us through faith in Jesus Christ, we ought to be saying with the Psalmist: “I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and (I) will glorify Your name forever” (c.f. Psalm 86:12). We ought to be pursing good works, SO THAT others will see them and “glorify (our) Father who is in heaven” (c.f. Matthew 5:16). First Corinthians chapter six tells us to “glorify God in (our) body” (c.f. I Corinthians 6:20) – First Peter chapter four says we are to employ whatever special gifts we have been given, whether it’s speaking or service, “SO THAT … God may be glorified through Jesus Christ” (c.f. I Peter 4:10-11) – while another place tells us to “do all to the glory of God” (c.f. I Corinthians 10:31).
It’s not for nothing, then, that both the Larger and Shorter Catechisms our church subscribes to begin by telling us that “the chief and highest end of man is to glorify God, while also enjoying Him forever.”2 Indeed, our greatest joy and enjoyment in life ought to be striving to glorify Him by “walking in a manner worthy of the One who has called us” to Himself in repentance and faith (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:12).
(2) Returning to our text, we find that the word “walk” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:12) is a biblical figure of speech that usually refers to our day-to-day conduct3 – i.e. how we behave from moment to moment – what we say and do as we move through life. For example, Romans chapter six exhorts us to “walk in newness of life” (c.f. Romans 6:4) – Second Corinthians chapter five tells us to “walk by faith, not by sight” (c.f. II Corinthians 5:7) – Galatians chapter five urges us to “walk by the Spirit” (c.f. Galatians 5:16) – Ephesians chapter five encourages us to “walk as children of Light” (c.f. Ephesians 5:8) – while First John chapter two exhorts us to “walk (like Christ) walked” during His time here on earth (c.f. I John 2:6).
(3) To “walk in a manner WORTHY of the God who calls (us)” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:12) means that, as Christians, (by Christ’s enabling grace) we are learning how to live lives that are “in harmony with” our new found relationship with God.4 Or, to put it another way, we are learning how to live a life that’s “in keeping with”5 (or consistent with) (or compatible with) someone who has made a genuine profession of faith in Christ – who really has become “a new creature” in Him (as Second Corinthians chapter five says) (c.f. II Corinthians 5:17) – who’s in the process of learning how to “lay aside the old self that’s been corrupted by sin, and put on the new self that bears the likeness of God” (as Ephesians chapter four says) (c.f. Ephesians 4:22-24) – who’s learning how to “(perform) deeds appropriate to repentance” (as Acts chapter twenty-six says) (c.f. Acts 26:19-20) – who’s learning how to “die to sin and live to righteousness” (as First Peter chapter two says) (c.f. I Peter 2:24).
In the physical realm, little children see everyone else walking – and something inside them says, “I want to walk, too!” But they can’t do it on their own – they need help to learn how to walk. We’ve all seen this happen – little children need mom and dad’s help to stand up and starting using their little legs – their first steps are made with mom and dad holding them, and later by holding on to mom and dad’s hand – they need mom and dad to pick them up when they fall down – and to encourage them to keep trying – until finally, they learn how to walk on their own.
A similar thing happens in the spiritual realm. When it comes to learning how to “walk in a manner worthy of the One who has called us” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:12), the first thing we need to realize is that we can’t do it on our own – we need our Savior’s help. What’s more, there’s one big difference – namely, that we never learn how to walk completely on our own. In other words, no matter how good we get at it, we never out grow our need for divine help. Indeed, the day we think we can turn loose of God’s hand and walk entirely on our own, is the day we’re going to fall flat on our face! Realizing that we will never out grow our need for Christ’s help is the essence of “walking by faith” (c.f. II Corinthians 5:7). Hence, Paul says (in Galatians chapter two) (in part): “… it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; (so that) the life which I now live in the flesh I live BY FAITH in (i.e. in utter and complete dependence upon) the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me” (c.f. Galatians 2:20) – AND, who doesn’t just teach me how to walk, but is also there enabling me to take each step (c.f. John 15:5).
(4) To “walk in a manner WORTHY OF the GOD who calls (us)” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:12) involves living our life in ways that please Him. Nor have we been left to ourselves to try and figure out what pleases God, and what doesn’t. On the contrary, we have His inspired written word, which Second Timothy chapter three says is “profitable for teaching (and) reproof, for correction (and) training in righteousness” (c.f. II Timothy 3:16). Read and study God’s word (c.f. Psalm 119:11) – believe what you find there, and put it into practice (c.f. Matthew 7:24) – and you will be walking in a manner that pleases Him! On the other hand, ignore God’s word – be a hearer, but not a doer (c.f. James 1:22) – and you can be sure that you are not walking in manner that brings Him pleasure.
(5) Every person has an obligation to “walk in a manner that pleases God.” But this is especially true for those whom God has “called”. Hence, our text is addressed to people who have already made a profession of faith in Christ, when it says we are to “walk in a manner worthy of the God who CALLS (us) into His own kingdom and glory” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:12).
There is a “general call” that goes out EVERY TIME the Gospel is proclaimed, and people are urged to repent of their sins and profess faith in Jesus Christ. This “general call” may come from the pulpit of a church, or during a one-on-one conversation with a friend – it may come by means of reading a book, or watching a video that lays out the plan of salvation. This “general call” reaches the physical ears of many people who ultimately reject the Gospel and die in their sins – and can be illustrated by the first three types of soil found in Jesus’ parable of the sower (c.f. Matthew 13:3-7, 19-22).
But, there’s also something called an “effectual call” – which may or may not accompany a “general call”. Nor will everyone who hears a “general call” also hear the “effectual call”. An “effectual call” is always “effective” – it’s always successful. The person whom God “effectually calls”, also receives spiritual “ears” so they can “hear” (c.f. Ezekiel 12:2; Matthew 13:9) the message of the Gospel, and respond by repenting of their sins and professing faith in Jesus Christ. In other words, everyone who hears this call (whenever the Gospel is proclaimed) is always saved. Moreover, a person may hear numerous “general calls”, before they are “effectually called”.
The “call” referred to in our text is an “effectual call”3 (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:12). To put it another way, Paul is addressing people who have been chosen for salvation (c.f. I Thessalonians 1:4), and then “effectively called”, not just “generally called” – who have not only heard the message of the Gospel, but have actually been enabled to respond to it in repentance and faith. These are not “pretend” Christians – these are “genuine” believers! Hence, it’s genuine believers whom Paul says are to “walk in a manner worthy of the God who (has CALLED them) into His own kingdom and glory” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:12).
(6) I said moments ago that every person (Christian or not) has an obligation to walk in a manner that pleases God. At the same time, however, we must acknowledge that this is utterly impossible for anyone and everyone who has not been redeemed. That’s why we shouldn’t be surprised when non-Christians behave like non-Christians – after all, they’re still spiritually dead (c.f. Ephesians 2:1), and enslaved to sin (c.f. Romans 6:20). So, how can they do anything else?! They’re still responsible to God for their actions – but so long as they remain in that dead depraved condition, there’s only one course they can follow.
For those of us who have professed faith in Christ, however, it’s a much different story! Through Christ, we have been made spiritually alive – through Him we have been set free from our slavery to sin. Which means that, by Christ’s enabling grace, we can now actually choose not to sin – we can actually do what’s right in God’s sight, and do it for the right reasons – we can actually “walk in a manner worthy of the (One) who (has called us) into His own kingdom and glory” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:12).
I’m not suggesting for a moment that we can do this on our own (because we’ve already seen that we can’t) – or that we do this perfectly (because we don’t) – or that we always choose not to sin (because sometimes we choose to run headlong into sin). But what I am saying is that in Christ we are no longer dead in our trespasses and sins – nor are we still enslaved to sin. We now have the God-given ability to live differently – to walk differently – and when we don’t, we bring shame and dishonor to the One who has called us into His kingdom and glory (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:12). Thankfully, though, God’s forgiving grace is far greater than all our sin (c.f. I John 1:8-9).
(7) Finally, then, what is this “kingdom and glory” into which God has called us, by means of the proclamation of His Gospel? Even a “kingdom and glory” that ought to motivate us to “walk in a manner worthy of (our calling)” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:12)?
Scripture says that God the Father is “a great King” (c.f. Psalm 47:2; Malachi 1:14) – while the Book of Revelation refers to God the Son as “King of kings” (c.f. Revelation 17:14; 19:16). Moreover, we know that every king has a kingdom – every king rules over a realm and a people. To become part of God’s kingdom, then, includes coming under His rule and authority – BUT ALSO His care and provision – for it is the duty and glory of a king to take care of his subjects. (In other words, God glorifies Himself, in part, by taking care of you!)
The proclamation of the Gospel, then, includes a call to cease all our rebellious and seditious ways, and submit to the rule and provision of our Savior, who is also King of the universe – even the greatest King who has ever existed! (Hence, the importance of not only “receiving Jesus as Savior” – but also as Lord!)
Our God and Savior’s current rule as King is invisible – and therefore, often ignored or denied,6 except by those who have professed faith in Christ. However, one day – when Jesus comes again – all that will change. Then His kingship and rule will become evident to all (c.f. Revelation 1:7) – for the Book of Philippians says that every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus IS Lord, to the glory of God the Father (c.f. Philippians 2:10-11). Those who do not acknowledge His kingship until that day, however, will not be saved – rather, they will receive justice and judgment without mercy (c.f. Hebrews 10:28-31) – and wrath, instead of compassion and forgiveness.
But, for those of us who have been enabled to hear the Gospel’s call, and have been wonderfully and mercifully saved (by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone) (c.f. Ephesians 2:8-9) – we will get to share in all the “glory” of our King and His kingdom (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:12). I’d love to be able to tell what that will be like – but I can’t – because I don’t know. No one does – for Scripture says, “eye has not seen … ear has not heard, (neither has it) entered (into) the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him” (c.f. I Corinthians 2:9).
So, how do we show our “love (for) Him”? By becoming spiritually lazy, or indifferent, or cold? No – it’s we do it by learning how to “walk in a manner worthy of the God who (has called us) into His own kingdom and glory” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:12), through the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
1http://www.wpcpca.org/Archive/02-07-10-am.html
http://www.wpcpca.org/Archive/02-14-10-am.html
2The Westminster Larger Catechism: Question #1.
The Westminster Shorter Catechism: Question #1.
3MacArthur: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary;
1 & 2 Thessalonians; p. 52.
4Hendricksen: New Testament Commentary; Thessalonians,
the Pastoral Epistles and Hebrews; p. 68.
5BCS: Strong’s Concordance; Word #514 and #516.
6Sproul: Essential Truths of the Christian Faith; p. 278.