0419. Paul's Manner of Life

Paul’s Manner of Life

"What manner of men we were among you" (1Th_1:5).

1. In discussing the character of Paul, we get some wonderful glimpses in the 1James , 2 d chapters of Thessalonians. First of all we might emphasize the purity of his life. "Ye are witnesses also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believed." Paul lived the Gospel he preached. He sought to have always a conscience void of offense toward God and toward men. He knew nothing against himself, yet in this he did not justify himself. He was a man whose life preached what his lips proclaimed.

2. In the next place Paul was gentle and affectionate. He loved his people; he loved them with a devotion that made him willing not only to give unto them the Gospel of Christ, but his own soul also.

To the saints at Philippi Paul wrote: "I have you in my heart;" to the saints at Colosse he wrote: "Though I am absent in the flesh, I am with you in the spirit, rejoicing and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ." To the saints at Thessalonica Paul wrote: "Being affectionately desirous of you."

This spirit of tender love is all important in one’s manner of life. If we are to win men for Christ and build up men in Christ, we must love them. "His banner over me was love." This love is the fruit of the Spirit; it is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost. It is absolutely vital if we are to be of any real use to our Lord.

3. Paul was not only holy in his manner of life and gentle and loving in his spirit, but he was also faithful in his admonitions.

Paul did not allow his love to check his faithfulness in rebuke. He never used fawning flatteries to fasten the people unto him; he never gave an exhortation with even a semblance of deceit or guile, but he exhorted and comforted and charged the saints as a father doth a child. Paul wrote to them: "For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord." He clearly and definitely set before them the life that would honor God and glorify His name. He felt that their faithfulness in life and service would be his joy, but that any failure on their part would break his heart.

4. Paul spent himself for the saints at Thessalonica. He said: "Ye remember brethren our labour and travail. Labouring night and day, not to be chargeable to any of you." And when Paul had left them, he wrote back to them: "Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and perfect that which is lacking in your faith."

With these four simple statements before us, we can estimate, in part, something of Paul’s manner of life among the people where he went preaching.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR