ENGENDERING SPIRITUAL GROWTH
2 Thessalonians 2 and 3
“So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.”
As a missionary, Paul was involved in the ministry of the Gospel and this involves sharing the Gospel to those who have yet to understand and respond to it, as well as nourishing the Gospel seed that has taken root in the hearts of believers. In these few verses we can extract the things he does for the latter, engendering spiritual growth.
TEACH AND COMMAND: Paul does not leave the spiritual babies in his care to fend for themselves. He taught them by word of mouth and by letter. He sets their attitudes to God’s Word right by commanding them (see 3:4) to do what they ought. As spiritual parents and mentors, we need to teach God’s Word and assert authority so that young Christians will learn to recognise the authority of the Word and of the Lord.
PRAY: Paul consistently prays for those in his care, to thank God for them, to seek for their growth and nourishment, and to seek God’s protection over them. He understands that while he may be their under-shepherd, the Lord is the chief Shepherd. At the same time he also encourages them to pray, both for those in the field as well as for the work of the Gospel itself.
CONNECT: Ultimately young Christians need to develop their own spiritual connection with God: Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Paul constantly tells them of God’s grace, God’s love, God’s encouragement, God’s strength and protection. In modern times, the place of quiet time and prayer in the Christian’s life has become a vital aspect of this connection.
MODEL: This is not found in the text we have been looking at but in 3:7-9 that we will be considering next week. The parent or mentor (or teacher or pastor) must not be found to be hypocritical. This is not about being perfect but being honest and also honestly dealing with failure as a Christian ought.
“May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”