1 Thessalonians 2:11 "As you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children,.."

Whereas Paul in cherishing was like a nursing mother, he did not fail to "exhort - comfort - and charge" as a father. A father exhorts to further effort, the one whose record is satisfactory. A father comforts by coming alongside to stir to the spiritual stretching of one who would otherwise be content in limited attainment. A father charges, that is, warns and appeals to get the best out of the lax one.

Bengel says: "Exhortation leads one to do a thing willingly, consolation to do it cheerfully."

I would add, and charging would have it done responsibly. It is important to mark for our learning that Paul had an individual interest in his spiritual children "every one of you," and that he combined a father's affection with his power of direction and authority. The aim of Paul's loving concern was:

1 Thessalonians 2:12 "That you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory."

• The worthy lifestyle of the redeemed is to walk in the Word of God.
• To walk in the will of God.
• To walk in accordance with the high calling of God. To please the Lord who called us.
• As the born again we can see the kingdom of God, and are to walk under the rule of God (John 3:3).

All living members of His regenerated company are to be vehicles of expression of the kingdom of God now. The kingdom will be fully ushered in and know final development with the return of Christ. His glory is upon His people here who are made worthy recipients of His glory through the applied blood of the Lamb of God by faith, and are given power to have the glory of God manifested through their lives. The calling of God is sure, the co-operation of our faith and walk brings its fulfillment, and the joy of culminating glory at His coming.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 "For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe."

A confident ministry is so when that confidence is based on God's Word. The hearing of faith takes place through the hearing of the Word of God. (Romans 10:17 ). The good news of God is the power of God unto salvation. (Romans 1:16 ). Its the Word that originates with God that saves, not the word of man's ideas and philosophies. To receive God's Word as God's Word releases in the receiver the quickening Word of God - the enlightening Word of God, and the sanctifying Word of God. In the strength of God's Word there is fortification for all afflictions and persecutions. A faithful minister is confident in God's Word - and knowing its his responsibility to preach the Word completely and with conviction. (Acts 6:2-4 )

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Is there a need for father ministry among believers?
   • What would be the gain of this kind of ministry for you?

2. How can you be a vehicle of expression of the kingdom of God?
   • Are you walking in the Word and will of God and in accordance with the high calling of God?

3. What is the secret of a confident ministry?
   • What is the kind of word ministered that you can welcome?