1 Thessalonians 2:9-12 Walking Worthy

For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. [1 Thessalonians 2:9-12 NASB]

Paul said that he worked "night and day". That doesn't mean that he worked 24 hours around the clock. According to customs in the first century, the day didn't start until the sun was up. As long as it was still dark, 5:00 a.m was still night. It was a common expression that referred to getting up before dawn to work. Most likely, Paul began work in the early morning before the sun was up, and worked part of the day. This would give him time to preach the gospel as well as work. Although it is not always mentioned, this was, apparently, his practice wherever he went. The book of Acts tell us;

After these things he left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. He came to them, and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and they were working, for by trade they were tent-makers. [Acts 18:1-3 NASB]

Some churches cite Paul's example, making it a doctrine that preachers should not be paid. This does a disservice to the preacher, and is not scripturally sound. Paul had the right to be paid by those to whom he ministered, but chose to work instead. He says;

Do we not have a right to eat and drink? Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or do only Barnabas and I not have a right to refrain from working? Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat the fruit of it? Or who tends a flock and does not use the milk of the flock? I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I? Or does not the Law also say these things? For it is written in the Law of Moses, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING.” God is not concerned about oxen, is He? [1 Corinthians 9:4-9 NASB]

Paul chose to work because he knew his enemies would accuse him of taking advantage of the people. He could refute them by citing his own work record. Paul's behavior was above reproach.

Earlier, Paul compared himself to a nursing mother caring for her children. Now he compares himself to a loving father teaching his children. His goal was that they would walk worthy of God.

That should be our goal for ourselves as well - to walk worthy of God. We know that in ourselves we can never be worthy. But God has forgiven our sins, cleansed us from all unrighteousness, and made us worthy in His eyes. He also gave us His spirit to empower us so that we can walk in that worthiness. To be spiritual, you need to devote your mind to spiritual things; prayer, scripture, good deeds in His name.

If you want to be like Jesus, you need to know Him. Study the gospels. Last year I spent six months immersed in studying the gospel of Matthew. It changed my understanding of who Jesus is, and also of who I am. Also, quality time spent in prayer is essential. You can't know a person if you don't spend time with him.

Father, thank You for forgiving my sins, and for giving me your Spirit. I pray that You will give me the power and grace to live in a manner that is worthy of You.