“We Behaved Ourselves Among You That Believe” (1 Thess 2:10)

“You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and unblamably we behaved ourselves among you that believe”

Behavior is important. Paul charges the Thessalonians to see his conduct as EVIDENCE that he’s of God, and we must have this evidence too: the scriptures must DECLARE us saved, or we don’t know Christ. It isn’t enough to have a gospel message, no matter how “true”; we must have the message unto good works, the WHOLE counsel of God (Acts 20:27). Those incomplete people who preach and do only part of God’s word need to hear the whole counsel and be taught that EVERY word of God is pure, not only to talk but also to do. The bible is a radical message of NEWNESS of life, and we’re to walk in the new, REJECTING the old constantly (Rom 6:4). Paul gives illustrations of what true religion and preaching is: make sure that you know God this way and be sure that your leaders do (1 Thess 2:1-12). Do not have a Christ that doesn’t PRODUCE these MANDATORY things in His people. Make sure the conduct matches the message, in spite of trials, and you have God for sure.

Public Worship (Henry Mahan)

I was glad when they said unto me,
let us go into the house of the Lord.” (Psalm 122:1)

I can and do worship the Lord anywhere; I can pray and rejoice in God’s mercy in Christ anywhere; I can read the Word and meditate upon His grace anywhere; but there is a time and a place (referred to as the house of God) where the people of God gather in His name each week to worship, pray, preach His Word, and encourage one another. He promised to be in their midst. They meet to seek His face, His blessings, and to hear the Word He has given His servant for them at that time. They also come with their children to be identified individually and as families with the Lord and His kingdom. They come to praise Him in joy and seek His comfort in their sorrows. For all these reasons, I am glad when that day dawns and that time approaches and I can meet my true family in my Father’s house. I must be honest, as one called of God to speak for Him: I cannot believe for one moment that those who forsake this sacred assembly and find every excuse not to be there (whatever the reason) have a true love and regard for our blessed Redeemer.

Pastor Henry Mahan