1 Thessalonians 2:9-12 For you remember, brothers, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable to any of you… I. BY CHEERFULNESS. Nothing is more Christlike and winsome. Every flower, even, tries to make itself as pleasant as possible. Let us copy the flowers. Our cheerfulness honours God, and shows that He is a good Master, and make him a blessing to his neighbours. When your lose comes do not dishonour God by fretting. Do not draw your joy from the world's broken cisterns, but from the inexhaustible fountain of happiness. II. BY NOT BEING AFRAID OF THE TRUTH. Many would be willing to follow the truth if it were fashionable; but if we would walk worthy of God we shall follow it not only at the risk of popularity but of life. Let the example of Christ and the martyrs and reformers nerve you to uphold and proclaim the truth. Show by your life that you dare rest your life on the word of Christ. This needs a new heart and a right spirit. III. BY EARNESTNESS IN ALL WE DO. Our Divine trusts will not bear trifling with, and there is but a short time in which to discharge them. How energetic all have been who have walked worthy of God — Christ, the Apostles, etc. We work hard for our worldly employers, shall we work less for our heavenly? IV. BY GENUINE DISCIPLESHIP. Our practice should, like a good sovereign, ring properly when it is sounded. God is foully dishonoured when we are inconsistent. Be Christlike — 1. In word: truthful, clean, sympathetic. 2. In deed: pure, kind, helpful. (W. Birch.) Parallel Verses KJV: For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. |
    |