When we talk about a faithful pulpit, we generally think of good exegesis and Christocentric preaching; However, I fear that we can reduce faithful preaching to a mere exegesis and the preacher to an expert. The preacher is not only an expert, but a prepared vessel. A faithful pulpit requires a good exegesis, but also the application of the text in the life of the preacher first and then its application to the congregation.
When Paul writes, he clearly shows us how the gospel has shaped his life. It is one thing to define the gospel and another to define your life. It is possible to be a minister in a church without being a minister of the gospel.
In this text we can see in Paul’s example the characteristics of a faithful pulpit:
Paul says that the believers of Thessaloniki knew that their stay had not been fruitless.
Paul says that the believers of Thessaloniki knew that Paul had been mistreated and outraged to proclaim the gospel of God, in the midst of much struggle; the unfaithful preacher abandons ministry in the face of persecution, but Paul in the midst of persecution. many struggles, it didn’t change the message
Paul says he had the courage to trust God. Boldness is not something of the flesh, but God produces in life. The fear that man displays in the midst of opposition is a clear demonstration of a lack of faith in the gospel.
Lack of integrity takes away the power of preaching, although it does not take away the power of the Word, because God circulates his power through prepared vessels.
Paul says he had been tested and approved by God, to the point of entrusting him with the gospel. Throughout the Bible, God tests His servants before placing them in a prominent position. Joseph was tried in prison before being used in government. it was tested for 40 years in the desert before being used. Paul insists that the pastor cannot be a neophyte.
When Paul says he is not trying to please men, that does not mean that Paul does not care about his testimony; strived to maintain a pure conscience before God and men (Acts 24. 16); but that means he wasn’t looking for his own glory. or benefit, but the glory of Christ.
In verses 5 and 6, Paul again says that these believers knew that he was not using the language of the flattery, nor did he seek the benefit or glory of men. The Apostle even asks for the testimony of God.
A faithful preacher seeks God’s voice to be heard, God’s glory to be seen, and God’s will to be obeyed.
Paul says that, despite the imposition of her authority, she was affectionate as a mother caressing her children with the believers of Thessaloniki, if anything the gospel does is soften the character of the preacher if she allows the gospel. to transform his own life.
This is a key feature of a minister of Christ: to be ready to give his own life. We often think that discipline is simply putting people in a classroom. However, Paul not only gave the gospel, but his own life transformed by these people. . Just as Christ gave his life and Paul gave his life, the faithful minister gives his life for the sheep.
The effect of this faithful preaching on the life of the congregation is that they have become imitators of Christ and Paul (v. 6), they have maintained spiritual joy in the midst of persecution (v. 6b), they have become a model for all believers (v. 6b). 8), his faith has spread everywhere (v. 8), has become true idols to God (v. 8), and has even faithfully suffered for the Gospel (2. 13-15)