“Teach the Truth of God’s Word and When Necessary, Use Words!”
We often think of the Apostle Paul as one of the most prolific and
productive preachers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; however, by the
examination of Paul’s actions, we may gain as much tutoring as the words he
delivered to the world and brethren. In this lesson, we want to examine the
process of teaching without words.
Let’s look at Paul’s life along-side his teaching.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
“For you yourselves know, brethren, that our
coming to you was not in vain.
2
But even after we had suffered before and were
spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to
speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.
3
For our exhortation
did
not come
from error or uncleanness, nor
was it
in deceit.
4
But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so
we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.
5
For neither at any time did we use flattering
words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God
is
witness.
6
Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you
or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.
7
But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing
mother
cherishes her own children.
8
So, affectionately longing for you, we were
well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own
lives, because you had become dear to us.
9
For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil;
for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we
preached to you the gospel of God.
10
You
are
witnesses, and God
also,
how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who
believe;
11
as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and
charged every one of you, as a father
does
his own children,
12
that you would walk worthy of God who calls you
into His own kingdom and glory.”
This is powerful testimony regarding the
necessity to be blameless before the power of the Gospel as to protect the
integrity of its power. It was always God’s intent that the message of the
Gospel of Jesus Christ be delivered by preaching (earthen vessels);
1 Corinthians 1:21;
yet, at the same time, no flesh was to glory in the delivery or service of
the Gospel,
1 Corinthians 1:29.
This was also demonstrated by the Apostle Paul, using himself and Apollos to
explain, note:
1 Corinthians 3:5-7
“Who then is Paul, and who
is
Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each
one?
6
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.
7
So then neither he who plants is anything, nor
he who waters, but God who gives the increase.”
In addition to the Apostle Paul, let’s take a look at some others who have
taught great lessons by their actions as well as their words.
Acts 6:8
“And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the
people.”
Stephen, who would debate with the Freedmen
concerning the Christ, would be falsely accused and subsequently be stoned
to death. He demonstrated his life in the
path
of the Lord by stating in his last words;
“Lord, do not charge them
with this sin” (Acts
7:60). His life was an extension
of the message he preached.
Acts 9:36
“At Joppa there was a certain disciple named
Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and
charitable deeds which she did.”
There is no recorded roll for Tabitha in
vocally preaching or teaching the word of Christ; however, all around her,
people knew her good deeds and character. They were moved with deep sorrow
and heart felt loss as they showed Peter the tunics and garments she had
made for them (Acts
9:39).
Acts 16:1-2
“Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold,
a certain disciple was there, named Timothy,
the
son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father
was
Greek.
2
He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium.”
Even before Timothy would travel and learn from the Apostle Paul; we see
that he has developed a good reputation among the brethren in Lystra and
Iconium. This speaks volumes for his love and dedication to the Lord.
There are many more patterns of a walk
worthy of the Gospel (“Only
let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ”
–
Philippians 1:27);
however, these are sufficient for now to illustrate that the only way anyone
can have fellowship with the Father, is to walk in the light (1
John 1:7
“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with
one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all
sin.”), even before we say
a word!
We know that we are to share with the world
the hope that is in us with meekness and fear (1
Peter 3:15); however, the
sanctification of God in our hearts first is necessary to cause them to ask.
Hear is Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonian Christians:
1 Thessalonians 2:12
“that you would walk worthy of God who calls
you into His own kingdom and glory.”
Teach the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ at all times, and sometimes
use words!!!