As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
Paul's ministry was personal, reaching every single believer one by one to urge them forward, to comfort them, and to solemnly charge them with the tender and faithful care a father shows his own children. That fatherly faithfulness did not spare firm dealing, for it faithfully rebuked and warned converts when they needed correction. At the same time it tenderly cherished them, holding rebuke and warning together with gentle, father-like affection.
Its aim was to lead believers to a life worthy of God, who has called them to His own kingdom and glory. Those entrusted with the gospel must follow that same pattern with every person, exhorting and comforting and solemnly charging each one to live worthy of that calling. Those in positions of influence are likewise to take a father's care as their model of stewardship toward others. Such faithfulness speaks to please God who tests hearts rather than to please men, using no flattering words toward any favorite, since flattery puts the flatterer's own soul in peril.
It belongs to holy and just and unblamable conduct that God requires as personal experience. That means being Christlike at home and abroad, in health and in sickness, when amid the world and when in the sanctuary. Making this the experience gives a hope that does not disappoint, has fidelity testified in the heavenly record, and will have every patiently endured trial rewarded when Christ comes to give to every person according to works. As a model of stewardship, a father's care calls for justice and tenderness and truth, for a Christlike spirit, and for close unity and fellowship with fellow believers.
Paul's ministry was personal, reaching every single believer one by one to urge them forward, to comfort them, and to solemnly charge them with the tender and faithful care a father shows his own children. That fatherly faithfulness did not spare firm dealing, for it faithfully rebuked and warned converts when they needed correction. At the same time it tenderly cherished them, holding rebuke and warning together with gentle, father-like affection.
Its aim was to lead believers to a life worthy of God, who has called them to His own kingdom and glory. Those entrusted with the gospel must follow that same pattern with every person, exhorting and comforting and solemnly charging each one to live worthy of that calling. Those in positions of influence are likewise to take a father's care as their model of stewardship toward others. Such faithfulness speaks to please God who tests hearts rather than to please men, using no flattering words toward any favorite, since flattery puts the flatterer's own soul in peril.
It belongs to holy and just and unblamable conduct that God requires as personal experience. That means being Christlike at home and abroad, in health and in sickness, when amid the world and when in the sanctuary. Making this the experience gives a hope that does not disappoint, has fidelity testified in the heavenly record, and will have every patiently endured trial rewarded when Christ comes to give to every person according to works. As a model of stewardship, a father's care calls for justice and tenderness and truth, for a Christlike spirit, and for close unity and fellowship with fellow believers.