Introduction
– Studying 1 Thess end 2022. Praying through it.
– God got my attention focussed on 1 Thess 2:11-12
– “For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:11–12 NIV11)
– encouraging, comforting and urging were key aspects of Paul’s loving teaching
– How is my blend and balance?
1. Encouraging
παρακαλέω parakaleō 109x
to call for, invite to come, send for, Acts 28:20; to call upon, exhort, admonish, persuade, Lk. 3:18; Acts 2:40; 11:23; to beg, beseech, entreat, implore, Mt. 8:5, 31; 18:29; Mk. 1:40; to animate, encourage, comfort, console, Mt. 2:18; 5:4; 2 Cor. 1:4, 6; pass. to be cheered, comforted, Lk. 16:25; Acts 20:12; 2 Cor. 7:13 → ask; comfort; exhort; implore; summon.
“And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.” (Luke 3:18 NIV11)
– Inspire courage
2. Comforting
παραμυθέομαι paramytheomai 4x
to exercise a gentle influence by words; to soothe, comfort, console, Jn. 11:19, 31; 1 Thess. 5:14; to cheer, exhort, 1 Thess. 2:12
“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14 NIV11)
– Convey compassion
3. Urging
μαρτύρομαι martyromai 5x
to call to witness; intrans. to make a solemn affirmation or declaration, Acts 20:26; 26:22; Gal. 5:3; to make a solemn appeal, Eph. 4:17; 1 Thess. 2:12
“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.” (Ephesians 4:17 NIV11)
– Take action
Conclusion
What is your main speaking aspiration for 2023 and how are you going to grow and sustain it?
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Keep calm and carry on teaching.
God bless, Malcolm
