As we continue our study of 1 Thessalonians 2, we see the focus remains on presenting the Gospel. In our verse today, the Holy Spirit brings our attention to the labor involved in witnessing.
“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.” (1 Thessalonians 2:9)
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Most of us have heard the adage that something worth doing is worth doing well. It is a true statement. However, to do something well often involved much labor. There is no doubt that rescuing people from eternity without God is worth doing. Thus, it behooves us to do it well, which, in turn, means we must labor at it.
Witnessing is hard work. Two terms used in this verse relate to Paul’s witness efforts. They are “labor” and “travail.” The word “labor” simply means striking and repeatedly beating until weariness sets in. It conjures up pictures of a blacksmith pounding on heated metal, seeking to mold and make it into a useful instrument. The blacksmith labors long and hard under the intense heat of the forge as he works to the point of exhaustion. In the end, a beautiful instrument is produced worthy of the labor and toil used to make it. The word “travail” compliments the word “labor.” Its focus is on the pain involved in backbreaking work. Many of us have worked long, hard hours before. We even have felt the pain that comes from hard physical work. When it comes to sharing the Gospel, it requires long, hard hours, often accompanied by mental and spiritual distress. For some, like Paul, it even involves, at times, physical pain. However, if we stick with it, there are many rewards.
“Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:11–12)
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One fascinating thing about Christ’s words in Matthew is this. He goes on to encourage us to be salt and light for Him in the very following verses. More than anyone, Christ understood the labor and travail of the Gospel. He was beaten, spit upon, berated, and crucified so that we might be saved. Yet, He did so with great meekness. He endured knowing the greater reward was eternal life and salvation for all who would believe in Him. We must have the same focus. Yes, witnessing requires much work. We must seek every opportunity we can to share the gospel message. Witnessing means showing kindness in the face of open insults and harsh words. It means repeatedly giving out tracts even when others throw them away. However, we must endure with meekness and follow the example of Christ.
Witnessing also requires continuous labor. Note that Paul willingly labors “day and night.” There were no break times. No, for Paul, the Gospel’s urgency outweighed his personal desires and needs. Thus, he worked hard every possible moment while in Thessalonica, sharing the Gospel with as many as would hear. We need that same drive as believers today. All of us are guilty of getting caught up in our comfort and fulfilling our desires. May God grant us a passion for souls that drives us to Labor Day and night for those spiritually lost around us. An additional thought is this. Witnessing continuously means not giving up. Many have loved ones to whom they have witnessed repeatedly. Unfortunately, those loved ones still have not opened their heart to the Lord. On occasion, we hear of those who have witnessed and prayed for someone for years, and, finally, they unexpectedly open their hearts to the Lord. We must never give up on anyone. Instead, we must bathe them with much prayer anticipating the day they will open their hearts to the beautiful message of Christ.
The Holy Spirit concludes this verse with why we must be laboring and travailing continually as witnesses.
“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.” (1 Thessalonians 2:9)
KJV Bible
We have accountability to others. Just as we are accountable to God, we are responsible to our family, friends, and fellow countrymen. The word “chargeable” means burdened with a heavy burden. In other words, Paul desired to have a clear conscience concerning them and before God.
Guilt is like a vast red warning light flashing in our hearts and minds. We can ignore the warning light hoping it will turn off, or we can address the issue causing the light to flash. The Holy Spirit utilizes guilt to let us know something is wrong spiritually. Guilt from our lack of witnessing warns us that we haven’t done enough to share the Gospel. Let’s not be plagued by guilt by choosing to ignore its warning. Instead, let’s embrace the Holy Spirit’s warning by sharing the Gospel. When we do, we are no longer “chargeable” or overburdened with a guilty conscience.
Get out there and labor as a faithful witness of the Gospel! Who has God placed in your life to whom you can share the gospel message? Are you doing it? Are you working as hard as you can to help them see their need for Christ? Or, as we discussed, are you filled with guilt knowing that you have not done your duty as Christ expected? If not, I would encourage you to confess it, repent of it, and be determined to live obediently for Him.