Episode Description
For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. (2 Thess. 3:7)
Expanded Passage: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18
The stages of spiritual growth tend to be like the stages of human development. Just as someone is born as an infant, new Christians are often referred to as “baby Christians.” Humans grow physically, intellectually, and emotionally, and new Christians also grow spiritually in stages as they learn how to follow Jesus.
Paul saw himself as a spiritual parent to the new believers in Thessalonica. Even though he no longer lived with them, he had a great deal of affection toward them and desired for them to grow through his example. Paul was helping these new believers understand how to live like a Christian in a place where there had never been Christians. In this chapter, Paul is exhorting the Thessalonians to imitate his example. In particular, he is challenging them to work diligently as he did when he was with them.
We have all needed spiritual examples in our own lives. In Christian homes, this role is often held by the parents. In churches, this can be a pastor or children’s worker. Adults need spiritual models as well to help them grow spiritually. Following Paul’s example, we are all called to become mature spiritual “parents” to help others grow in Christ. Who was a significant spiritual parent in your life? How did their example impact your spiritual growth? Who is God possibly asking you to spiritually parent?
Consider how you may set a spiritual example for others.
Branden Petersen is the cofounder/pastor of Resurrection Life NYC in Manhattan with his wife, Jenn. He is also the founder and director of the urban church planting network, Global Cities Network.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.