1 Thessalonians

As Paul writes the Thessalonians recalling his preaching and their conversions, we learn a great deal of how the priesthood is to be exercised in preaching and teaching the gospel, for -

"...we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 2:2)

It appears one of the requirements to preach his gospel was that of worthiness and humility -

"For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 2:3 - 4)

Explaining

"...how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe..."
(New Testament 1 Thessalonians 2:10)

It was not done dramatically with false motivation as Paul declared -

"...neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 2:5)

And not for personal gain, pride, or control -

Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
9 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.
(New Testament 1 Thessalonians 2:6 - 9)

As Paul described his and his companions methods of teaching, he also explains the Thessalonians method of coversion saying -

"For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 1:5)

"....because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 2:13)

And by the witness of the Holy Ghost -

"...ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 1:6)

Paul taught a consistent theme to the believers -

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast." (New Testament Ephesians 2:8 - 9)

But it also becomes apparent that faith has a lot do with obedience to the commandments as Paul taught -

"For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?" (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 3:9 - 10)

Paul explained -

"For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 4:2 - 3)

Such as -

"...that ye should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 4:3 - 4)

"That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 4:6)

That they -

"increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 3:12)

"...That ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 4:11)

"...That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 4:12)

It becomes clear that Paul was suggesting that the required -

"...stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 3:13)

"For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness..." (New Testament 1 Thessalonians 4:7)