1 st st and 2 nd Thessalonians Lesson 3 1 Thes. 2:1-16 16 Review Where was Paul when he wrote these letters? Corinth When? On his second missionary journey. Around 52-53 53 A.D. 1
Review - Themes Their faith appreciation and concern The Day of the Lord Sanctification exhortations unto holiness Guidance for a young church Review Last Week s Lessons Paul begins the letter boosting their spirits and instilling confidence. Do we do this with one another? Do we have faith, love, and hope that are active? Do we receive the gospel today as the Thessalonians did? 2
Key Lessons Paul was a model of boldness. Are we bold in our approach with the gospel today? Paul s ministry was all that it should be as a servant of God. Can we describe our ministry in these same ways? We should walk worthy of our calling. Live in a way that gives honor to our God. Let us be constant in prayer and thanksgiving to God. 3
Summary Despite suffering mistreatment at Philippi, Paul was not intimidated. id t d After coming to Thessalonica, he boldly proclaimed the gospel despite continuing opposition. To counter the false charges of his enemies, Paul sets forth the honorable nature of his ministry. His message was not rooted in error, impurity or deceit. When religion becomes a pretext for greed, devious methods are often used. Flattering speech is oft employed. Yet, the apostle acted with complete sincerity. Having been entrusted with the gospel, Paul s ministry involved the fulfillment of a sacred trust. He sought only God s approval, and was manifestly disinterested in man s preference, praise, or perks. His method was not overbearing, but gentle like a nursing mother who tenderly cares for her children. His motivation was not self-aggrandizement; rather, Paul was compassionate and loving, like a father who exhorts and encourages his own children. (Mark Mayberry) Overview Highlighting: we or us 18 times Trying to reassure them. Paul and his companions speaking as one Genuine concern is for their well-being spiritually Together with them in the sufferings endured. 4
Why did Paul say their coming was not in vain? (v. 1) In vain - results in nothing, fruitless, without effect Had good success in Thessalonica in leading souls to Christ They are now a strong, vibrant church Describe the boldness of Paul and his companions. Why was this crucial? Suffered in Philippi Considerable resistance in Thessalonica Did not shy back Boldness certainly characterized Paul s approach to preaching. Acts 9:29; 14:3; Acts 19:8 Crucial - to be successful. A timid, unconfident approach will surely fail. 5
A Worthy Ministry An Unworthy Ministry Approved by God Boldness Deceit Error Flattery Gentle Preached Gospel Greed Impurity Proved Sacrificial Service Tender Care Vain A Worthy Ministry Approved by God Boldness Sincerity Truth Frankness Gentle Preached Gospel An Unworthy Ministry Disapproved by God Timidity Deceit Error Flattery Harsh Preached Man s Will Generosity (Expecting Nothing) Greed Purity Proved Sacrificial Service Tender Care Fruitful Impurity Fraudulent Self-serving Calloused and Uncaring Vain 6
V. 3 some things that it was not: In error strayed from the truth With uncleanness impure living With deceit literally means bait Implication their ministry was the complete opposite of these things V. 4 recognized the seriousness of the work God have given him their ministry was about pleasing God not men God tests their hearts knows them God knows the thoughts and intents of the heart we should never forget this. Psa. 139:1-2, O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. 7
V. 5 more of what they did not do Use flattering words excessive or insincere praise with ulterior motives Prov. 26:28; 28:23; 29:5 Can see right through flattery it is obvious These evangelists, however, were sincere A cloak for covetousness a pretext for greed no real interest in the gospel; a way to gain money Paul worked with his own hands, so that there was not the slightest appearance of this V. 6 not seeking the glory of men could have been more demanding by using their authority as apostles not doing this to be exalted; letting the gospel do its work alone on hearts V. 7 the gentleness of their ministry. nursing mother cherishes her own children Paul viewed them as his spiritual offspring conveys his great love and concern 8
V. 8 describes his care for them Affectionately longing for them fond affection, yearning love loved them and would do anything for them were pleased to even give their lives V. 9 how they supported themselves set an example of diligence (see 2 Thes. 3:8-12) further removed any possible accusation did not want to be a burden to them V. 10 appeal to recognize their pure behavior not perfection, but consistency as Godly evangelists. motives were pure V. 11 what the Thessalonians witnessed Exhorted tocalltoone s one side for encouragement Comforted soothed, consoled Charged implored; to summon as witness as a father does his own children 9
V. 12 concludes with this admonition Walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory brief admonition, but very demanding conveys what is expected, but also reassures them that they are God s special people An exhortation we should take to heart as well Walk, live, in such a way as to give honor to our God who has given us such a place of honor. fraudulent ministries today They often appeal to what people want to hear The gospel of prosperity A religion that requires very little They give the appearance of holiness and concern They entertain and appeal to people s emotions Safety in numbers Their evangelists come with titles and degrees - an heir of superior spiritual enlightenment or intelligence 10
Vindicating/Excusing Vindicate (Webster) - to provide justification or defense for : justify Excuses - when one has failed in some respect or is guilty Vindication - when one is prevented from fulfilling something or falsely accused Paul is vindicating the ministry and actions Appears as though they were maligned or falsely accused Discussion: Vv. 13-16 16 What is Paul thankful for? (v. 13) How the Thessalonians received their preaching That the word effectively works in them This speaks to the receptive hearts of the Thessalonians and how they recognized the truth of God for what it was Note too, further vindicates their ministry: it was in fact sincere and truly from God 11
Discussion: Vv. 13-16 16 Thessalonian Christians like the Judean Christians? Suffered at the hands of their own countrymen Trying to bolster their spirits in this - others have faced similar trials such as those in Judea Strong condemnation for the actions of the Jews in opposition to them Some measure of reassurance to the Thessalonians - these Jews will receive severe judgment and punishment. Discussion: Vv. 13-16 16 we thank God without ceasing Paul s prayer life? Not an occasional thing. Not just a mealtime habit. He was constantly speaking to God in prayer. Throughout the day and every day. He poured out his concerns and gratitude to God. He was ever mindful in his prayers of his brethren. Is our prayer life like this? Let s take this to heart! 12
Key Lessons Let us be constant in prayer and thanksgiving to God. We should walk worthy of our calling. Live in a way that gives honor to our God. Paul s ministry was all that it should be as a servant of God. Can we describe our ministry in these same ways? Paul was a model of boldness. Are we bold in our approach with the gospel today? 13