Off the Shelf Sunday School--1 Thessalonians

Paul’s Ministry and Conduct (2:1-12)

You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 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.????Paul reviews his ministry with the Thessalonians in order to remind them of the purity of his motives and the sincerity of his character in promoting the gospel. His goal is to proclaim the gospel as it has been revealed to him by God. (Gal 1:11-17) There were some who were teaching errors or were gathering followers with impure motives. What might be some of the impure reasons for teaching a different gospel??Can you think of some examples of such popular teachers today?

2.????Paul speaks of his persistence in strictly adhering to the gospel despite opposition, insults and suffering. What motivated Paul to press on? Do we have this same motivation to press on in the midst of opposition?

3.????The character displayed by Christians is very important. Who we are is more important than anything we say. We are salt and light that attracts others when our actions reflect the character traits produced by the Holy Spirit. (Gal 5:22-23)?

4.????Paul includes Silas and Timothy as apostles. The word “apostle” means messenger. Who qualifies to be an apostle? (Mk 3:14-15; Gal 1:19; Heb 3:1; 1 Cor 12:28)

5.????Paul worked as a tent maker while proclaiming the gospel. (2 Cor 11:7-11) He did not ask or require his converts to support him. In this way, he demonstrated that he was teaching not to gain popularity or to make money. In many Christian churches today, the salaries of pastors are paid by their members. How might this cause concerns for the pastors and perhaps influence their preaching? Institutional denominations like Roman Catholicism pay the salaries of the priests. How might this situation influence their preaching?

6.????Paul says that they worked “night and day” living as examples of dedicated service to spreading the gospel. There is no indication of wasted time. We sometimes complain about not having enough time. As Christians, we need to take inventory of where we spend our time and energy. How much time do we invest in ourselves versus spreading the gospel?

7.????Their relationship was like a father with his children. Their motivation was based on love to see them grow up in their faith by providing knowledge, counsel and encouragement. This serves as a model for all Christians. We should seek to mentor those who are younger in the faith and be mentored by others who are more mature Christians. This is one reason why it is important to be members of a local church.

8.????Christians are to live lives “worthy of God.” What does this mean? (2 Cor 7:1, 10:5; 1 Pet 1:13-16)

9.????Christians are called into the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God invaded this world when Jesus, the king, appeared. The kingdom grows when those who God calls by grace put their faith in Jesus. (Mt 12:28; 13:11-23; 1 Cor 4:20; Eph 2:8-9; Col 1:13)??