Gospel Ministry
1 Thessalonians 2:1-16
Main Idea: Faithful gospel ministry is a stewardship of the Word of God & a commitment to the people of God.
I. The Motivation for Ministry (2:1-6)
Paul defends his ministry when he was in Thessalonica by reminding them that he was not:
Deterred by suffering & conflict (2:2)
Acting in “impurity” nor attempting to deceive (2:3)
Seeking glory from man nor greedy (2:5-6)
Instead, Paul has a clean conscience and pure motives because he knew he was a steward of what ultimately belongs to God. He has been “approved by God” and “entrusted with the gospel.” This stewardship is both liberating and sobering, inviting the minister of the gospel to a posture of humble confidence.
1 Corinthians 4:2–4: It is required of stewards that they be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.
II. The Manner of Ministry (2:7-12)
Paul gives 2 images of his manner of ministry in Thessalonica:
1. A Mother (2:7-8)
A different set of traits is needed for pastors than for the business world’s management culture. Paul writes, ‘But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children’ (1 Thess. 2:7). This is not exactly the pastoral image that is most popular today. In an age when machismo and ‘catalytic, visionary’ life-coaching dominate the evangelical leadership ranks, the ministerial role of a breastfeeding mom is alien. There is a patience, a parental affection, a tender giving of one’s self that Scripture envisions for the pastor’s leadership role.” ~ Jared Wilson
This image is meant to reveal:
Ministry is an overflow of love (cf. Mt. 9:36)
Ministry is an act of self-giving
2. A Father (2:9-12)
Just as a father would be responsible for training up his children to follow in their work, inheritance, and trade, Paul acted as a “spiritual father” in this way, both his words and his actions.
He “proclaimed the gospel of God” while he also “exhorted, encouraged, and charged” his children to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling.”
He worked hard to not be a burden, and his conduct was “holy, righteous, and blameless toward them.” Paul was setting an example to the church (cf. 1 Pet. 5:3), urging them to “follow him as he followed Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1)
“In America, credentials qualify a person to lead. In Jesus, the chief qualification is character. In America, what matters most are the results we produce. In Jesus, what matters most is the kind of people we are becoming. In America, success is measured by material accumulation, power, and the positions that we hold. In Jesus, success is measured by material generosity, humility, and the people whom we serve… In America, leaders crave recognition and credit. In Jesus, leaders think less of themselves and give credit to others. In America, leaders compare and compete so they will flourish. In Jesus, leaders sacrifice and serve so others will flourish. In America, the strong and powerful rise to the top. In Jesus, the meek inherit the earth.” ~ Scott Sauls
III. The Message of Ministry (2:13-16)
The nature of the Bible: it is the very word of God communicated through the words of men as inspired by the Holy Spirit
2 Peter 1:21: For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
2 Timothy 4:1–5: I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
The activity of the Bible: it is “at work” producing fruit in the life of a believer (cf. 1:3-5) and a faithful perseverance in the midst of suffering (2:14-16)
We must “receive” & “accept” the word of God in the same way as the church in Thessalonica.
