Sunday Message: 1 Thessalonians 2.1-12

Do Ministry Like an Adult!
1 Thessalonians 2.1-12

Message of 1 Thessalonians
God will produce holiness in you as stand faithfully on his promises, allow him to love through you and focus on the sure hope of his return to take us to be with Him forever.

Overview of 1 Thessalonians 2.1-12

• In 1 Thessalonians 2.1-12 Paul uses himself and his ministry team as an example of what we must be and do if we are to be effective ministers for Christ
• Effective Ministry is done by mature leaders who are characterized by the courage to live and speak the Gospel; gentle, loving care; and generous, selfless, hard-working discipleship.
• Effective ministry is done within the family of God by courageous leaders who serve in deeply connected relationships giving themselves to others in love. 

Effective Ministry 2.1

• The Goal is Effective Ministry  1
• The Thessalonians prove that Paul’s ministry was effective with their “work of faith,” “labor of love,” and “endurance of hope.” 1.3
• They were imitating Paul 1.6
• They were “ringing out” throughout the region – they were making tremendous impact 1.8
• What did Paul’s team do and how can we imitate it?? 

Courageous Ministry 2.2-4

• Paul’s Ministry was Characterized by Courage
• Courage is doing and saying what is right, true and good despite the danger or risk 2
• How do we become courageous?
• Focus on the good news that Jesus is Lord, not the opposition 2b
• Focus on the truth, not tactics  3
• Focus on the mission and the One who calls us 4a
• God gives Courage  2

Ineffective Ministry 2.3, 5-6

• Ineffective Ministry is Characterized by….
• Manipulative, deceitful tactics  3
• Flattery – Telling people what they like to hear instead of what they need to hear. 5a
• Greed – Taking care of one’s own needs and desires while pretending to serve others 5b
• Pride – Using ministry to seek fame, status or position 6
• These are fearful, self-preserving ministry tactics

“Motherly Ministry” 2.7-8

• The picture is of the mother of an infant because no one in this world works harder, gives more, for less wages than the mother of an infant!
• Gentle Care: A nursing mother is the epitome of connected, relational giving   7
• Giving of our Lives: Biblical Hospitality and Fellowship  8a
• Growth of Affection: Relationship is built; We are with each other to be for each other – Love 8b

“Fatherly” Ministry 2.9-12

• Generosity 9
• I will work hard so that I can meet the needs of others. I want to be a giver, not a taker
• Integrity 10
• I will live my life openly and honestly before God and people as an example to imitate
• Family Ministry 11-12
• Ministry is relational, connected, loving
• Ministry “comes alongside”
• Ministry inspires, praises and comforts
• Ministry challenges to greater growth