First Thessalonians Sunday School Bible Study
Lesson Two
“The Model Servant”
Chapter one describes an ideal church but now in chapter two Paulshares things with the Thessalonians that reveal an ideal servant. It will explain why Paul’s converts stayed true to the Lord and why it grew. In this chapter Paul gives five pictures of the ideal Christian worker. This ideal can only come about by the grace of God as we trust in Him and receive freely from Him all we need in order to be faithful.
- He must be a Faithful Steward – 2:1-6
1 Thessalonians 2:1-6 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a waste of time. (2) As you know, we suffered persecution and were mistreated in Philippi. Yet we were encouraged by our God to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. (3) For our appeal does not spring from deceit, impure motives, or trickery. (4) Rather, because we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, we speak as we do, not trying to please people but God, who tests our motives. (5) As you know, we did not come with words of flattery or with a scheme to make money. God is our witness! (6) We did not seek praise from people-from you or from anyone else-
When most people speak of stewardship in churches generally it has to do with physical things like money. However, we all need to remember that every believer has been entrusted with the gospel and the Word of God. We saw in our study of First Timothy that God gave Paul the Word and then Paul gave it to Timothy and told Timothy to teach faithful men who would teach others. (I Tim. 1:11)
Question
According to I Cor. 4:1-2, what is the primary responsibility of a believer concerning the things that God has given to Him? ______It is on this basis that we will be judged and rewarded when Christ comes for His church.
In order to be faithful in his stewardship a believer must be willing to suffer. Look up and read what happened to Paul and Silas in Philippi in Acts 16:19-24. This was a horrible experience for Paul and Silas as far as the severe beating was concerned. However it did not deter them at all from continuing to serve the Lord and continue to proclaim the Lord. Why?
Question
What kind of opposition do Christians face when seeking to be faithful servants?
______
When people have negative experiences like persecution, criticism, and disappointment when serving the Lord, what kind of possible negative reactions or decisions could they makeas a result? Name some:
______
According to verse four, the faithful steward is to please God and not man. How can pleasing men or trying to win friends cause a believer to be tempted to compromise the Word of God? Name some ways the Word of God is being compromised today in order to please men inside and outside of the church?
______
According to verse three God can’t bless a stewardship ministry of the Word when the message and the divine pattern isn’t being followed. Paul never used deceit, guile(to bait the hook to catch a prey), or impurity to advance his message. He only spoke the true Word of God. All of us must be ever so careful not to use the Word of God for our own desires and goals, even if those goals have a semblance of godliness.
Question
How can we improperly use the Word of God in such a way that we are no longer good stewards?(see verse five read also Jn. 8:29; Acts 4:18-21; Gal. 1:10)
All too often sycophantism is practiced by people to achieve their goals. Paul never compromised the integrity of God’s Word to gain converts or to gain men’s praise. When Christians run for politics or live and work in politically correct environments there is a great temptation not to be truthful about one’s own true feelings about God’s Word. Recently in a debate Gov. Rick Perry, a professed conservative born again Christian was asked if he thought whether or not Mormonism was a cult due to the statements a Baptist pastor made in his introductory remarks before Gov. Perry came forth to give a speech. Perry said he disagreed with the Baptist pastor and declared Mormonism not to be a cult. What do you think about that? (The question is principle based not politically based)
- He must have some nurturing qualities like a mother - 2:7-8
1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherishes 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.
It may seem odd to some that Paul would compare himself to a mother/nurse who suckles her own children. In I Corinthians 4:14-15 he speaks of birthing the Corinthians through the gospel.
In light of this, what kind of attention do the verses above reveal of new convert’s needs? What healthy attitudes should the mature Christian have towards them? Look up these health foods found in the scripture and share how they are to be applied in the believers.( I Pet. 2:2; I Cor. 3:1-4; Heb. 5:11-14; Ps. 119:103; Mt. 4:4)
How a mother feeds her children is almost as important as to what she feeds them. A meal lovingly and patiently cooked and served makes the dining a whole lot more pleasant. How are meals often served in churches and among Christians that may not be wholesome or delightful?
- He also must be willing to do whatever it takes to spread the gospel - 2:9-10
1 Thessalonians 2:9-10 Forye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. (10) Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
This is one of the most taken out context verses dealing with remuneration of ministers. Paul was a missionary coming into pagan lands where there was no cultural context for the financial support of missionaries. Because the gospel was new in Greece Paul didn’t want it to be seen as money making venture that could be exploited and misinterpreted by the people. Paul didn’t want anyone to have any notion that “money making” was in any way a motivation for spreading the gospel.
Paul had a tent making ministry to supplement his income. At times he was supported by other churches (II Cor.11:8) and there were times he would have to work making and selling tents (Acts 18:1-3). After working all day he would go to the homes of interested parties all evening, if it was called for, in order to minister to the new believers or interested parties. During that whole time Paul only did what was right. He was totally separated for the gospel and didn’t behave in any way with which the Corinthians could justly accuse him of wrong doing.
I think one of the main things we need to see in this passage is the fact that God’s call is God’s supply whether by laboring with our own hands or by being supported by others. The important thing to see here is to see the cultural sensitivity and need of discernment to determine which would be better for any particular moment in time.
Question
What would be the problem today if missionaries had to work in order to support their ministry in a foreign country?
______
- He must have some fatherly qualities – 2:11-16
1 Thessalonians 2:11-16 (11) As you know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, (12) That you would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. (13) For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worked also in you that believe. (14) For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: (15) Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: (16) Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
A father must watch over his children and make proper sacrifices for their welfare. Little children are great imitators so it is important for fathers to live exemplary lives through the grace of God. The Thessalonians saw Paul’s sacrificial labor and love. As a father he saw to it his children in Christ were properly educated the best he could in the period of time he had with them. These Thessalonian believers not only imitated Paul but they also imitated their older brothers in Christ (the other churches) who were undergoing persecution with the same endurance. As a father Paul had a threefold ministry to his children; 1) he exhorted them, 22) he comforted/encouraged them, and 3) he charged them to be obedient in what they knew to be true as children of the kingdom.
Every father wants to see his children mature into healthy and whole people. Paul also wanted to see his spiritual children walk in a way that would honor God. He was so thankful for the way they readily received the Word of God and held on to it regardless of any persecutions that would come their way.
All Christians need to understand and be warned that there are enemies of the gospel who would persecute them. Anyone who truly follows Christ can expect persecution from many different sources.
Question
What are various forms of persecution do we see in the world today concerning Christians?
______
In what form does persecution take place in the United States?
______
- He must be a loving brother – 2:17-20
1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 (17) But we, brethren,being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. (18) Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. (19) For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? (20) For ye are our glory and joy.
It is so important that a servant of Christ see the congregation as family/brothers. When Paul said he was taken from them, the Greek word is literally “orphaned” from them. He felt like he lost his family. What a difference it is today when people leave churches so easily for almost any reason. Paul felt like a child away from home. He loved them, prayed for them and had great desire to see them again.
It is interesting to note that his delayed absence was seen as a hindrance of Satan. How the devil loves to hinder the work of God. How many phones have rung the moment one was about to make a decision for Christ through the evangelist, or dogs beginning to bark or other disturbances when crucial decisions for God are about to be made. When a person decides to be a good steward in the kingdom he/she can expect Satan to do all he can do to hinder that work.
Share some ways you have seen Satan hinder God’s work. Is there anything one can do to preempt Satan?
As previously mentioned the end of this chapter ends with the reference of the return of Christ. In chapter one it is in context with salvation but here it is in context to our reward in service. Paul was able to minister faithfully and lovingly because he saw them in light of Christ’s coming. He could see himself rejoicing over them in Christ’s presence. Just as Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him, we should endure the hardships of ministry for the joy of what will be set before us in the saints. All ministry for the glory of God will seem totally worth any and all inconvenience, hardship, and suffering for the joy we will experience together. Only at that time will we understand to the fullest the glory that is between Christ and His church.
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Paul knew he was to be a sharer in this joy. He saw himself like a match maker that brought together the groom and the bride; perfectly matched for one another and now celebrating the glorious occasion. Paul endured so much suffering in his ministry for the anticipation of this joy.
II Cor. 11:2…for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
How tragic so many will have no souls to rejoice over because they failed to understand this and prioritize ministry as a good steward of God. Everyone who obeys and desires to be that good steward will experience unspeakable joy in the day of Christ. Sabrina and I introduced a special couple together and I had the privilege to marry them. It felt so cool to be a part of that. Every wedding is special but this one is even more special to me because I was used of God to bring them together.
May God help us all to be faithful in our spiritual stewardship. What a time of anticipation we should have for the day Jesus is united with His bride. Such anticipation will help us endure any hardship for the joy set before us in that day.