Biblical and practical ministry, sermon outlines, Bible studies, meditations
and teaching for children's workers by Pastor David McFarland



Bible Study on 1 Thessalonians

"Loving, living and longing."

Study 4 : The Church and the People who Serve --1 Thess. 2:1-12

Paul paints three portraits of a minister

1. Messenger v.1-6

His Ministry

  • he had Divine approval v.4a
  • he was subject to Divine assessment v.4b

His Message

  • God's Gospel v.2,8,9. Word of God 2:13. Do not go beyond what is written in Word
  • Our Gospel 1:5 "entrusted to him" 2:4

His Motives

  • How Genuine v3 nothing untrue, unclean or unscrupulous. No flattery or covetousness or seeking glory v5,6
  • How Generous v6. "might have made demands" but would "not be a burden" v9

His Methods

  • Confident v2. bold in our God
  • Challenging v3.,11. exhortation
  • Conscientious v5. God is witness. seev10

    We are answerable to God for what, why and how we preach.

His Mission

  • "not in vain" v1.

2. Mother v.7-9

  • Caring v.7 nursing mother - gentle, affectionate, dear v.7,8
  • Sharing v.8 impart to you - food and self
  • Sparing v.9b not be a burden to any of you
  • Toiling v.9a labour and toil

 

3. Father v.10-12

1Cor. 4:15 "I became your father through the gospel"

  • he was an Example v.10 holy, righteous and blameless
  • he Encouraged v.11 exhort and comfort
  • he Explained v.11b,12 charged

    It is the "father's" duty to teach his children to "walk worthy of God"

 

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