[:en]Thoughts from 1 Thessalonians 2[:]

[:en]PAUL’S MINISTRY IN THESSALONICA (vs. 1-16)

Paul and his companion had been imprisoned in Philippi prior to coming to Thessalonica.  But it did not hinder them from preaching the Good News.  Their preaching demonstraded sincerity of his motives by not seeking for money, fame or popularity.  They never used flattery or praise to make their message more acceptable to cover up greed.  They used honest and straight forward words because they were not looking for praises form men.  They were gentle among the Thessalonica believers like a mother caring for her little children.  They love them to share the Gospel of God and their lives as well.  They worked night and day to support themselves so that they might not be a burden to the Tehessalonica believers.  They lived a holy righteous and blameless lives for them to follow.  They encouraged and comforted them to live lives worthy of God.  As a result, the Thessalonian believers became imitators of God’s churches in Judea.

Just as other churches suffered from the Jews who resented that Gentiles could become members within the Christian church, the Thessalonica believers also faced opposition, disapproval and ridicule from among their neighbors, friends and even family members.

PAUL’S LONGING TO SEE THE THESSALONIANS (vs. 17-20)

Paul and his companions wanted to come and see the Thessalonian believers because they were their glory and joy.  But Satan stopped them by working some way to keep them away.

SUMMARY:

  1.  Continue to share the gospel.  God will give you the strength and courage to do it despite of any obstacles that my come your way.
  2. Do not use flattery to please men.  Never compromise the Good news to make His message more acceptable to get what you want or to get ahead.
  3. Maintain a gentle attitude in your rellationship with others.  Gentlemness is being considerate, meeting other’s needs, allowing time for other person to talk and willing to learn.
  4. As much as possible, do not be a burden to anyone while preaching the gospel
  5. Be a good exmpale by your words and actions.
  6. Expect persecution of any form when you take a stand for Christ.
  7. The highest reward and greatest joy in God’s ministry is to see people come to Christ and growing in Him.

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