1 Thess 2 — Paul’s Ministry to the Thessalonians
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
My prayer is for you to join me on this journey. Subscribe to this blog below to get an email when a new post is available.
Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
Paul reminds the Thessalonians of the strong opposition encountered on their journey and yet there were positive results and provides strong encouragement for the young church, “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy” (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20). Paul thinks so highly of the Thessalonians that he hopes to celebrate their faith in the presence of Jesus when he returns. That is an amazing and encouraging thought.
As both mother and father, parents who lovingly support their children, Paul (and his staff) cared for this new church plant in a difficult area: “Just as a nursing mother cares for her children” (2:7b) and “we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children” (2:11). In between these verses we read of their dedication to the mission where they “worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you” (2:9). This is a strong case for bi-vocational ministry and my prayer for my future ministry. Lord please let me not be a financial burden on anyone, but let me preach the gospel to those who don’t know you and those who desperately need to be reawakened! Keep my appeal pure, “not trying to please people but Go, who tests our hearts” (2:3, 4). Lord, I am “not looking for praise from people” (2:6). I am just trying to do your will in this place, at this time and for your glory.