1 Thessalonians 2 - Where Do You Find "Real" Relationships?

Click Here to Listen to or Read 1 Thessalonians 2

You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 2:1-3

Paul starts by stating that his ministry among them was sincere and not the work of a charlatan. This was not as much in response to the believers there, but those on the outside who were trying to discredit his ministry. The fact that Paul and his men preached amidst persecution shows the sacrifices they made for the gospel. Most importantly, Paul did not want to tarnish the gospel in any way. 

4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. 2:4-6

In Paul's day there were many religions who had ministers who were greedy for gain. Importantly Paul made it clear that they were accountable to God not any person. For them to do ministry for the sake of financial gain would be foolish knowing God alone knows a person's heart and motives. We may fool others but never God. The ultimate test of any ministry is how God will view it when we come into His presence one day. 

7 Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 2:7-8

Paul likened he and his team to a mother who single-mindedly cares for her children. At least a decent mom does. Paul's ministry was deeply relational. They shared the gospel and then lived it out in their relationships with them. I like to call this "life on life" ministry. Jesus was not as interested in information as much as transformation. He spent time with his disciples, and they learned to walk like Jesus in the "school of life". 

9 Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. 2:9-12

As part of their sacrificial ministry, they worked long hours so that they would not need any financial help from the Thessalonians. As they worked with them, they developed a deep affection for the church. They "bonded" as we say. They became family. This is a beautiful image for the church today. The church should be a community of Christ followers, who care for each other and encourage each other. Sometimes we need more encouragement and support than other during difficult times. And sometimes we encourage and support others as they go through their hard times. As Paul says in Galatians 6:2,

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." In this case the word "burdens" means those trials which one cannot carry by themselves. 

"And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews 15 who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone 16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last."  2:13-16

The key thing about the Thessalonian church was that they received the Word of God. We know the Word of God is Jesus, but also it represents the full counsel and authority of God. The Word of God is how God has revealed Himself to the world through Jesus. One can either accept it or reject it, but it does not change its truth. When people reject the Word of God, they put themselves above it and think their thoughts and ideas are higher than God's. Also, Paul teaches that the Word of God in itself has power. No other words have power in themselves except God's Word. 

"God’s Word works, it doesn’t only bring information or produce feelings. There is power in the word of God to change lives." - Guzik

17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 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? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy. 2:17-20

Paul again shows the depth of his pastoral heart. He was very fond of the Thessalonian church. We see the power in Christian relationships and the deep fellowship we enjoy as the body of Christ. The friendship and relationships are much deeper than those people in the world experience. And importantly, they are relationships which will last eternally. 

Questions to Ponder:

1. Do you spend time in God's Word? Do you consider God's Word as absolute and unchangeable truth? Do you do your best to live according to God's Word? Have you experienced its power to help you be the man or woman God has called you to be? 

2. Do you enjoy rich friendships with others in the body of Christ? Do your friends influence you to be more Christ-like, or to drift away from God and His Word!