1 Thessalonians 2 - People Don't Care How Much You Know Until They Know How Much You Care!

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Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica

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. 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. 7 Instead, we were like young children among you.

Paul reviews his visit to the church in Thessalonica and reminds them of some of the conditions that accompanied him as he came from Philippi. At Philippi, they were persecuted greatly, and they were beaten and put in jail. Previously Paul had been accused by others saying he was not a true apostle and/or lacked character. 

Whenever we seek to spread the gospel, we are going to experience persecution and possible suffering. But in Paul's case it showed others he was the "real deal". Or, people said he had improper motives for sharing the gospel. But that is hard to justify that when you see what Paul went through to make all of these missionary journeys. 

Paul does not try to vindicate himself but points to the gospel, which speaks for itself. When our focus is on the gospel, we don't have to worry about what people say about us. We know we have an "audience of one". Paul could have used his authority to assert himself more forcefully, but he realized that the authority of God spoke for itself. 

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. 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.

Paul's ministry among them was not just preaching to them but living among them. He not only shared the gospel, but showed it to them as well. They "incarnated the love of Christ!" We also say, "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."

Paul realized these principles were true and lived them out. He loved the people as much as he loved the Gospel. Paul was really smart but what made Christianity different is it was not philosophical or other worldly. 

13 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.

Again, Paul's focus was not on himself or his personal power, but on the Word of God. God's Word has power when it is preached to those who have receptive hearts. The Word in itself has power, because Jesus is the Word (John 1:14). It is not a dead letter, but comes alive through the Power of the Holy Spirit. 

In addition to receiving God's Word, we all need people to encourage us, teach us, and model our lives after. We all need a shepherd, as God prepares us to be a shepherd for someone else. This is the essence of discipleship. We call it, "Be a disciple. Making a disciple." Note Paul doesn't make all the disciples himself at every church he starts. It would be physically impossible. 

Someone had a good image for discipleship.  "We look like a sheep in the front and a shepherd from behind!" This is the repeatable and reproductive process that every church needs to have at the heart of its DNA. Most churches talk about discipleship but have no plan or process to ACTUALLY do it. 

Paul ends by saying that if we follow him, we should not be surprised if we undergo suffering. Though persecutors may have some success in this life, they are storing up for themselves a horrible wake up call when they meet their Maker. It seems as God has inordinate amount of anger to those who have killed and persecuted His people. 

Paul’s Longing to See the Thessalonians

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.

Paul again shows he desire to meet them, which also destroys the argument of those who think he was fickle or had improper motives. We see his love for them and his "intense" desire to visit them. This is another unique aspect of Christianity. When you lead someone to Christ, there is a friendship beyond what the world offers, because it is empowered by the Holy Spirit. 

We also see that one of the strategies of the evil one (Satan) was to block the way for Paul to share the gospel. One of the names for Satan is the "obstructer". He is always trying to block the gospel from being planted, taking root, and bearing fruit, and he will do anything to make that happen. 

Paul knows that there are earthly rewards for being God's worker. He knows that he is achieving a crown and glory that will never fade away in heaven. Part of that crown is the Thessalonian Christians. When we play a part in leading someone to Christ, it is the most important thing we can do on this earth! Though Satan will try to shut the door, as we pray and persevere, we will be rewarded to a crown that nothing on earth can compare with! 

Are you living your life to achieve a crown that will never fade away? Are you being discipled? Discipling someone else?