The church of Christ

At Granby, MO

Church of Christ Sermons and Lessons from 1 Thessalonians
Speaker	Sermon/Lesson Title   (Right Click to Download)	Audio Video  Text	Category
Bobby Stafford	Teachers of the Word, lessons from 1 Thessalonians		Thessalonians

The Conduct of Teachers

Introduction:

The last few verses of I Thessalonians, chapter one, stressed the importance of the power of example.  The Christians in Thessalonica had become imitators of the Lord.  As a result, their lives were examples of faithfulness to other Christians throughout the world.  In our text, Paul reminds his readers of his own conduct as an evangelist when he was among them and what kind of example he had been.

 Text:  I Thessalonians 2:1-12

 Body:

  I.  The Testimony of the Thessalonians (verses 1-2)

The phrase, “for you yourselves know,” appeals to their own personal knowledge.  Paul’s actions were not “vain,” empty, without fruit, nor of no effect.  Evangelism is a matter of life and death.  Preaching of the gospel produced great results.  Acts 17:4  The brethren knew how Paul and Silas had been treated at Philippi.  Acts 16:19-24 reveals that they were dragged to authorities who had them beaten with many stripes, thrown into prison where their feet were put in stocks.  Paul later wrote these words, “For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”         II Corinthians 4:11  Even though they had been so badly mistreated, they were still bold to speak the gospel.  This boldness encouraged other Christians.  Philippians 1:12-14  Paul’s suffering caused him and others to be more dedicated and zealous.  Hell will be filled with the cowardly.  Revelation 21:8

  II.  The Character of the Preaching (verses 3-4)

“Exhortation” is a calling upon; an admonition. Paul staked his whole life on the truth of the gospel.  He did not teach error, but the truth.  The exhortation was not done in deceit!  The Word of God clearly and forcefully warns us about false teachers and those who would try to deceive us in a religious sense.  The acid test of every sermon or lesson must be: “Is it true?”  Jesus warns, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”  Matthew 7:15  Peter warns us, “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.  And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.”  II Peter 2:1-2  So Paul also warns, “But evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.”  II Timothy 3:13               Paul emphasizes in our text that he and Silas presented the pure Word of God with no deceit, no impurity, no guile.  They had the right motives.  They were not preoccupied with results or numbers.  They were entrusted with a great treasure.  They had been approved by God to preach the gospel and it was His approval that they continually sought.  Pleasing people was never something Paul was overly concerned with; but rather pleasing Him who examines our hearts.  Galatians !:10 Many today yield to the  temptation to please men.

 III.  The Methods of the Preachers (verses 5-12)

Verse 5 – Paul did not use words of flattery nor insincerity to influence the Thessalonians.  That is characteristic of false teachers.  Nor did he teach out of greed or covetousness for money, power, recognition . . .  He reminded the Ephesian elders of this as well. “Then the commander came near and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and he asked who he was and what he had done.” Acts 20:33

 Verse 6 – Paul did not go seeking praise and honor from anyone.  That wasn’t his way.  He, as an apostle, had the right and authority to insist on certain needs being met; such as refraining from working a secular job.  I Corinthians 9:6

 Verse 7 – As a nurse cares for a baby, Paul was “gentle,” kind, and mild among them.  He wasn’t concerned about his needs being met, but rather meeting theirs!

 Verse 8 – Paul and Silas dearly loved these Christians to the extent they were willing to die for them.  They had a deep care and affection for the Thessalonians.  They were family now.

 Verse 9 – One way Paul showed them how much he cared was by laboring day and night so as not to be a burden to them.  His “labor and toil” was difficult work; hard, wearisome work.  His sacrifice as a tentmaker was well-known.  There is no room for laziness in teaching and preaching the gospel.

 Verse 10 – Paul and Silas had behaved in such a way as to be an example to them.  The definition of integrity is to have a high standard of behavior.  Three characteristics follow:

1. Devoutly, holy  Paul, in heart, had no impurities attached to his life or actions.
2. Justly  We are to be fair and just in all our dealings with people.                  II Corinthians 7:2
3. Blamelessly  No deed or word could be used to discredit Paul’s character.  Ephesians 1:4

 Verse 11 – Here Paul uses the figure of a father training his children.  Paul exhorted and admonished.  He tried to persuade them to live a certain way.  He comforted and encouraged. He praised them for all the good they had done.  He charged and urged them.  Paul insisted, implored, and warned.

 Verse 12 – This was all done to direct brethren to live worthy of God.  A holy life is characterized by devoted service.  Romans 12:1  The call of the gospel is answered whenever men obey it and are translated into the kingdom.

 Invitation:

We can enjoy the blessings of this kingdom today by obeying the same gospel the Thessalonians did.  

 Bobby Stafford

April 24, 2011