I Thessalonians 2: 2-7
INTRODUCTION:
Paul was a very effective missionary and pastor. Just look at what he did in Thessalonica. In just a few weeks, Paul had won enough people to Christ that a church was established. Paul established this church without the benefit of our modern church planting methods. For instance, Paul planted this church without the benefit of modern media. He didn't have radio or television to advertise on. Paul also did not have a prime piece of property or a building that would impress people. Also, keep in mind that Paul was preaching in a city that had never heard the gospel. We have all the benefits that Paul did not have and yet it takes us years to establish a church. Paul did it in just a few weeks. Paul also had this church established doctrinally before he left. In just a few weeks, he had taught them the major doctrines of the faith and had them established. This is amazing when you consider that many people today go to church for years and are still Biblically illiterate. Paul was an effective missionary, preacher and pastor.
This points out the need today for effective teachers and personal workers. Leadership is still the key to any effective organization, including the church. No church will ever be any stronger than those who lead it. So, let us notice what made Paul so effective and then see if we can put these principles into action in our lives.
PAUL WAS EFFECTIVE BECAUSE HE REFUSED TO GIVE UP V. 2
Paul had some moments that would have caused most people to quit serving Christ. In verse 2, Paul reminded the Thessalonians about one of those moments. Paul suffered and was spitefully treated at Philippi. I know that Paul saw some good things take place at Philippi. Lydia and her household was saved and a demon possessed girl was delivered. But those successes were greeted by Paul's being beaten and then put in prison. Even when Paul was later released, there was no apology. That would have been enough for most of us to quit and go home. As a matter of fact, it doesn't take much to cause most of us to give up. Many quit the church when they get their feelings hurt over not getting their way over some petty issue. Some quit the church because they were not recognized for what they were doing. Paul would have marveled over such pettiness.
Notice why Paul didn't quit in the face of such abuse. Paul didn't quit because he knew what the consequences were if he did. If Paul quit, there would be no one to share the gospel with the lost. They would die without Christ and their blood would be on his hands. This reveals a lesson to us. God has put us on this earth at this time and in this place to reach people that only we can reach. If we are not faithful to that calling, the people God put us on this earth to reach will suffer. Don't quit. People are depending on us. Paul didn't quit because Jesus didn't quit. Jesus suffered far more abuse and injustice than we will ever suffer. Yet, He endured it all and gave us an example to follow. The victory goes to the one who remains faithful, even though at times, we may want to give up. To be effective, we must refuse to quit.
PAUL WAS EFFECTIVE BECAUSE OF THE WAY HE DEALT WITH PEOPLE
Paul was honest and open with people in how he shared the Word v. 3-6. Paul never tried to trick people or use flattery to move people. Paul also never used his position to advance himself materially-- cloak of covetousness. Paul spoke with a desire to please God, who tries the heart. God knows our motive and pleasing Him is all that matters. Whether a personal worker who shares the gospel or a preacher who stands before a congregation, our job is to just faithfully share what God has given us in His Word. We don't get to invent the message. Our message is found in the Bible. hat is why Paul tells us to study the Word in II Timothy 2: 15. As we share, our job is to trust the Holy Spirit for any results we might see. And if, because of our sharing Christ, we suffer, we are called upon to do that joyfully. Christian work is not about us-- it is about Him.
Paul was also gentle in his dealings with people v. 7. A mean spirited believer is a contradiction in terms. Paul said in Philippians 4: 5, "Let your gentleness be known unto all men." One of the fruits of the spirit is gentleness or meekness. God expects His people to be kind and gentle. I know that we often have to oppose and even rebuke people. But, we don't have to be harsh or brutal when doing so. We don't have to make personal issues out of what we do. We should also hurt when we have to reprove another believer. People will listen and even accept what you tell them if they know you love them. The disciples listen when Jesus rebuked them and even accepted it, all because they knew He loved them. Effective Christian workers are gentle people. They are gentle with people because they know spiritual growth takes time. Many people in our churches are not yet spiritually mature people. For them to become that, they need a teacher or pastor who will be patient and gentle with them while they grow.
CONCLUSION:
As we are patient, refuse to quit and then deal with people openly and honestly, God will bless. Paul was an effective worker for Christ and we can be too.
INTRODUCTION:
Paul was a very effective missionary and pastor. Just look at what he did in Thessalonica. In just a few weeks, Paul had won enough people to Christ that a church was established. Paul established this church without the benefit of our modern church planting methods. For instance, Paul planted this church without the benefit of modern media. He didn't have radio or television to advertise on. Paul also did not have a prime piece of property or a building that would impress people. Also, keep in mind that Paul was preaching in a city that had never heard the gospel. We have all the benefits that Paul did not have and yet it takes us years to establish a church. Paul did it in just a few weeks. Paul also had this church established doctrinally before he left. In just a few weeks, he had taught them the major doctrines of the faith and had them established. This is amazing when you consider that many people today go to church for years and are still Biblically illiterate. Paul was an effective missionary, preacher and pastor.
This points out the need today for effective teachers and personal workers. Leadership is still the key to any effective organization, including the church. No church will ever be any stronger than those who lead it. So, let us notice what made Paul so effective and then see if we can put these principles into action in our lives.
PAUL WAS EFFECTIVE BECAUSE HE REFUSED TO GIVE UP V. 2
Paul had some moments that would have caused most people to quit serving Christ. In verse 2, Paul reminded the Thessalonians about one of those moments. Paul suffered and was spitefully treated at Philippi. I know that Paul saw some good things take place at Philippi. Lydia and her household was saved and a demon possessed girl was delivered. But those successes were greeted by Paul's being beaten and then put in prison. Even when Paul was later released, there was no apology. That would have been enough for most of us to quit and go home. As a matter of fact, it doesn't take much to cause most of us to give up. Many quit the church when they get their feelings hurt over not getting their way over some petty issue. Some quit the church because they were not recognized for what they were doing. Paul would have marveled over such pettiness.
Notice why Paul didn't quit in the face of such abuse. Paul didn't quit because he knew what the consequences were if he did. If Paul quit, there would be no one to share the gospel with the lost. They would die without Christ and their blood would be on his hands. This reveals a lesson to us. God has put us on this earth at this time and in this place to reach people that only we can reach. If we are not faithful to that calling, the people God put us on this earth to reach will suffer. Don't quit. People are depending on us. Paul didn't quit because Jesus didn't quit. Jesus suffered far more abuse and injustice than we will ever suffer. Yet, He endured it all and gave us an example to follow. The victory goes to the one who remains faithful, even though at times, we may want to give up. To be effective, we must refuse to quit.
PAUL WAS EFFECTIVE BECAUSE OF THE WAY HE DEALT WITH PEOPLE
Paul was honest and open with people in how he shared the Word v. 3-6. Paul never tried to trick people or use flattery to move people. Paul also never used his position to advance himself materially-- cloak of covetousness. Paul spoke with a desire to please God, who tries the heart. God knows our motive and pleasing Him is all that matters. Whether a personal worker who shares the gospel or a preacher who stands before a congregation, our job is to just faithfully share what God has given us in His Word. We don't get to invent the message. Our message is found in the Bible. hat is why Paul tells us to study the Word in II Timothy 2: 15. As we share, our job is to trust the Holy Spirit for any results we might see. And if, because of our sharing Christ, we suffer, we are called upon to do that joyfully. Christian work is not about us-- it is about Him.
Paul was also gentle in his dealings with people v. 7. A mean spirited believer is a contradiction in terms. Paul said in Philippians 4: 5, "Let your gentleness be known unto all men." One of the fruits of the spirit is gentleness or meekness. God expects His people to be kind and gentle. I know that we often have to oppose and even rebuke people. But, we don't have to be harsh or brutal when doing so. We don't have to make personal issues out of what we do. We should also hurt when we have to reprove another believer. People will listen and even accept what you tell them if they know you love them. The disciples listen when Jesus rebuked them and even accepted it, all because they knew He loved them. Effective Christian workers are gentle people. They are gentle with people because they know spiritual growth takes time. Many people in our churches are not yet spiritually mature people. For them to become that, they need a teacher or pastor who will be patient and gentle with them while they grow.
CONCLUSION:
As we are patient, refuse to quit and then deal with people openly and honestly, God will bless. Paul was an effective worker for Christ and we can be too.
MIKE HONZELL, PASTOR
COLLEGE AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH
LEVELLAND, TEXAS
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