Session 2 - Real Ministry

1 Thessalonians 2:1-16

Aim of the Study

A clearer grasp of the marks* of true gospel ministry
A greater commitment to the practice*of true gospel ministry

* in terms of :
a) Dependence on God
b) Integrity before God
c) Self-denying love for others
d) Readiness to suffer for the gospel

After reading the passage together, remind the group of the historical context of the letter, ie Timothy’s report on his return from Thessalonica…

How might Timothy’s report have prompted Paul to write in this (rather defensive) way?
Why was it important for Paul to defend himself?

What (specifically) might have provoked Paul to write v1?
What would have constituted ‘failure’ to Paul?
Why might he have been tempted not to tell them the gospel?
What should his willingness to evangelise despite opposition teach the Thessalonians?
What enabled Paul to keep evangelising despite opposition?
Why (logically) could he count on God’s help?
How do these 2 verses help us as we think about and get involved in evangelism?

No doubt many 1st C. religious charlatans did employ these tactics, as do 21st C. ones…

From v4 and v6, what seems to be at the heart of their false ministry? (ie What’s a key characteristic of religious conmen?)
By contrast, what’s the key characteristic of the true / ‘clean’ gospel minister?
As we think about our own evangelism, what’s the challenge/rebuke here for us?

Which 2 images does Paul use here to describe his relationship with the Thessalonians?
Why are these images particularly appropriate to the relationship between an evangelist and Christian converts ?

Mother (v6b-9)

Which key qualities of a mother does Paul particularly focus on?
How does the Greek word tr. ‘caring for’ give us a fuller picture of his ministry?
What’s the motive for his self-giving?
v8 Which key features of his ministry did Paul want them to remember?
(Focus on central section -“we were delighted…. …our lives as well”)
What does all this prove?
What further proof of his love does he give them in v9?
How might Paul’s behaviour have contrasted with that of the religious charlatans around at that time?
How do v8 and v9 challenge our thinking and behaviour?

Father (v10-12)

Why is Paul keen to call God as a witness (see also v5)?
What’s the link between v10 and v11?
Apart from by example, how else did Paul deal with them ‘as a father’?
What was the primary purpose of Paul’s example (v10) and his instruction (v11)?
Why do you think Paul added the final clause of v12?
Have you ever been encouraged by the example and instruction of a more mature Christian?
What should be the primary aim of ROOTS?
What must we keep telling each other, to help keep each other going in the Christian life?

Why (given the historical context) does Paul list the crimes of the Jews in such detail?
Can he be defended from the charge of anti-Semitism?
Why is the continuing activity of certain Jews so displeasing to God?
Why are these Jews destined to face God’s wrath? (see 1:10)
What’s Paul’s purpose in speaking to the Gentiles?
Why (from this section) is speaking so crucial?
If we take Paul’s ministry as a model, esp. with regard to (1) telling the gospel and (2) living out the gospel…
- How are we doing?
- What challenges does his ministry pose to our thinking and our living?