Keys of Truth: First Thessalonians Chapter 2

Chapter summary
Paul now describes his ministry in Thessalonica. His pictures of the relationship he developed with the Thessalonians are warm and intimate, close and caring. They help us realize the relational perspective in which the Gospel message is to be shared. Some are won by preaching to vast audiences; most are won to Christ by family or friends. Paul has been so close to the Thessalonians that he is sure they know his motives and total honesty (2:1-6). They remember a love that was like a mother's for an infant: a giving, sharing love that moved the apostle to pour himself out as well as share the Gospel (vv. 7-8). It was a love that moved him to work to support himself rather than burden anyone (v. 9). It was a love that led him to deal with each individual believer as a concerned father guides and corrects his adolescent children (vv. 10-12). That same love moves Paul to pray for them constantly now that they are separated (vv. 13-16) and tears Paul apart emotionally with longing to see them again (vv. 17-20).
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1) The time that God has given us should not be wasted. We are called to be living testimonies of God’s saving grace.

2) We must be prepared for unkind and insulting treatment because of our witness of Jesus Christ. However, God will give us courage to continue living and sharing the message of salvation in spite of opposition.

3) A minister does not need unethical schemes, corrupt practices or deception to encourage God’s people.

4) God must be able to trust us with the call to ministry. The minister’s motives will be tested.

5) The minister should not use flattery or schemes to receive money.

6) Those called to ministry should not seek the praise of people.

7) Those in ministry should be gentle and kind to all people (saved or unsaved).

8) Ministers must be willing to share their own personal experience of God’s saving grace.

9) Those that minister should not be a financial burden on the assembly of believers.

10) Believers must be pure, honest, and blameless in all their dealings.

11) We must give comfort and encouragement to one another.

12) Our life style should prove that we belong to God, who called us into His kingdom and glory.

13) We must realize that the gospel is God’s message and not the mere words of men. The gospel must be accepted as the Word of God; the Word that’s at work in all true believers.

14) All true believers are united with Jesus Christ and because of this unity persecutions will come.

15) Every person who hears the gospel and believes can be saved.

16) People that fight against the proclamation of the gospel will receive God’s anger.

17) Satan is at work against those that preach, teach, witness and live the gospel.