1. Encouraged in Your Faith Series Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians Commending them in their relationship with the Lord Challenging them to step it up Filling in the gaps of their understanding  How now they should live  Expectation of the Lord’s return

2. Ministry Motives and Matters 1 Thessalonians 2 Encouraged in Your Faith Series

3. I. Examining Motives 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6 Opposition in Philippi In spite of that, God gave us courage Boldly declaring God’s good news without deceit or impure motives

4. God examines the motives of our heart Our purpose  Please God as messengers of the Gospel  Not win you with flattery  Not pretend to be your friend  Not try to get your money  Not to get your praise

5. II. Ministry, Money, and Manipulation 1 Thessalonians 1:7-9 A Minister’s rights – the right to make some demands of you… Don’t muzzle the ox… the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it (1 Corinthians 9:9,14) Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching…you must not muzzle the ox. (1 Timothy 5:17,18)

6. Deferred Rights Toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to you I never used any of these rights (1 Cor. 9:15,18) The opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone

7. ManipulationFriendshipEmotionGuilt Motive – we loved you so much we shared not only God’s good news but our own lives too

8. III. Ministry Relationship 1 Thessalonians 2:10-13 We treated you as a father treats his children Like a mother caring for her own children We urged you to live in a way God would consider worthy – like parents to children You received his message from us as the word of God This word continues to work in you who believe

9. 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 – dealing with opposition Suffered persecution You are in good company  Other believers  Jesus John 16:33 (NLT) 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” 2 Timothy 3:12 (NLT) 12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

10. 1 Thessalonians 2:17-19 Separated by distance but not relationally – our hearts never left you Tried hard to come back – Satan prevented us To fill gaps in your faith (3:10)

11. What really matters – and it makes no difference if you are in the equipping ministry (5-fold) or in the body ministry (doing the work of the ministry) – what really matters is… Our reward and crown – our pride and joy – you as you stand before the Lord Fulfillment, satisfaction, joy – affecting someone for eternity Spiritual parenting – motivated by love Giving them the word – which continues to work in them Your eternal reward – people standing before the Lord