For Real?
A Study on the second chapter of 1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 2:1-13
1-31-2016
Introduction – Chapter 2 of 1 Thessalonians is a defense against insinuations about Paul’s alleged ulterior motives. The apostle was subjected to a constant barrage of accusations. The Thessalonians themselves may have begun to question Paul’s sincerity. So Paul addressed his readers most affectionately. Paul puts them in mind of the manner of his preaching among them, then the manner of his conversation among them.
I. A preacher that is real (one that is worth imitating).
1. Paul was bold to speak (1 Thessalonians 2:2).
2. Paul sought to please God rather than man (1 Thessalonians 2:4).
3. He never employed flattery, but spoke the truth forthrightly (1 Thessalonians 2:5).
4. Paul practiced gentleness in his ministry (1 Thessalonians 2:7).
5. He did not use a cloak for greed (1 Thessalonians 2:5).
6. Paul’s faithful exhortation, comfort, and care for the people (1 Thessalonians 2:11).
7. With Paul there were no hidden agendas.
8. Paul imparted himself as well as the gospel (1 Thessalonians 2:8).
II. A church that is real (one that is worth imitating).
1. Their faith was real.
2. Became examples for others (1 Thessalonians 2:14).
3. Gladly received the word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
4. They received as a divine revelation, rather than a human philosophy.
5. They received the life giving energy of the word.
III. A gospel that is real.
1. The gospel in power with deep conviction and assurance (1 Thessalonians 1:5).
2. The subduing and penetrating power of the gospel
3. The word works (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
4. God’s Word effectively works (1 Thessalonians 2:13 msg.).
5. We must avoid negating its authority or nullifying its effectiveness for growth in our
lives by refusing to receive it as God’s true word.
I. Boldness
1. In declaring the truth. The deep conviction of the authority gave courage.
2. No suffering could daunt; their suffering only deepened their love for the gospel and
inflamed the passion to make it known. Fresh from Philippi.
3. Divinely inspired “in our God,” it was not presumption of Bravado, but the calm grand
heroism of a profound faith in God.
Lessons:
1. Boldness is indispensable in attacking the evils of the age.
2. Boldness is acquired only by studious and prayerful familiarity w/ God and His message.
3. Boldness springs from courage in God, a love for God and others. Strong love absorbs
all selfish fears and makes the soul heroic. mother bear; mother fighting off car jackers
4. If men will be bold to sin, ministers must be bold to reprove.
II. Exhortation 2:3
1. Exhortation: Two different shades of meaning are blended in the word. warning or advice
2. Addressed to the careless, slothful, tempted, and fallen, it is exhortation. urge strongly;
3. Addressed to the sad and seeking, it is solace and comfort.
4. Exhortation is never without a certain soothing, sympathetic sweetness (1 Thess. 2:11).
III. Essential element in exhortation and comforting 2:3-6
1. Sincerity in motive (v. 3).
a. No harboring of evil intentions.
b. He sought not to propagate the gospel by fraudulent wiles or false representations.
c. The life of a man whose motives are sincere will be transparent as the light.
Someone said, “When God made man, He left one capital defect, a window in
his breast.” The sincere man opens a window in his breast by the whole tenor
of his words and actions.
2. Sincerity in speech (v. 4).
a. Spoke with a sense of responsibility; did not modify or compromise the truth.
b. Sought chiefly the Divine approval, “not as pleasing men.”
c. Did not practice deception (v. 5). Frank to tell the naked truth.
3. Sincerity in aim (2:6).
a. General suppression of the authority with which he was armed. Jim H., Ideosa
b. He might have used his position to get money. This is rampant today, especially on TV.
c. No selfish ambition, “nor of men sought we glory.”
Lessons:
1. Sincerity in proclaiming the truth can be acquired only by a personal experience of its power.
2. Sincerity is deepened by a conscious divine commission.
3. Sincerity is evidenced by word and deed.
4. Sincerity is satisfied only in aiming at the highest results in witnessing for God.