Blessing Others by Sharing Life Together

2 Thessalonians 2:8

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

1 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.

3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.

5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.

7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.

11 For you know how, like a father with his children, 12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

Why was it important for Paul to defend his ministry while in Thessalonica?

• 1 Thessalonians 2:1

What did Paul do that convinced the Thessalonians that he was the real thing, not some con artist?

• 1 Thessalonians 2:8

People Want Authenticity

• We must be willing to show people who we were…
  • 1 Timothy 1:12-17
• We must be willing to show people who we are…
  • Romans 7:14-25
• BE REAL

What must we do to follow his example?

• 1 Thessalonians 2:2-12
• Following His Example
  • Be Bold in spite of Opposition
  • Have Pure Motives and Lifestyle
  • Seek to Please God, not Men
  • Be Genuine and Down to Earth
  • Do Not Seek
  • Human Praise
  • Be Gentle
  • Work Hard
  • Be a Person of Integrity
  • Be an Encourager