Category: 1 Thessalonians 2
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Fisher of Men
1 Thessalonians 2:19 “For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?” A friend of mine died the other day. Ralph was a believer. He was kind. He had a gentle manner that was an example I looked up to. Ralph had…
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Separation
1 Thessalonians 2:17-19 “But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you – I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown…
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Under the Influence
1 Thessalonians 2:13 “. . . the word of God, which is at work in you believers.” We’ve all heard the term “under the influence,” which typically refers to a person’s actions being impacted by drugs or alcohol. The term carries with it the idea that whatever that person was doing, it was different than…
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Hate Speech?
1 Thessalonians 2:15-16 “Who . . . oppose all mankindby hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved.” So often the language of this world is couched in such benevolent words as “love” and “tolerance.” As viewpoints in direct opposition to the message of the gospel are espoused, we are told…
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Integrity
1 Thessalonians 2:10 “You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.” Integrity: one dictionary defines it as “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness; the state of being whole and undivided.” This character trait is something almost anyone can appreciate. We value…
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Marks of Godly Leadership
1 Thessalonians 2:7, 11-12 “We were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children . . . like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God.” Perhaps one of the many reasons that the family is under such attack…
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Glory Seeking
1 Thessalonians 2:6 “Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.” Have you ever noticed how many churches are named after Saint Peter, Saint Paul, or some other saint of the New Testament? That’s no surprise as these men were among the apostles…
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Motivations for Ministry
1 Thessalonians 2:1-3 “For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. . . For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive” Motivation for ministry: it’s such a critical thing. As Paul recounts the underlying characteristics of his fruitful ministry among the Thessalonians, he describes both what it was, and…
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The Boldness of the Spirit-Filled Life
1 Thessalonians 2:2 “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.” Marks of the fruit-bearing believer: that’s something that Paul is describing in the verse above. His ministry to the Thessalonian church…
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A Great Responsibility
1 Thessalonians 2:4 “. . . 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.” Some jobs carry with them such incredible responsibilities. I think of fire fighters, police officers, and surgeons. What they do on a daily basis could…
To Encourage You 