Scripture
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Open your mind and heart as you read the passage of Scripture aloud and then again quietly to yourself. Listen for God’s word to you.
Observation
Paul needed to establish his identity to the Thessalonians as he had many enemies who had been talking against him in his absence. He had had to leave the city quickly and they were saying he was a coward. Although Paul was writing in a personal regard, he knew that the integrity of the Gospel was at stake. If he was not who he said he was, how could people believe the truth of his message? Paul was not concerned about the Thessalonians being swayed by these false accounts. His assertion of the facts was common knowledge. He laid his case out clearly in verses 2-9, responding to every accusation made against him.
Paul reminded his readers of the treatment he had suffered in Philippi. If he were in this business for his own self-interest and benefit, he would not have carried on after being publicly flogged in that way. Yet he declared his message boldly, whatever the consequences.
Paul had not tried to manipulate his audience, nor bullied them into believing or supporting him. Situated as it was on the Egnatian way, the major east-west trade route, Thessalonica was a place of many and varied religions. These religions would use travelling missionaries to spread their message. Such people would fleece their listeners of everything they could, before moving on to find other people to support them.
Paul was aware that his message would not always please his listeners. But that was not the point. His aim was to please God. He made every effort to deliver it in a way that would appeal to people, but he never compromised on its truth. He did not use flattering or manipulating language to persuade people. His message was truth, and truth stood up for itself.
He reminded them he never tried to bring glory on himself, nor did he need their praise. His purpose was to please Jesus. He had come to the city to give them his message, not to demand anything of them. He wanted them to have the best opportunity to know Jesus that he could give them, and had cared about them as he did so. He had grown very fond of them and now only wanted the best for them. Perhaps Paul understood that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
Paul had never relied on them to supply his needs, even though Jewish tradition meant they would usually show him such hospitality. He had supported himself by continuing his work as a tentmaker. He had, in fact, lived amongst them as an example of Chrisitan life and was comfortable to encourage them to follow his example. They had no New Testament to see how Jesus lived, so Paul, knowing that Jesus lived in him, was able to say they should follow the way he lived.
Icebreaker:
Whose lead did you follow as a child? Why did you follow them? In a few words, what would you say to them now about the impact they had on your life?
Application
There were seven aspects of Christian leadership in the message this week. Spend a moment studying the list and then answer the following questions.
Worthy Leaders:
o Do what is right over what is popular
o Value authenticity over manipulation
o Empower rather than overpower
o Give more than they gain from those they lead
o Inspire excellence in those they lead
o Live lives of moral purity
o Love and pray for people they lead.
Who do you lead?
How would you say you are modelling worthy leadership? What aspect of such leadership do you find the most challenging in this environment? How can you work on this aspect to become a more worthy leader?
Have you used these criteria as you choose those whom you follow? Where, do you think, they may struggle to live up to this standard? Does thinking about this affect your willingness to follow them? Why/why not?
Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 again slowly as if saying a prayer. Be still and quiet for a few moments. Listen. Where is God calling you to lead? Who is He calling you to follow? How do you feel about following such calls?
How can the group help you with the struggles you have mentioned during this session?
Prayer
Father, may we walk worthy of Your calling. May Your Holy Spirit work through us so we become a people of impact for our families, our church, our nation and our world.
Pray for one another in regard to the issues that have been raised during your discussion time, and in regard to other needs of the group.
Service
This week, take note of any leadership roles you exercise. How do they stand up to the aspects of worthy leadership as listed above? Be aware of those you follow. How do they inspire you to practice worthy leadership? How has this discussion influenced your leadership style? Be prepared to share your findings with the group next week.
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