Bible Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13 | “At Work” 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13

Introduction:  Session hosted dinners.  Anyone suspicious?  Anyone decline because you thought we might hit you up with a money request?

I.        Our Appeal

A.     (v3) “For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive,”

1.      Why do we care if people know Jesus?

2.      Why would we try to trick or pressure people into faith?

B.     (v4) “We have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel”

1.      The offer from one P. Westerville

2.      2 Corinthians 4:1-3, “Since it is through God’s mercy we have this ministry…”

3.      Is a relationship with Jesus a fad diet, a stock tip, a member’s only deal, or is it a cure?

C.     “We speak, not to please people, but to please God who tests our hearts.”

1.      (v5) “We never came with words of flattery, nor with a pretext for greed-God is witness.”

2.      (v6) “Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others,”

3.      “…though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.”

II.       Our Conduct

A.     (v7) “But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.”

1.      (v8) “we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves,”

2.      If unwilling to share our own selves, maybe we don’t really care.

3.      James 2:15, 16, “Go in peace.”  What good is that?

B.     (v9) “You remember our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden”

1.      1 Peter 5:2-3, “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you willingly, eagerly, being examples.”

2.      Samuel (as opposed to his and Eli’s sons) did not defraud or oppress the people

C.     (v11) “like a father with his children, we exhorted you and encouraged you and charged you

1.      “You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct”

2.      (v13) “And we also thank God constantly…”

Conclusion:   Three conversations this week on the nature of the church and whether it is important.

My health issue underscored the blessings of the church and use of gifts.

Communion and the church as a body