06 First Thessalonians 2:1-6, 13-16 (Your ministry matters)

Your Ministry Matters
1 Thessalonians 2:1-6, 13-16
I. Review & Big Picture
II. Paul’s ministry was not in vain (2:1-6, 13-16)
A. Reject the appearance of failure (2:2, 14)
2 Corinthians 4:18, 5:7 / Hebrews 11:1 / Romans 8:24-25
B. Ministry Success Defined (2:2-5)
1. Succeed by speaking with boldness (2:2)
2. Succeed by teaching without error (2:3)
2 Timothy 2:15
3. Succeed with approved messengers (2:4, 13)
Romans 10:14-15 / 2 Timothy 2:15
4. Succeed by rejecting deceitful methods (2:4-5)
• Impurity (2:3)
• Deceit (2:3)
• People-pleasing (2:4)
• Flattery (2:5)
• Greed (2:5)
• Self-glorification (2:6)
C. The Results of Biblical Success
Acts 17:4
1. Some received the word (2:13)
2. Some accepted it as the word of God (2:13)
3. Some were recipients of the work of the Lord (2:14)
Matthew 13:8
4. Some became imitators of mature churches (2:14)