THE SERVANT'S WORK

THE SERVANT'S WORK. 1Thessalonians 2:1-12 When we are involved in divine service, obstacles and opposition should not prevent us from fulfilling the mission given to us by our sovereign Lord. He does not ask us to do anything beyond our ability. Our Lord knows His servants and, when He calls us to do something, He provides us with the strength and courage to accomplish it. Our fears should not hold us back from sharing the Gospel. We may need to start with the small things right where we are before becoming more confident in tackling the bigger ones.

The three brothers in Christ who wrote this epistle and brought the Gospel to Thessalonica shared the same goal. There was unity among them even though each one was very different. Fear of imprisonment didn't stop them, even though two had just been in prison in Philippi. They were not reckless, nor did they act impulsively. Every effort has a cost, and sharing the Gospel can be very different depending on the place.

FEATURES THAT MARK THE SERVANTS’ WORK: v.1. Harmony; oneness. v.2. Suffering, scorned. v.2. Bold to reach out. v.3. Not deceitful; no pretense. v.3. Morally clean. v.3. Not underhanded or subtle. v.4. Not catering to men. v.4. Living before God. v.5. No flattery. v.5. Not after money. v.6. Not trying to get men to praise them. v.7. Gentle and affectionate. v.8. Looking out for the welfare of others. v.9. Not lazy, never asking for money. v.10. Not taking sides, but guarding against sin in themselves. v.11. Honest and kind. v.13. Thankful. v.13. Put God’s word foremost. v.13. Successful in their work. v.17. Appreciative of others. v.19. A sharer of rewards.

After-care of new Converts: v.1-6. Evangelists. v.7-8. Nurse (nursing mother). Intelligence; affection. v.9-10. Brethren. 17 times in the book. v.11-12. Fathers. v.13. Pray-ers.

Follow-up: helping new believers get a good start is the responsibility of all Christians. What is it? 1 Thess. 2:7–12— Spiritual pediatrics; giving continuous help to a young believer to stimulate healthy growth toward maturity and usefulness. Needed: the nurse-teacher, v.7; the laborer-instructor, v.9; the example in conduct, v.10; the careful father, v.11.

Integrity in the work of the Lord The words “You know” are used nine times in the Book of 1st Thessalonians, highlighting that certain qualities in a Christian who publicly represents the Lord Jesus Christ cannot, nor should be hidden. Character and conduct are visible to those who hear someone preach the Gospel. Much of their response to the message will be influenced by their impression of the messenger. Compassion also reveals the sincerity of the messenger and the truth of the message he delivers. He needs to truly feel the message himself before he can expect others to be moved to believe what he says.

In many churches, the focus is on church growth and the number of people attending meetings. To achieve these goals, church boards plan and develop programs that appeal to as many people as possible, setting projections as goals to reach by a certain time. This approach is similar to running a business to become successful and profitable. However, a scripturally gathered assembly of believers, as a local church, grows from the new life that comes from the Life-Source—God, just like every living organism.

Men without character may be able to give a remarkable exegesis on some passage of scripture and even be doctrinally sound. Still, the message from God is missing when a man preaches what he does not practice. An instruction book for ministering the Gospel would read like this chapter in 1st Thessalonians. The message is good news from God [v.2], given by one with pure motives [v.3], who is not seeking to please people [v.4], and is not motivated by greed [v.5], nor is seeking the praise of people [v.6], but wants to please God [v.4].

A true servant of God does not resort to tricks [v.3], flattery [v.5], or subterfuge [v.5], but is a person of courage [v.2], gentleness [v.7], love [v.8], labor [v.9], and holiness [v.10]. His efforts will not be in vain if he seeks God’s approval with pure motives and shows genuine love for others, like a mother for her child or a father who encourages and corrects his children with parental love.

When we preach the Gospel, it must be done without deceit, wrong motives, or an intent to gain followers at any cost. The size of a congregation and the number of professions of salvation do not measure the work of God. God gives the servant his message. He moves the sinner to listen and be convicted of sin. He provides the light of salvation through His word. He brings sinners to face their guilt and repent of their sins to Him. He gives new birth to those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. God forgives sins and grants eternal life to everyone who comes to know Him and Jesus Christ.