Pauls Epistles to the Thessalonians Lesson 3 Does

Paul’s Epistles to the Thessalonians Lesson 3 Does Paul Have a “Feminine Side? ” 1 Thessalonians 2: 1 -16 June 20, 2010

I. Introduction to Lesson 3 A. Why I chose this title (for Fathers Day). B. The text in context 1. The thrust of chapter 1: Paul’s confidence and gratitude regarding the faithfulness of the Thessalonians. 2. In chapter 2, Paul will expand upon 1: 5, describing his motivation and method of proclaiming the gospel in verses 1 -12. 3. In verses 13 -16, Paul will describe the response of the Thessalonians to the gospel. C. My approach in this message

II. Paul’s motives and methods, contrasted with that of the religious hucksters (2: 1 -12). A. Suffering for the gospel message and the salvation of the lost (2: 1 -2) B. Paul’s motives and methods (2: 3 -5) C. Paul’s conduct and spiritual authority (2: 6 -8) D. Paul labored to support himself and others, while preaching the gospel free of charge (2: 9 -10). E. Paul’s ‘masculine side: ’ like a father training up his children (2: 11 -12) III. Thessalonians’ response to Paul’s ministry: like father, like son (2: 13 -16).

IV. Conclusion and application A. Does persecution justify decreasing our openness in proclaiming Christ? B. What biblical “spiritual leadership” (fathering) looks like: 1. Rejects ‘macho mentality’ of leadership 2. Leadership is about sovereignty (God’s), stewardship, sacrificial servanthood, and suffering. 3. Leaders practice what they preach. 4. Leaders are both ‘tough’ and ‘tender’ 5. Wives/mothers and tenderness – see 1 Samuel 25

C. The qualities of spiritual leadership 1. Apply to a. b. c. Fathers (Ephesians 6: 4) Church leaders (elders & deacons) Everyone 2. Are best exemplified in Jesus 3. Expose false leaders D. E. Tough & Tender & the Gospel (Matt. 11: 28 -30) About work 1. It’s a blessing, but impacted by the curse 2. Work is God’s means of providing for our needs and those of others. a. b. Everyone (2 Thes. 3: 6 -15; Eph. 4: 28) Preachers (1 Timothy 5: 17 -18)

3. It is a God-appointed means of proclaiming the gospel. a. b. c. d. By setting those who proclaim Christ apart from religious hucksters (1 Cor. 9). By proving ministry isn’t for money. By putting Christians in places where their faith is transparent and real. By providing “cost-free” ministry 4. Business as mission – new wave, old idea 5. A word to Christians in the workplace 6. A word to young people, looking for ministry – be a Joseph or a Daniel (Prov. 22: 29).

Copyright © 2010 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. This is the edited Power. Point presentation of Lesson 3 in the series, Paul’s Epistles to the Thessalonians, prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh for June 20, 2010. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit.