Pure Ministry

Introduction: As we have taken the time to honour our Pastors (and thank you), I invite you to look at 1 Thessalonians 2 with me.

I. Paul’s Assessment (of Pure Ministry) – 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2a

• Not a failure
• Bad Treatment
• Suffering

II. Paul’s Advantage (of Pure Ministry) – 1 Thess. 2:2b

• Courage
• To proclaim boldly
• In spite of (not

III. Paul’s (Ministries) Integrity – 1 Thess. 2:3-6

• Preaching not with deceit
• Impure motives
• Or trickery

IV. Paul’s Credentials – 1 Thess. 2:4

• As messengers approved by God
• Entrusted with Gospel

V. Paul’s Purpose – 1 Thess. 2:4b

• Please God, not People

2 Timothy 4:2-3, ‘Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.’ (NLT)

• Not win over with flattery
• Not pretending to be your friends for money
• Not for human praise

VI. Paul’s rights vs. Demands – 1 Thess. 2:7-8

VII. Paul’s Witness – 1 Thess. 2:9-12

VIII. Paul’s Fruit (of pure ministry) – 1 Thess. 2:13

• Thanksgiving
• They received his ministry as coming from God and not merely a man (human ideas).
• Works continue in them –