I THESSALONIANS 2:1-20 Lesson # 2

TRUE LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS

I. Greetings:

II. Introduction:

Note: This chapter is about true qualities in leadership. We see these qualities through the relationship of Paul to his converts. As in our day there were many religious cults, philosophical systems, crackpots, magicians, and astrologers who were vying with one another in the marketplaces to secure a following and above all else to make money for themselves. To discredit Paul they accused him of insincerity, of wanting their money and using religion as a cloak to get it. Also, many Jews refused to believe in Jesus and now they had to contend with Paul. Therefore, some Jews tried to place Paul in a negative light and forced him to leave Thessalonica by stirring up the city against him. They defamed him to all who would listen and then they claimed Paul left the city, leaving the Christians to suffer alone.

III. The History of the Apostles First Encounter With the Thessalonians. 2:1-16

A. The History of the Apostles Actions and Therefore Proof of their Character: 2:1-11

>>>> Have someone read I Thessalonians 2:1

Q How does Paul title (or call) the Thessalonians?

An = He calls them “brethren”, which indicates that he considers them “family”. They are part of him. They are his spiritual relations.

Q How many times does Paul call them brethren in this chapter? Can you count them?

An = Four times, he calls them brethren in 2:1,9,14,17.

Note: Paul says his visit to the Thessalonians was not a failure. He is reminding them that the apostle’s visit to them was highly sucessful. It was a success because it accomplished God’s purpose. They had become true believers (see 1:9-10).

Note: Paul is asking them in this verse to “remember their history together”. Notice he opens the chapter with “You know….” He will reference to their memory of their past interactions six times in the first eleven verses: 1,2,5,9,10,11. For two examples look at 2:9

>>> You read the first few words of verse 9. Then have them look at verse 11 and >>> You read the first few words of verse 11.

Paul is saying some tremendous things and the proof of what he is saying is the Thessalonians own experience.

>>>> Have someone read I Thessalonians 2:2.

Q What had happened to the Apostles in Philippi?

An = They had suffered persecution for preaching the Gospel of Jesus.

Q Were the Apostles afraid to speak to the Thessalonians? Why not?

An = Their boldness was anchored in their confidence in God even though they encountered a lot of opposition in Thessalonica as well. These Apostles were very courageous men. Much like the Apostles were the brave bishops and priests in Armenia in 451 who kept preaching about Christ even after they had been jailed for over 10 years. Much like the Apostles were the early Scottish preachers during the time of the reformation. Much like the ancient Apostles were the missionaries to the South American Indians who were massacred at the middle of this century. Much like the Apostles are present day Protestant bishops and pastors in Iran, many of whom have been killed in the last three years by the Moslems for preaching about Jesus and sharing the Gospel. (By the way the list is endless of great and courageous true men and women of God.)

True spiritual leaders have courage. It is a requirement to be a real spiritual leader.

>>>> Have someone read I Thessalonians 2:3-4.

Q Paul says his ministry among the Thessalonians was free of certain negative traits, what were they?

An = They did not preach error, impurity, nor use deceit. The apostles had integrity (2:3). In addition, they were not men pleasers, but sought to please God who examines and searches the true intentions of men.

Note: When one teaches, preaches or speaks publicly there is terrible pressure to want to be accepted. Most people, most politicians, and often even religious teachers attempt to please their audiences. We, as human beings, need approval, and a minister is a human being who also needs approval.

Q Where does Paul find his self-esteem, his need for approval?

An = In a deep seated knowledge that God has approved him and given him the task of preaching the Gospel. He is much like the great violinist who never cared what the crowd thought of his playing but looked only (off stage) to his master teacher. If the master teacher was pleased that was all that mattered to the great violinist. The source of commendation for a true spiritual leader is from God.

>>>> Have somone read I Thessalonians 2:5-8.

Q Paul reminds them (“you know”) that he never used flattery for what purpose?

An = As a pretext for, or cover for greed. Personal profit was never Paul’s aim, only to please God.

Q Did Paul have strong self esteem according to verse 6?

An = Yes he did. He knew he was in possession of great authority because of his supernatural call from the Lord. He knew he was an apostle, that he had authority but he never used it to “his” advantage. Paul did not abuse his authority but rather had another approach….

Q In 2:7-8 how does Paul describe his action toward them?

An = He was like a mother caring for her little children. He was gentle. He gave not only the Gospel but himself to his flock.

Q How does a leader give of himself or herself?

An = We give of ourselves to our children as good parents. We are vulnerable, caring and let our feelings grow. We can get hurt when we extend ourselves in this way, but Paul did not seem to worry about getting hurt. They meant the world to Paul. He was in love with his flock.

Q Can you tell when a pastor, a teacher or a spiritual leader really loves you? How?

An = List a pastor, teacher in your own experience.

>>>> Have someone read I Thessalonians 2:9-12.

Q Why did Paul and his associates work so hard day and night?

An = So they would not be a financial burden to the people while they preached the gospel. Paul is not afraid to work. Some leaders think they are above physical labor but the Apostle Paul did not think he was above hard work. If it helped the people he was trying to serve he gladly used his hands. He is like a good mother, a good father who does not think it beneath them to physically work to help their children. They would do anything for them because they love them.

Q How did Paul and his companions conduct their lives among the Thessalonians according to these verses?

An = They acted holy, righteous and blameless. They did not just “image” their own spirituality but exhorted and implored them personally as a father deals with his children.

Q Should a spiritual leader be personally involved with people like Paul was?

An = Paul was an intense leader and modeled how true leadership should act. They should be righteous, but aggressive. Personal, one-on-one, kind as a father, but demanding, exhorting, urging, pushing their class, their flock, their parishioners, to excel.

Q What is the goal Paul had in mind with all his labor according to verse 12?

An = He wanted them to be worthy of their high calling. He was not worried about money, did not mind hard work, did not want their praise, but their benefit. He wanted his people blessed. A true leader is in love with the people. His goal is their spiritual standing.

Paul’s goal was not success but to love his people.

>>>> Have someone read I Thessalonians 2:13-16.

Q Why is Paul happy in verse 13?

An = Because they are insightful. They not only received Paul’s message but understood that it was not the mere word of men but the very Word of God. He saw it working powerfully in them because they truly believed. >>> Have someone read again I Thessalonians 1:5. God’s Word has power.

Q How were the Thessalonians like churches in Judea?

An = They too suffered at the hands of their own countrymen. By-the-way, Paul is not knocking Jews here (Paul was a Jew and so was our Lord Jesus Christ), but he is explaining the “type” of people who persecute Christians. The Jews were a “type” of what Greeks in Thessalonica were acting like.

Note: He shows what the results of such persecution are in the lives of the persecutors. They will meet the coming wrath of God.

IV. Paul Explains His Absence And His True Desire: I Thessalonians 2:17-20.

>>>> Have someone read I Thessalonians 2:17-20.

Q Why had Paul not come to the Thessalonians?

An = Satan had prevented him from coming. He had tried more than once. He was not with them in body, but certainly in spirit. His heart was with them.

Q How does Paul view the Thessalonians?

An = They are his light and joy. They are his hope of exaltation and joy in the coming of Jesus Christ. They were going to be what brought him joy in the age to come. Paul was always aware of Christ’s coming return. The Thessalonians were his crown, his joy that he would present to God. They were the reward of his labor.

RQ Isn’t it a delight when a pastor or teacher loves his or her flock like Paul speaks of here?

Q Would you like your teacher, pastor or spiritual leader to think of you in that way?

An = True leaders love their flocks, their class, their parishioners. Paul was a true leader and a model of what we should be as leaders and what we should look for in leaders.

Homework:

1) Read I Thessalonians 3.

2) What was Paul fearful of in 3:1-5?

3) What brings joy to a leader such as Paul according to 3:6-10?

4) What does Paul want for this congregation at Thessalonica in 3:11-13?