Gospel Relationship in Ministry

"So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us."

– 1 Thessalonians 2:8

Exposition:

        Relationship is an important word in the ministry of the gospel, vertically (with God) and horizontally (with one another). I fear that many have been more careful to please man than to please God. We must remember that the relationship with God is the first commandment, and the relationship with one another is the second commandment. Actually, if one has a healthy relationship with God, it will reflect on one's relationship with one another. We must never put the cart before the horse. The ministry of Paul described in 1Thessalonians is a fitting model for us.

        Paul didn't manipulate people to like his ministry nor did he develop a skin-deep relationship for his gain. He laboured for the approval of God. He recognised the centrality of the gospel and prioritised to preach it, no matter how offensive it was. He would preach nothing else but the gospel. However, Paul did so as a mother to her child, gently and affectionately. He preached because he cared for them, unlike the prophet Jonah who wanted his hearers to perish. Not only did he preach the gospel, but he demonstrated for them how to live a gospel-filled life. He sacrificed his rights, preferences, and comforts for his listener’s growth.

        In this verse, we see the priority of the gospel as well as the importance of gentle shepherding. Paul cared for them, neither to be liked by them in return, nor to be well spoken by them or others, he never lived to please man. He cared for them that they may live a life that glorifies God. He exhorted, comforted, and charged them as a father (not only as a gentle mother). Gospel ministry without an authentic relationship and a ministry without accurate teaching are fragile as houses upon the sand.

Personal Reflection:

• As much as I’ve made an effort for my hearers to understand the teachings of Scripture, have I made the same effort to show them in my life!? 

Personal Commitment:

• To implement not only servant leadership, but also parental shepherding in a pastoral ministry.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for the exemplary ministry of Paul. Help me to love your people as family members, Amen!

Block Diagram and Outline: 1 John 2:12-14

“Believer’s Relation to the World”

I. Do not let your heart be troubled
Because 1. Your sins are forgiven, 2. You have a relationship with God, 3. You have overcome the wicked one.

 

Block Diagram and Outline of 1John 2:15-17

“Believer’s Relation to the World”

II. Do not love the world
Because 1. It doesn't love God, 2. It doesn't come from God, 3. It doesn't last forever.

 

Comfort in Ministry's Distress

“Therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith.”

– 1 Thessalonians 3:7

Exposition:

        We have often been in distress because we live in a fallen world, we all need strength in affliction. Sometimes we have suffered because of our actions, other times because of others, and yet there are times because of the schemes of the devil. The affliction of Paul mentioned in the book of Thessalonians is caused by Satan; he stirred up false accusation and persecution and hindered him from coming back to Thessalonica. Paul was forced out from Thessalonica by the commotion of jealous Jews. He was slandered and the church was persecuted. Paul was in deep distress for Thessalonian Christians. 

        Students may be stressful before the exam, but they rejoice at the news of their successful exam. Employees find the joy of earning a salary in serving others. What is the joy of a pastor? As we see in this verse, for Paul (as for Apostle John also) it is news that his spiritual children are walking in the faith. Thessalonians were not shaken even amidst persecution. They did not doubt Paul, their spiritual father, notwithstanding the false accusation against him. They were loyal to him, clinging to the Gospel, and steadfastly to the faith. This news came to Paul as a great comfort when he could no longer endure his distress for them.

        Pastors find great comfort in seeing the members of the Church grow in faith, for it assures them that their work is not in vain. God gives church pastors for the establishing of the saints in the faith, so that all may mature and not be swayed by any wind of doctrine. Would we often share with our spiritual leaders about our growth in the Lord?

Personal Reflection:

• Am I more preoccupied with my suffering than the spiritual growth of my church members?
• Am I loyal to my spiritual leaders and my church when any false accusation comes up against us?

Personal Commitment:

• To be diligent to know the state of _____ (fellow Christians, church members, household of faith) and to attend to their needs.

Prayer:

        Lord, help me be diligent in looking after your people in delight. Cause me to let their trouble be my trouble to let their spiritual growth be my joy and crown in your presence, like Your Apostle Paul, Amen!

Block Diagram and Outline of 1 John 2:18-27

Antichrists and Christians: The Abiding of a Christian

Three distinguish characteristics between Christians (3A: Affirm, Abide, Aided) and Antichrists (3D: Depart, Deny, Deceive)

In the Family of God

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.”

– 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Exposition:

        In the family of God, some are mature and wise, others are young and energetic, yet many are children and so childish, nay, babes in Christ. We are not all of equal stature and strength. Some may need to be carried in arms, others may need to be led by their hand, yet many may need spoon-feeding until they can develop the conviction of their own. Paul mentioned four groups of people in this verse:

        The brethren, who are more mature and have the most responsibility. They are not to lord over the less mature ones, rather they must be a model for the edification of the body of Christ. The unruly ones who need confrontation and correction not only for their own good, but also to not let a little leaven leavens the whole lump. The fainthearted ones who are bogged down by trials and suffering (like the loss of loved ones in Thessalonica) might be tempted to doubt the goodness of God; they need help, comfort and encouragement. The weak ones who are naïve and easily swayed by every wind of doctrines need much support and instruction.

        Regardless of the group you belong to, you sometimes find yourself in every group. We all have strong and weak points. Nobody is perfect, everyone needs to exercise patience with one another. Besides, even the most mature ones were once babies, and they need to recall the patience others had on them. Remember the patience of Jesus Christ towards His disciples and the people of His days. Our God remains patient with us even to this day.

Personal Reflection:

·       Who are the most mature people that I may hang out with for my spiritual growth? Who are the discouraged ones who may need my encouragement? Have I been kind to my weaker brothers and sisters in Christ?

Personal Commitment:

·       To cultivate the virtue of patience.

Prayer:

Help me, Lord, to develop more patience towards all, Amen!

Block Diagram and Outline of 1 John 2:28-3:3

“The Hope of God’s Children: We shall be like Him”

Live a life of holiness anticipating the return of Christ
5 Characteristics of Anticipation

Be Known For Gentleness

“Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.”

– Philippians 4:5

Exposition:

        How would you like to be known for? We live in a time when people want you to care more about their feelings than their responsibility. It is not uncommon to see WhatsApp Status Update, "Feeling Angry," "Feeling Lazy," "Feeling so Tired," and so on. We often seek to be excused and be sympathized with our sins. Besides, vulgar expressions are considered more genuine and more convincing than gentle expressions. However, this verse instructs us to be known for gentleness.

        We are called to control our emotions and be gentle with one another, not just once or twice, not only to one or two individuals, not only in front of a camera or in a church but as our identity, for it says, “be known to all men.” Certainly, it is easier to shout at those who wronged us, but it is comely for a Christian to overlook in gentleness. It is easier to demand justice and be tough when we happened to be on the less-wrong side, it is comely for a Christian to forgive and avoid creating a scene.

        We (as individuals) have wronged God more than all the people in the world combined can ever wrong against us, yet God has forgiven us. He is gentle toward us evermore. We who love God, who fear God, and who wait for His appearing do well to clothe ourselves with gentleness as He is to us.

Personal Reflection:

·       How often have I chosen the path of humour, sarcasm, or satire at the expense of gentleness in my speech, writing, and conduct!!??

Personal Commitment:

·       I've got to look for an option of gentleness in all tough situations.

Prayer:

Gracious Lord, would You please make me more gentle in all my actions as the outworking of Your gentleness toward me! Amen!

Block Diagram and Outline of 1 John 3:4-10

"The Sinlessness of God's Children"

Look at Christ to overcome sins
God’s children should not sin and cannot sin because they are in Him and He is in them. Rather they should be righteous just as He is and Jesus is.

Minding our Own Business

“That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you”

– 1Thessalonians 4:11

Exposition:

        It is far easier to talk about others than about ourselves. We can comfortably point out their misdeeds, wittily give them suggestions, and self-righteously condemn them. On the contrary, it is difficult for us to even admit our own mistake, to take our own advice, and often justify ourselves by saying, “Nobody’s perfect.” It was so even among the Thessalonian Christians. Some of them were idle busybodies. Apostle Paul instructed them how Christians ought to live particularly in anticipation of the return of Jesus Christ.

        There’s a play of word in this instruction. Those who were busy meddling in the business of others but idle in their own affairs should be idle in others’ affairs and be busy in their own works. The Greek culture which was in Thessalonica and elsewhere considered manual labor to be the work of slaves. Paul taught that Christian culture has a high view of vocation: everyone must work for a living. Paul demonstrated that even he, a full-time minister of the gospel, worked diligently not only for his living but to help others. Christians are not to steal or beg, rather they must work laboriously that they have enough not only for themselves but to help others too (Acts 20:35; Eph4:28).

        We aren’t supposed to sell everything we have, stay idle, and wait for the return of Christ. We must be productive in all good works, also accumulating treasures in heaven, and befriending more eternal friends through our transient wealth. Above all, would we work on our own sanctification first and far more than we desire to see the work of sanctification in the lives of others?

Personal Reflection:

·       Could some of the things I have said or done were actually meddling the affairs of others, and not really helping them?

Personal Commitment:

·       To be more concerned with my own personal sanctification than with the sanctification of others.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to remain quiet and calm in the areas where I ought to be and be busy in all good works. Help me to be forgiving, compassionate, and generous to others as you have been to me. Amen!