An Unwasted Ministry - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

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  • Date: Sunday, February 13, 2022
  • Speaker: Matthew Breeden
  • Series: Stand Alone
  • Category: 1 Thessalonians
  • Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1–12

Introduction

In the Scriptures God has a lot to say about stewardship. Jesus spoke regularly about stewarding our time and our resources.

In His grace God has have given us the privilege to live and minister together as the church and we should desire to be good stewards of this gift. We should desire to use what He has given us in a way that honors Him and impacts our world.

In 1 Thessalonians 2 Paul reflects on his time with the Thessalonian church and he says that this ministry was “not in vain.” In this message we will consider Paul’s ministry to the Thessalonians and answer the questions:

  • What does it look like to have an unwasted ministry?
  • What part should each of us play in helping the church accomplish the mission of God in the world?

Four Characteristics of an Unwasted Ministry:

In an unwasted ministry the Gospel is proclaimed without excuse (vs. 2)

  • Everywhere Paul went with the Gospel he was met with opposition, yet he remained faithful. He valued sharing the Gospel more than he valued his own comfort.
  • Application: How faithful are you with the message of the Gospel? Are you willing to share the truth of the Gospel even if it leads to opposition? As followers of Jesus, we have been called to share His message without excuse. The message will not be popular, but we must be faithful (Romans 1:16).

In an unwasted ministry the approval of God and the glory of God are valued above the approval and glory of any man (vs. 3-6, 9)

  • Paul was able to minister in the midst of hardship because he recognized who should receive the glory and praise from his efforts. Paul desired to please God more than he desired to please men. 
  • Application: If we are going to have a ministry that is unwasted we must constantly check our hearts. Who are we serving? Are we seeking to please God or ourselves? Are we seeking the glory of God or the praise and admiration of men? Our ministry is not our own, it is His; we must be faithful stewards. (2 Cor. 2:15-17; 1 Peter 4:10-11)

In an unwasted ministry people love genuinely and live purposefully with one another (vs. 7-8) 

  • When Paul describes his relationship with the Thessalonians, he compares it to the relationship of a nursing mother to her child. He loved them selflessly, sacrificially and faithfully. Paul gave of himself for the benefit of those around him.
  • Application: As the church we do not come together only because we share a theological statement. We do not exist only because we have a common creed. We exist because God intends for His people to live life together in such way that we share not only the Gospel, but our own selves. How faithful are you to “share life” with the family of God? Do you work to cultivate genuine relationships with other believers or do you try to live the Christian life on your own? (Acts 2:44-47; 1 Cor. 12)

In an unwasted ministry there is a constant focus on fighting sin and pursuing holiness (10-12)

  • Paul desired for the people of God to be radically changed by the Gospel. He was committed to honoring God in his own life and lived as example for those around him. He was also faithful to call those around him to put off sin and live in a way that was “worthy of God.”
  • Application: Every one of us are responsible for our own hearts, but at the same time, God did not call us to live the Christian life alone. In an unwasted ministry people work together in the fight against sin and the pursuit of holiness. Have you given other people permission to help you in your walk with Christ? Do you love the people around you enough to help them in their pursuit of Jesus? (1 Thess. 4:1-3; Hebrews 3:12-13)