4.22.2018 Sermon Notes & Slides

Sermon Notes

Models Worth Imitating
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Pastor Scott Williams

Introduction: In chapter one, Paul remarks that the church in Thessalonica became “imitators of us and of the Lord” as they took their first steps in their Christian journey. Here in this chapter, Paul expands upon how he and his cohorts displayed all the trials of genuine ministers of the gospel. As part reminder and part defense, Paul recounts how they shared the gospel with the church at Thessalonica as tenderly as a new mother and as straightforwardly as a loving father. Paul’s example is certainly a model worth following.

01.

02.

03.

Questions For Discussion & Discovery

1. In the first few verses, how does Paul contrast his ministry with the charlatan preachers of his day?

2. What does it look like to truly live “not to please man but to please God”? Why should we live a life that is pleasing to God?

3. Why do you think Paul uses such familial language: brothers, a mother, a father, to describe his ministry to the Thessalonians?

4. What would it look like if we modeled these types of familial characteristics in the life of our church?

5. What does it mean and not mean to “walk in a manner worthy of God”? Why is this of such importance to Paul?

Sermon Slides

1. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6.

2. 01. Ministry effectiveness is seen not only in the source of our message but the purity of our motives. 

3. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9.

4. 02. One of the vital marks of gospel ministry is genuine love for neighbor. 

5. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12.

6. 03. The new life we have through the gospel demands a new way of living.