What it takes to really help others...

Have you ever been criticized for the role you played in somebody's life when all you were trying to do was be helpful? It's amazing how quickly something that seemed noble can be twisted around into an attack on your character. Of course, we never want to negate legitimate observations about our sinful motives or obvious weaknesses. However, it's a fairly common experience that the messenger can often get shot at. Paul experienced this in Thessalonica, especially after his departure. In our last two sermons, we examined Paul's defense of his ministry and Paul's gratitude for the church's receptivity.

1 Thess 2:9-12... Courage

The gospel motivated Paul, Silas, and Timothy to lives of authentic ministry. Their lives were marked by care for others and care for the truth (v 1-8). In this passage, we saw two other marks of authentic ministry: hard work in ministry and a witness accompanying ministry. Paul and his companions chose to forego the perks of being an apostle (getting financial support) in favor of working with their hands. In addition, they lived in purity and holiness before them and the Lord. This allowed them to bring God's Word to the believers in a manner that was sometimes encouraging and sometimes challenging... like fathers among their children.

• When you consider these four marks of authentic ministry that Paul demonstrated in Thessalonica, in which ways do you see these characteristics in your friends? Take time to encourage them and point out the ways God has used these in your life. In what ways would you like to grow? How can the group pray for you in this?

1 Thess 2:13-16... Listening

Paul returns to the goal of thanking God for the church. In verse 13 he centered his gratitude around the fact that the church welcomed the gospel as the very words of God... not simply as Paul's words. This mark of a maturing church reminds us that Scripture is God's very words. As we realize this, we will grow in attending God's Word (placing it before our eyes regularly and finding ways to "take receipt" of it), in accepting God's Word (welcoming it into our lives because of God's authority to speak to us), and in applying God's Word (particularly in the context of v 14-16 presents us- suffering). Ultimately, this is fruitful because Scripture points us to the hope we have in Christ who has rescued us and delivered us (not to a future of wrath- v 16) to a glorious hope in Christ (see 1 Th 1:10). When you consider these three categories, how would you rank your receptivity to God's word in the following areas:

• Attending God's Word: Do you have a plan for reading His Word? How are you doing at keeping to that plan regularly?
• Accepting God's Word: How are you actively seeking to listen to sermons at SGC? Since these are the main ways we study God's Word together, how are you seeking to revisit and apply the Word of God that we've looked at together?
• Applying God's Word: In what ways are God's promises currently preparing you for future suffering or sustaining you in the midst of your current suffering? How can this group pray for you now in regards to this?

Have a great meeting this week as you seek to apply the word of God together!