June 4, 2014
SOMEBODY TO LEAN ON
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Meredith McCown
Central Truth
Living in community with other believers strengthens our walk with Christ and prepares us to share our faith.
Key Verse | 1 Thessalonians 2:8
So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. (1 Thessalonians 2:8)
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Paul's Ministry to the Thessalonians
1 For you yourselves know, brothers, 1 2:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 9, 14, 17 that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. 3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 5 For we never came with words of flattery, 2 2:5 Or with a flattering speech as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle 3 2:7 Some manuscripts infants among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. 11 For you know how, like a father with his children, 12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
Dive Deeper | 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
The New Living Translation renders 1 Thessalonians 2:8, "We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God's Good News but our own lives, too." Not only did Paul share the gospel with the Thessalonians, but he shared his life with them.
Throughout my high school experience, living in community has been a huge part of my walk with Jesus and is something that, as I look back on it, I can't picture my life without.
Beginning my freshman year, I formed an accountability group with four of my best friends that met weekly. We talked about what we were struggling with at the time and shared with each other what was going on in our lives so we could pray for each other. We have continued meeting throughout high school to hold each other accountable to "live lives worthy of God" (1 Thessalonians 2:12, NIV). My accountability group has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. We have grown together in our relationships with the Lord and have been able to pour out Christ's love into others.
In verses 5-7, Paul writes about authenticity. "You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed -- God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority." (1 Thessalonians 2:5-6, NIV) Being real and authentic with each other is key to living in community.
It also stood out to me that Paul shared the gospel with the Thessalonians as an overflow of his love for them. They were so dear to him. As believers in Jesus, we are called to love one another (John 13:34), and 1 Thessalonians 2:8 tells us that such love produces a desire to share the Good News with them and even to pour our own selves into them.
Discussion Questions
1. How has living life with other believers in Christ affected your walk with the Lord? And if you don't live in biblical community, what is stopping you? How do you think living in community could impact your walk with Christ?
2. How can you share your faith with others as an outpouring of your love for them and for Jesus?
3. Who in your life has spurred you on to deepen your relationship with Christ (Proverbs 27:17)?
4. How can you thank these people today for loving and encouraging you?