The Pursuit Of Ministry Series

The Pursuit of Ministry

1 Thessalonians 2: 4-9

We have spent much time laying the groundwork for our study in this precious book. Paul was well aware of the faithfulness and influence the church in Thessalonica had on those around them. He was encouraged with the presence of their faith, hope, and love. It appears that Thessalonica had grasped the New Testament model for the church. They weren’t a perfect church, but they were being used of the Lord.

As a means of encouragement, Paul shifts his focus from the trials that he endured at Philippi, to a personal testimony of his call and desire for ministry. He reminds the church of their obligations in ministry along with a confident assurance of their authority in the Word.

I fear many have lost sight of their obligations in ministry and often lose sight of the authority by which they minister. For many today, ministry has become drudgery, considered more of a vocation than an occupation with the Lord. The modern church tends to major on the minor and minor on the major! I heard the evangelist Sheldon Jones make a statement on his radio broadcast some time ago that stuck with me. He said, “Modern preachers are preaching more and more about less and less until they have explained everything about nothing!”

In our text verses, Paul speaks of the duties associated with a fruitful and biblical approach to ministry. I want to consider these duties as we think on: The Pursuit of Ministry.

I. A Work of Liberty (4) – But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. Many may have been influenced or even bound by the dictates of society, and the religious legalists of that day, but Paul had discovered a refreshing and productive liberty in the Lord. In Christ, Paul knew:

A. He was Favored (4a) – Paul revealed that he had been allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel. The word allowed is a powerful word that reveals much about Paul’s ministry. It means “to test, examine, prove, and deem worthy.” It is evident that God had examined Paul; He had tested him in many ways, preparing him for the work to come. Paul had not chosen the ministry. God called and placed him in the ministry. He was there at the leisure of the Lord. Paul was confident in his calling because he was supported and strengthened of God.

I think we could safely say that Paul was humbled by such a calling, but he knew that God had been gracious and he wanted to serve the Lord with all his being, seeking to be successful in ministry for Christ.

B. He was Faithful (4b) – Paul had been entrusted with the gospel and that is the message he shared. He was not entangled with the bondage of legalistic Jews or the heresy of the doctrines of the world. He was faithful to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ – His death, burial, and resurrection.

There is clearly a growing trend of deviating from the gospel, even among the churches. As I said earlier, many major on the minor, personal preferences and traditions, and minor on the major, the gospel. We have not been called to present the bondage of legalism or the easy-believism of the liberals. We have been called to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ! That is the only message that will bring about profitable change in the hearts of people. It has endured the test of time. We need to proclaim Jesus!

C. He was Focused (4c) – not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. It is evident when one studies the ministry of Paul that his desire was not to gain the approval or acceptance of men. He sought to share the gospel and edify the Lord. It is interesting to note that the word trieth in the text is translated from the same Greek word rendered allowed in the beginning of the verse. God had examined Paul prior to his ministry and He continued to examine his life as he proceeded in ministry.

Paul wasn’t concerned with what men thought as long as God was pleased with him. We certainly need to be mindful of our witness and our testimony, but our actions cannot be dictated by the desire to please men. God knows our motives and He knows our hearts! Being a people that please the Lord will not gain us popularity among the world. In fact, we will likely be labeled “old fashioned, narrow minded, and even fanatical.” That is all right by me. I am not interested in the approval or acceptance of the world, but the power of God in our midst.