Paul’s Success in Thessalonica 1 Thessalonians 2

Paul’s Defense of His ministry His efforts in Thessalonica were not in vain (1) (Acts 17:4) “And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.” Was persecuted in Philippi (2) (Acts 16:20-24). Beaten with rods, and imprisoned. Remained bold to speak the gospel (3) His effectiveness was evident in their existence as a church.

The Reasons Behind Paul’s Success Spoke only to please God (4) 1 Corinthians 1:22-24

For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

The Reasons Behind Paul’s Success Spoke only to please God (4) 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 Did not seek glory from men (5-6) Matthew 6:1-2

Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

The Reasons Behind Paul’s Success Spoke only to please God (4) 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 Did not seek glory from men (5-6) Matthew 6:1-2 Was gentle with the Thessalonians (7-8) 2 Timothy 2:24-26

And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

The Reasons Behind Paul’s Success Spoke only to please God (4) 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 Did not seek glory from men (5-6) Matthew 6:1-2 Was gentle with the Thessalonians (7-8) 2 Timothy 2:24-26 Worked diligently, toiling night and day (9) 1 Corinthians 15:55-58

“O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Paul’s charge to the Thessalonians (as a father does his own children) “that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (vs. 12)