2. A FAITHFUL MINISTER (1 Thessalonians 2:1-19)

What kind of messenger from God came to Thessalonica? As the lead messenger, Paul brought the transforming Word. What was he like? What methods did he use to accomplish his aims? In this chapter we have the answers to our questions. We are given a wonderful, comprehensive description of what God's messenger ought, and ought not to be. Leaders need to carefully study the good number of characteristics of the faithful minister vividly presented, and to reproduce them in their own ministries.

2.1 A FAITHFUL MINISTER IS COURAGEOUS AMONG HIS PEOPLE. (1 Thessalonians 2:1-2)

1 Thessalonians 2:2 "But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict."

As Roman citizens (Acts 22:28 ) their rights had been violated, scourging of Roman citizens was prohibited by law; their right, a public hearing, had not been granted which compounded the shame, and uncondemned, they had been put into prison. (Acts 16:37 ). Finding that in certain given circumstances they were totally unprotected by their Roman rights, these messengers of the good news could have decided enough was enough and turned away from ministry in Europe. Men of different character and anointing would have been stopped.

It would be a mistake to think of these men of God as being men of mere stoical courage. No, their courage was because of their faith in God. These men of likeness to ourselves tell us:

1 Thessalonians 2:2. "We were bold in our God."

Having a message too good to keep to themselves, they had the courage to speak it out in hostile surroundings. Knowing God was with them and for them, and they by faith could say boldly,

Hebrews 13:6 "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"

The true messenger is a courageous messenger, because he is granted Holy Spirit boldness. We can pray for boldness and get what we ask for.

Acts 4:29 "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word."

Acts 4:31 "And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness."

Paul could speak of boldness granted in past persecutions but could trust the Holy Spirit for boldness in present perils - that is, he could boldly speak the gospel "in much conflict" as witnessed by the Thessalonians. Unlike some modern preachers who have much boldness after the event in the retelling of it, God's true messenger had boldness of the Holy Spirit in the event. If by disposition you could never conceive of yourself being bold, you may not be naturally, but spiritually equipped with Holy Spirit boldness, and you can, through active faith in God even in the conflict, be bold as the lion of the tribe of Judah whom you represent in the Holy Spirit. There is no Biblical reason why you cannot be a bold messenger of Jesus Christ.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Was the courage of God's messengers to Thessalonica merely a stoical courage?
   • Who is the source of boldness?
   • What does it do for you when you know God is for you?
   • Are you much bolder after the event in the retelling of it, or are you bold in the Holy Spirit in the event?

2. How would you describe Holy Spirit preaching?
   • Do you see a need for messages to be filled with Holy Spirit utterance today?