READ 1 Thessalonians 2:1-3

Part of the abiding value of 1 Thessalonians 2 and 3 is the insight it gives us into Paul's pastoral heart.  In these chapters, more perhaps than anywhere else in his letters, he discloses his mind, expresses his emotions, and bares his soul. 

If you serve the Lord and His church, you will indeed be touched and challenged by what Paul writes here.

“For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: 2But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. 3For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile.”

You will notice something very important. Paul makes it clear, ''Our entrance or coming to you was not in vain.'' In other words, our ministry wasn't a failure. 

His enemies might say that he had to leave under the cover of darkness to escape with his life. 

Then, they might say, ''See, he really didn't care about you at all. His work means nothing here.'' But Paul reminds these believers that his ministry mattered, it made a mark on Thessalonica and the surrounding community. 

Leadership is not easy. When a sports team does not win, the owner fires the head coach. 

When a corporation loses its competitive edge or fails in a major way to live up to expectations, the board of directors often fires the president. 

When a church does not grow according to people's expectations, the pastor is often blamed.

And because spiritual and eternal matters are involved, the leadership crisis in the world is insignificant compared to the leadership crisis in the church, God's agency to fulfill His mission on earth until Christ returns. 

Those called to be pastors, who preach, teach, and lead God's flock, are entrusted with the unequaled duty of proclaiming the gospel to unbelieving sinners and bringing those who believe and are baptized into the fellowship of the local church.

At the end of this chapter, Paul tells the church: “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 20For ye are our glory and joy” (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20). 

This was Paul's way of letting the people know what was important to him and what his purpose was. 

If we are going to move the world it begins one life, one family, and the community at a time.

It means that we are unashamedly committed to sharing the gospel in all we do. 

It should be a part of all we do. In every worship service certainly, but in every other thing, we do!!! 

FIT Volleyball, Youth and Young Adult Activities, Bible Clubs, Discipleship, Preschool Ministry etc., sharing the gospel becomes a part of who we are. 

That is how we make our mark. 

Ralph Nabors - Witness to Take a Stand: When a class or ministry lets a full year pass without reaching a single person for Jesus Christ then it has forfeited its reason for existing. 

''It's not in vain...'' Our time is not wasted when people are saved. 

Our time is not wasted when we share Christ and give them an invitation to receive Him. 

Our time is not wasted when we help people mature in Christ and actively share their faith. 

Our time is not wasted when people are changed through the faithful teaching, living of God's Word.  Is our entrance in vain or is it fruitful, redounding to God’s glory?

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  How do you view most of the leaders around you, in all walks of life?

2.  What do you believe is important in the life of a leader?

3.  As you think of your local church, how effective is it in leading others to Christ?

4.  What changes might benefit your church in moving forward for Christ?