Read 1 Thessalonians 2:4-6. Describe the contrast between Paul's motivation for ministry and the worldly alternatives he mentions. Why is it not always so easy to see the differences; that is, how can people deceive themselves regarding the purity of their own motives? Why is that so easy to do?

Paul talks about the character of people who seek to please men and flatter others with their words. It is easy to deceive ourselves when we lose our focus. When our ministry becomes about receiving glory of men and not glorifying God then we are in a bad position. We must first seek to please God above all things.

What does 1 Thessalonians 2:5, 6 add to the three motivations listed in verse 3?

The Apostles did not use abuse their authority as Apostles. It was very easy for them to so, but they did not.

What in your life pleases God, and why? What doesn't, and why not?

This is a question that we must all ask ourselves. When God looks down and He is looking for someone to representHim I wonder if He will call upon me our you.

Prayer: Help us to be pure in our motives , and do what is pleasing in your site. Thank you in Jesus name amen.

While Paul was in Thessalonica, what other things did he do in addition to preaching the gospel, and why? See 1 Thess. 2:9, 10.

Here we see that Paul did his best to not be a burden to those who he was ministering to. The text says that he labored both and night. I believe that this was a reference to his tent making. Paul had another means which to support himself so that he could do ministry which would not put out those he was ministering to. Paul also paid attention to his behavior. Paul behaved himself in an upright manor as to not bring shame to his ministry. All of these things were to not be a burden on the people he was ministering to.

What analogy did Paul use in 1 Thessalonians 2:11, 12 to describe his treatment of the Thessalonians? See also Luke 11:11-13. What does that analogy teach?

Here Paul uses the relationships of a Father toward his son and a parent and their child. This is a close relationship , and this analogy shows what Paul thought of the Thessalonians. Paul had a deep passion and connection to those whom he was ministering to. Paul actually cared and it showed in what he did. In order to be effective in ministry we have to connect to the people in the same way.

Prayer: Father we thank you for the example of Paul. Most of all we thank you for Jesus. Help us to learn how to not be burden and how to have loving compassion. Thank you in Jesus name amen.