Read 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16. What message should this passage have for us today? What does it definitely not teach?

When we decide to follow after God we will have opposition. We see here that the Thessalonians imitated the good example of the Judeans. While there is a good example that we can follow there also is a bad example that we should not  follow. We must be on our guard not to follow bad examples, but also not to set a bad example. Here we see that the Judean example was not the best but this does not men that they were all the same. We should be on are guard not to demonize an entire group of any people.

It's easy to point fingers at the church for failure in regard to how it has treated whole classes of people. What about ourselves? How much ethnic prejudice lingers in our own hearts?

It is important for you to examine yourself and to see where you stand. As we daily reflect on the life of Jesus Christ we are able to determine if we becoming more like him. The beautiful thing is the the Holy Spirit is here to help you to be more like Christ. Also when you read the scriptures and interact with the body of believers it also helps you to mature into a Christian. Even though in Pauls day the Judean example was not the best we have  and example in Christ.

Prayer: Father you are the one who truly knows our hearts. I ask that you please purify us all. Thank you in Jesus name amen.

Further Study: "No matter how high the profession, he whose heart is not filled with love for God and his fellow men is not a true disciple of Christ. . . . He might display great liberality; but should he, from some other motive than genuine love, bestow all his goods to feed the poor, the act would not commend him to the favor of God."-Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 318, 319.

"While Paul was careful to set before his converts the plain teaching of Scripture regarding the proper support of the work of God, . . . at various times during his ministry in the great centers of civilization, he wrought at a handicraft for his own maintenance. . . .

"It is at Thessalonica that we first read of Paul's working with his hands in self-supporting labor while preaching the word[1 Thess. 2:6, 9; 2 Thess. 3:8, 9]. . . .

"But Paul did not regard as lost the time thus spent. . . . He gave his fellow workers instruction in spiritual things, and he also set an example of industry and thoroughness. He was a quick, skillful worker, diligent in business, 'fervent in spirit, serving the Lord' (Rom. 12:11)."-Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, pp. 234-236.

Discussion Questions:

Summary: In this passage Paul opened his heart to reveal the truest motives for ministry. The ultimate motive is to please God, whether or not those we minister to are pleased. Motivations of money, sex, and power have no place in a heart determined to please God. The next most important motive for ministry is heartfelt love for the lost. Both of these motives are clearly expressed in 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12.

In 1 Thessalonians 2:4, Paul's primary motivation for ministry is to please God. What additional motivation does Paul bring up in the verses that follow? See 1 Thess. 2:6-8.

This was remarkable for me because the text says that the Thessalonians were dear to them. Paul was motivated in ministry because he actually cared for those whom he ministered. Compassion is not something which can be manufactured, it is a gift that God has given to us all. When we nurture our compassion God can help us to be more compassionate. In a world where people are often treated less then human, there is a need for people who are loving and caring. When you being to love and care and have the compassion of Christ you will see a transformation in your ministries.

How did the churches of Macedonia, of which Thessalonica was a part, respond to the tenderness of the apostles? See 2 Cor. 8:1-5. What does this teach us about the importance of character in the lives of those who witness to others?

The Apostles developed a connection with those they ministered to, and they were giving to them. This is something that we can not overlook in ministry. We have to learn how to connect with people and when we are caring deeply our ministry will become more effective. This is something that only God can do for us.

Prayer: Father help us to be the a church which has true compassion. Thank you in Jesus name Amen.