I & II Thessalonians
Preparing for the Second Coming
True Ministers
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is a review of Paul’s defense against false teachers. Of special note in this lesson is the identity of true ministers of God’s word.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Recognize the identity of true ministers of God’s word.
- Feel: Internalize the identity of true ministers of God’s word.
- Do: Put into practice those characteristics of true ministers of God’s word.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
Answers will vary but look for a focus on doing for others above self, seeking to serve for God's glory, seeking the best for others. In short, the same characteristics of agape love that makes us the representatives of Christ. See also John 13:35; John 15:8; Galatians 5:22-25.
True ministers trust God – (2:1-2) Trust in God is one of the elements of faith. As our knowledge of God increases so too should our trust in Him. Paul demonstrated tremendous trust as he endured persecution yet kept his eye on his role as God's servant. Ture ministers of God's word go beyond simply speaking and teaching the word but follow through with dedicated service to others.
True ministers are sincere – (2:3-12) Sincerity is seen in our genuineness. It means we put into practice those things we teach.
Paul provides two sets of characteristics – Worldly (vs 3-6) and spiritual (vs 7-12). Worldly characteristics are those that focus on self. Spiritual are those that focus on doing and being what our Lord wants and especially in our treatment of others.
True ministers get results – (2:13-16) Certainly any action has the potential of seeing results. We seek long lasting and positive results that bring others to our Lord on His terms. The focus is not on large numbers, although we rejoice when we see success in this way. The focus instead is on winning one soul at a time.
True ministers love the church – (2:17-3:13) When we are converted, we are not converted to the church, we are converted to Christ. We are then added to the church. We cannot separate the two. If we love our Lord then we will love His body, the church. Just like any loving relationship, we express our love through faithfulness. We seek out our fellow members. We support them in their efforts to serve our Lord. We are involved in their lives to help them in their efforts to develop faithfulness. We pray for each other and help each other in any way we can. In doing so we share as the first century Christians did in Acts 2:42-47 and we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ (II Peter 3:18).
This was not the first time Paul had to defend his ministry. As we are active in our ministries we will be challenged and must ensure that our motives are pure and our focus remains upon service to God. We do this by trusting our Lord, practicing what we teach, giving God the glory and staying faithful to our Lord and His church.