Grosey's Messages

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12  THE MEASURE OF A MINISTRY

The great American entrepreneur John D. Rockefeller stated, "I will pay more for the ability to deal with people than any other ability under the sun." According to a report by the American Management Association, an overwhelming majority of the two hundred managers who participated in a survey agreed that the most important single skill of an executive is [the] ability to get along with people. In the survey, management rated this ability more vital than intelligence, decisiveness, knowledge, or job skills.

I find that fascinating. Relationships are more important to good leadership than temperament, technique, and intelligence. This is something I've learned myself over several decades of pastoral ministry . . . and something the apostle Paul illustrates for us in the first twelve verses of 1 Thessalonians 2.

 

Marks of a dysfunctional church

I've come up with my own humorous top ten list of the ways to tell if you're attending a dysfunctional church. You know you're in a dysfunctional church when:

10. The ushers frisk everyone before they enter.

9. Church survey includes option of increasing pastors pay.

8. The worship leader directs the worship practice with a whip.

7. Family Fun Day includes the Titanic ride, and Jumping Castle is named "Ten Plagues of Egypt."

6.  There is a pastor appreciation month every month.

5. There are parking metres in the church parking lot.

4. Session meetings begin with the chairman saying, "Let's get ready to ruuuuummble!"

3. Visitors are required to put their bank account number on the guest form.

2. Requirements for teaching Sunday school students include martial arts training.

1. The Church changes its name and address regularly to avoid complaints.

I love the little poem that says:

If you should find the perfect church; Without one fault or smear;

For goodness sake, don't join that church; You'd spoil the atmosphere!

But since no perfect church exists; (We're all imperfect men);

Then please stop looking for that church; And love the church you're in.

So keep on serving in your church; Until the Resurrection.

And then we all will be the Church; Without an imperfection!

Measures of a maturing church

Paul then turns their attention to a slide show of memories—reminders of things from their past that affected their present. Notice how often he refers to things the Thessalonians already knew because of past experiences. These words serve as mementos of the past, not to obsess over it but rather to let the past motivate them.

"You yourselves know" (2:1)

"After we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know" (2:2)

"We never came with flattering speech, as you know" (2:5)

"For you recall, brethren" (2:9)

"You are witnesses" (2:10)

"Just as you know" (2:11)

What was it he wanted them to remember? Above all, he wanted them to know that his coming to them "was not in vain" (2:1). The Greek word for "vain" means something that's empty, lacking purpose or earnestness.[6] But Paul's visit had purpose and meaning; it had accomplished more than he had hoped.

1 Thess 1: We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers,3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.

Many ministries have slipped from majestic mountain peaks of glory to vicious valleys of defeat. Having measured their success by the standards of the world (crowds, cash, and concrete) they failed to measure their ministries by the standards of the Master. What appeared to be victory was really vanity. Paul's ministry in Thessalonica was "not in vain" (I Thes. 2:1). The ministry to the Thessalonica stands as a model for every age to consider (I Thes. 1:6)

The first four verses of I Thessalonians 2 help us understand how to measure a ministry that will stand the test of time. Let's consider how we measure a church.  Incidentally, this should show us the DNA of our church.  What makes us, us, at Hope.

Make the Main thing the Main Thing.

1 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain.2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict

There are those who seek to reach their community for Christ through "lifestyle evangelism" and entertaining methods. There is, however, nothing more powerful than the message of the gospel (I Cor. 14:23-25). We must focus more on what men need to hear than what they want to hear! Ministries ought to be measured by their proclamation. The right message is . . .

UNDETERRED IN DIFFICULTY. The Apostle Paul and his companions knew what it meant to be "shamefully entreated." While in Philippi, Paul was accused, arrested, stripped, beaten, and jailed. His humiliation was worse than that suffered by slaves. Yet, Paul did not stop in Philippi. What if he had?

UNINHIBITED IN DELIVERY. To be "bold" means to speak openly (i.e. "all speech"). Great freedom to communicate only comes to those who are "in our God." Unlike political parties, churches are not to set about to reach a compromise in order to build a platform. Churches are called upon to declare the truth without regard for the consequences (I Tim. 3:15).

UNSTOPPABLE IN DETERMINATION. The gospel came to Thessalonica in "much contention." The Greek word is agoni or agony. Like a marathon runner, Paul was in the ministry for the long-haul.

3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive,4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.

There are those who believe that "the end justifies the means." We must understand that God's work must be done God's way or it will never know God's approval (II Cor. 4:1-6). There are three ways to examine the operation that pleases the Lord.

THERE IS TO BE NO DEVIATION FROM TRUTH. While Paul was called "mad" by Festus (Acts 26:24) but he would not resort to "deceit" to build a following. Be careful of those who put "relevance above revelation."

THERE IS TO BE NO DEFILEMENT OF TRUTH. "Uncleanness" is moral deviation (sexual sin). The believer's behaviour must back the believer's message. Those who would promote truth must live truth (2Tim. 2:19-25). But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity." 20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. 22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,25 correcting his opponents with gentleness.

THERE IS TO BE NO DUPLICITY. No guile.

 Motivation is important in all that we do. Do you serve to be noticed? Is approval your goal?

WE MUST NOT BE MOTIVATED BY POPULARITY (v. 5 – "Flattering words"). Flattery was a well-accepted social practice in the apostolic age (Acts 24:1-4). Flattery dangerously diminishes the impact of your statements of sincerity (Prov. 20:19; 28:23). Ministry based upon flattery will get you nowhere you want to be!

WE MUST NOT BE MOTIVATED BY POSSESSIONS

(vs. 5 - "Cloke of covetousness"). True servants give without regard for getting. Never hide your desire for gain behind a pretense of giving.

WE MUST NOT BE MOTIVATED BY POSITION

(vs. 6 - "Nor of men sought we glory.")

WE MUST NOT BE MOTIVATED BY POWER

(v. 6 – "We might have been burdensome.") The idea of "burdensome" is that of putting a weight on someone.

People Matter More Than Programmes

(v. 4)  4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.

Our motivation will only remain right when we set about to please God not men! In order to please God, two truths must be kept in mind.

CONSIDER THE HONOUR YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN. To be "allowed" of God" carries the idea of being approved. There is no more blessed privilege than to carry the truth as an ambassador sent from heaven (II Cor. 5:20).

CONSIDER THE RESPONSIBILITY YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN. We are "put in trust" with the gospel.

1. We must discipline our bodies

2. We must discipline our minds

5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed---God is witness.6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.

Any good builder recognizes the need for a proper measure. A ministry must be measured not by programs and personalities. A God-honouring ministry is recognised by its proclamation, its operation, and its motivation.

Multiply Ministry by Multiplying the Ministers

A few years ago Reader's Digest published a joke about a hunter in Africa who was walking through the jungle. He came upon a huge dead rhinoceros. Standing next to the slain rhinoceros was a Pygmy. He said, "Did you kill that rhino?" The Pygmy said, "Yes, I killed it with my club." The astonished hunter said, "Wow, how big is your club?" The Pygmy said, "There are about a hundred of us." There is power in numbers. Through the years I've notice when I meet a believer overseas, I feel an immediate kinship with them. When I met pastors in Kenya or PNG, I felt a closer relationship with them that I do with Australian pastors who don't follow Jesus.

Chuck Swindoll reflected on a conversation he had with a pastor.  "You don't fit in!

"Well, what could I say to that? The man had me pretty well pegged. It was that last statement, though, that really got me thinking. It woke up with me the next morning: You've even got some compassion! As though it was not supposed to be there. In other words, if you're committed to the truth of Scripture, devoted to preaching the gospel, and dedicated to the ministry, you shouldn't worry about people's needs. Don't get concerned about the heartaches, hunger, illness, fractured lives, struggles, insecurities, failures, and grievances of folks—because those are only temporal problems, mere horizontal hassles. Leave those things to the liberal pastors . . . or at least to paid counselors."

I met Chuck Swindoll 35 years ago. He strongly influenced me.  Why? He was compassionate. And more than anything else, that impressed me. 

Whether you are a pastor a Sunday school teacher a dance instructor someone who works for food bank, what ever you do for the Lord, without love, you ain't got nothing!

 

LOVE  LIKE A GENTLE MOTHER, WE CARE FOR EACH OTHER

7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

We live in such an impersonal culture. People are electronically connected through texting, Facebook, and Twitter, but people are lonely. People are longing for real relationships. That's what we should offer to people, the gentle caring like a mother loving her child.

 

WORK LIKE A TROJAN HARD WORKER, WE SERVE EACH OTHER

9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.Paul was careful to point out that he wasn't a financial burden to the church. He carried his own weight. He wrote, "Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you." (1 Thess 2:9)

We know from Acts 18 that Paul had a skill as a tentmaker. When he came to Thessalonica, he didn't expect the church to pay him any money. Instead he worked hard to earn his keep as a tentmaker.

There is a problem that existed in Paul's day and it still exists. There are people who use religion or faith as a means to get rich. There is a heresy going around today called the prosperity gospel. It's where preachers tell people to give money to their ministry and they will get rich as a result.

Paul wrote elsewhere that a workman is worthy of his hire and those that teach the Word are worthy of double honor, but he demonstrated he didn't receive money from the churches. He could work for a living. In his second letter Paul wrote, "The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat."

Here in the church, we serve one another. We aren't here to see what we can GET. We're here to see how we can give. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive.

 

ENCOURAGE LIKE A LOVING FATHER, WE EACH OTHER

10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.11 For you know how, like a father with his children,12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

Not only did Paul love them like a mother, and serve them like a worker, he encouraged them like a good father. He wrote, "We dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God." (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12) That's what dads do, we encourage our kids. Dads, here are two things you should be saying to your children on a regular basis. "I love you and I'm proud of you."

And the Bible teaches that the main reason we gather together as a church is to encourage one another. . "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25)

 

 

1 Corinthians 9 Laying Aside Rights For The Sake Of The Gospel

1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? 2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

 3 This is my defense to those who would examine me. 4 Do we not have the right to eat and drink? 5 Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? 7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk?

 8 Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? 10 Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. 11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more?

Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? 14 In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

 15 But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. 16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

 19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

 

This looks like a new section where Paul deals with pay for a pastor, but its actually not a new section. It is not an interruption; it is an illustration of the very principles that Paul presented in 1 Corinthians 8 and 10. Life was not about rights. Life is about building others up and promoting the gospel. Paul used himself as an illustration of the mature use of liberty: he was free to receive financial support from the Corinthian church, yet he set aside that right in order to achieve a higher goal.

In verse 1 he asks four rhetorical questions to set the tone: "Am I not free?  Am I not an apostle?  Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?  Are you not my work in the Lord?"  If we read this ninth chapter casually, we might think that Paul is introducing a new subject, his apostolic authority.  But this is really a continuation of the argument that he started in chapter 8.  In that chapter Paul urged the more mature believers in Corinth to exercise the freedom they had in Christ in a very loving, sensitive way, concerned about the brothers and sisters in the body who had a weakened conscience with regard to the food sacrificed to idols and events that took place in pagan temples.  They were to build others up, not to get the best deal for themselves. Paul stated his own willingness to give up his freedom for the sake of these weaker brothers.  He said their spiritual life and growth was more important than whatever freedom he had in the Lord Jesus.  "Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, that I might not cause my brother to stumble."

Now Paul uses his own life as an example of what he has asked them to do in chapter 8.  Paul practiced in his own life what he preached to other people.

His right to boast! [16]

His right to compensation (wages/reward)! [18]

His right to independence! [19]

His right to a life of ease! [26,27]

Paul teaches two principles for ministry in the body of Christ here.  In verses 1-14 he is going to establish beyond a shadow of doubt that as a full-time minister of the gospel of Christ, he has every right to be supported financially.  The church of Christ is obligated to him before the Lord to meet his physical, material needs.  But then in the second half of the chapter, verses 15-23, he explains why he chose not to exercise that right, not to be supported by the church in Corinth; in order to promote the gospel and to build up as many folks as he can.

Paul affirmed his missionary rights.   He was an apostle. The Corinthians experienced his apostolic gifts first-hand, "for you are the seal of mine apostleship in the Lord" (v. 3).

Paul affirmed his marital rights He asks, "5 Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?

Paul also affirmed his material rights. 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living?" (1 Cor. 9:5-6).

Churches should count it an honor to take care of God's servant. So Paul is preparing to show the Corinthians that he had a right to adequate financial support and adequate family support. He makes this case so he can show himself as an illustration of the concept of loving others and building them up as the higher good.

Paul offers an illustration (vv. 7-14). In fact, he uses many illustrations to defend the right to receive support.

First, he uses an illustration from life. He writes (v. 7). 7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk?

Paul employs three vivid pictures to demonstrate his point. He begins with a soldier who is supported by the government for which he fights. Our military should draw wages—honorable wages—for the freedom and protection they provide. He next uses a sower who eats from the grain he plants. Finally, he uses a shepherd who has the right to drink from the milk produced.

No more relevant images could be conceived to picture a pastor and the church. He protects the flock from false teaching. He sows the Word of God for spiritual sustenance. And, he tends the flock, tenderly caring for God's sheep. Hence, every pastor may rightly expect to be supported from the flock he serves.

Second, Paul uses an illustration from law. Note well his words, "8 Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? 10 Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop." (1 Cor. 9:8-10; cp. Deut. 25:4; 1 Tim. 5:18). Frankly, it is inhumane not to allow an ox to eat the corn from the field it plows. Even so, if God is interested in animals' welfare and what is just for them, how much more is He interested in our welfare!

Paul makes an analogy to the priest of the Old Testament temple (vv. 13-14). . 13 Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings?

Just as priests were fulltime servants of the Lord, so are His pastors of His churches. Thus, Paul summarizes the case he makes for receiving support from the ministry he serves.

Thirdly Paul uses a direction from the Lord  14 In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

Paul quotes the words of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself who clearly affirmed ministerial support, "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel" (v. 14; cp. also Luke 10:7).

 

The case Paul makes is air-tight. Ministers of the Gospel live from the Gospel.

Had Paul been before a court of law, no judge would have dismissed his defense. Nevertheless, Paul does a startling thing. As vigorously as he made his case point by point, he now completely renounces it! Note carefully his words, "15 But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. 16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel." (1 Cor. 9:15-18). What is the apostle attempting to do?

He is showing that just as in chapter 8 and throughout these chapters, Christian maturity is shown by sacrificially looking to build up the other. We are not in it for ourselves.

In verses 14-23, Paul mentions the "Gospel" nine times. It doesn't take one long as they look at the life of Paul to realize the importance of the Gospel to his life.

J.H. Jowett said concerning preachers, "We are not appointed merely to give good advice, but to proclaim good news."

My Life shall touch a dozen lives      Before this day is done,     

Leave countless marks of good or ill,      E'er sets the evening sun.     

This, the wish I always wish,      The prayer I always pray;

Lord, may my life help other lives,      It touches by the way.       

 

Paul is saying there are two reasons and only two reasons for doing anything. Don't be a preacher to get paid!  The only time in my life I have been paid the correct amount as a pastor was the same day my daughter began her job as a raw first year out assistant teacher. We had the same pay rate! 

The right reason is to preach the gospel! And to build others up in the same gospel.

 

16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

First, Paul was renouncing all rights to support for the sake of his Saviour.

Recall Paul's concern about the "hindering" the Gospel (v. 12). The term translated "hinder", is enkopē, and it was used of the military who, upon the advancement of an opposing army in their city, would make slits in the street to hold them up. Paul wanted nothing to hold the Gospel up from being delivered to all peoples. Hence, Paul was literally saying he had no desire to preach for money (v. 18).  Furthermore, Paul simply could not live without preaching. He says, "woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!"

Imagine if that were the heartbeat of every pastor. Imagine if that were the heartbeat of every church. An undying, unstoppable commitment to proclaim the everlasting Gospel to the world would bring a heaven-sent revival.

Second, Paul renounced all right to support for the sake of sinners.

He mentions a glorious paradox, "For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant to all, that I might gain the more" (v. 19). Though no one had bondage over his soul, Paul was still in chains to the Gospel. Why? He viewed ministry that saved souls as the only real "gain."

I think of David Brainerd who laboured among the poor, benighted Indians. He once said, "I care not where I live, or what hardships I go through, so that I can but gain souls to Christ. While I am asleep, I dream of these things; as soon as I awake, the first thing I think of is this great work. All my desire is the conversion of sinners, and all my hope is in God."

 In 1904, King Edward VII invited William Booth to Buckingham Palace. When the king asked Booth to write in his autograph album, the old man-now seventy-five-bent forward, took the pen, and summed up his life's work:      Your Majesty,     

Some men's ambition is art,     Some men's ambition is fame,      Some men's ambition is gold,     

My ambition is the souls of men.

 

What is your ambition? What is your goal in life? What is most important to you?

Having mentioned his servitude to the Gospel, Paul now describes the various modes of it. He describes how his ambition for the gospel works itself out in practice. He describes how he foregoes his own rights for the sake of the gospel.

He has already foregone his rights to be paid appropriately.

He has foregone his rights to have a family for the sake of the gospel.

You are saved to serve.    Do You Live a Life of Availability?

Now he will say how he tries every way he can to connect people to the gospel, and so he will forego other rights in this goal.  And what are these?

Do you have a heart of compulsion to make the gospel known?

Do you have a heart of compassion for those who are lost?

It is really about having a heart for others to know Christ.

Saved to Serve.  Do You Live a Life of Adaptability?

Do you forego your rights by adapting to the people around you for the sake of the gospel?  

Verse. 20. "And I became," says he, "to the Jews as a Jew, that I might gain Jews." And how did this take place?     "To them that are under the law, as under the law, not being myself under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law."

And when was he under the law? When he shaved his head; when he offered sacrifice. Now these things were done, not because his mind changed, (since such conduct would have been wickedness,) but because his love condescended. For that he might bring over to this faith those who were really Jews, he became such himself not really, showing himself such only, but not such in fact nor doing these things from a mind so disposed. Indeed, how could he, zealous as he was to convert others also, and doing these things only in order that he might free others who did them from that degradation?

 21. "To them that are without law, as without law." Chrysostom wrote "These were neither Jews, nor Christians, nor Greeks; but 'outside of the Law,' as was Cornelius, and if there were any others like him. For among these also making his appearance, he used to assume many of their ways. But some say that he hints at his discourse with the Athenians from the inscription on the altar, and that so he saith, "to them that are without law, as without law.""

J. Hudson Taylor recognised that missionaries to China were largely ineffective.  They lived in Missionary compounds and would occasionally sally forth in English clothes to make evangelistic forays often in the English language, which to the Chinese looked weird and not understandable.  He dressed like those he sought to minister too. He lived with those he sought to witness too.  He learned the language.     

He adopted customs but lived a godly life different from some fo the English who descended into the lasciviousness of the opium dens.

Ver. 22. "To the weak became I weak, that I might gain the weak:" And here is the very issue he has raised in chapter 8.  He adapted to the weak in order to impress them with the gospel.

Next, not to waste time by naming every way, he says, "I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some."

Next week will ask the question

If you are Saved To Serve Do You Live a Life of Accountability?

Forego them by living for Christ now

Marks of a dysfunctional church

I've come up with my own humorous top ten list of the ways to tell if you're attending a dysfunctional church. You know you're in a dysfunctional church when:

10. The ushers frisk everyone before they enter.

9. Church survey includes option of increasing pastors pay.

8. The worship leader directs the worship practice with a whip.

7. Family Fun Day includes the Titanic ride, and Jumping Castle is named "Ten Plagues of Egypt."

6.  There is a pastor appreciation month every month.

5. There are parking metres in the church parking lot.

4. Session meetings begin with the chairman saying, "Let's get ready to ruuuuummble!"

3. Visitors are required to put their bank account number on the guest form.

2. Requirements for teaching Sunday school students include martial arts training.

1. The Church changes its name and address regularly to avoid complaints.

Many ministries have slipped from majestic mountain peaks of glory to vicious valleys of defeat. Having measured their success by the standards of the world (crowds, cash, and concrete) they failed to measure their ministries by the standards of the Master. What appeared to be victory was really vanity. Paul's ministry in Thessalonica was "not in vain" (I Thes. 2:1). The ministry to the Thessalonica stands as a model for every age to consider (I Thes. 1:6)

The first four verses of I Thessalonians 2 help us understand how to measure a ministry that will stand the test of time. Let's consider how we measure a church.  Incidentally, this should show us the DNA of our church.  What makes us, us, at Hope.

1 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain.2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict

There are those who seek to reach their community for Christ through "lifestyle evangelism" and entertaining methods. There is, however, nothing more powerful than the message of the gospel (I Cor. 14:23-25). We must focus more on what men need to hear than what they want to hear! Ministries ought to be measured by their proclamation. The right message is . . .

UNDETERRED IN DIFFICULTY. The Apostle Paul and his companions knew what it meant to be "shamefully entreated." While in Philippi, Paul was accused, arrested, stripped, beaten, and jailed. His humiliation was worse than that suffered by slaves. Yet, Paul did not stop in Philippi. What if he had?

UNINHIBITED IN DELIVERY. To be "bold" means to speak openly (i.e. "all speech"). Great freedom to communicate only comes to those who are "in our God." Unlike political parties, churches are not to set about to reach a compromise in order to build a platform. Churches are called upon to declare the truth without regard for the consequences (I Tim. 3:15).

UNSTOPPABLE IN DETERMINATION. The gospel came to Thessalonica in "much contention." The Greek word is agoni or agony. Like a marathon runner, Paul was in the ministry for the long-haul.

3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive,4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.

There are those who believe that "the end justifies the means." We must understand that God's work must be done God's way or it will never know God's approval (II Cor. 4:1-6). There are three ways to examine the operation that pleases the Lord.

THERE IS TO BE NO DEVIATION FROM TRUTH. While Paul was called "mad" by Festus (Acts 26:24) but he would not resort to "deceit" to build a following. Be careful of those who put "relevance above revelation."

THERE IS TO BE NO DEFILEMENT OF TRUTH. "Uncleanness" is moral deviation (sexual sin). The believer's behaviour must back the believer's message. Those who would promote truth must live truth (2Tim. 2:19-25). But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity." 20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. 22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,25 correcting his opponents with gentleness.

THERE IS TO BE NO DUPLICITY. No guile.

 

4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.

Our motivation will only remain right when we set about to please God not men! In order to please God, two truths must be kept in mind.

CONSIDER THE HONOUR YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN. To be "allowed" of God" carries the idea of being approved. There is no more blessed privilege than to carry the truth as an ambassador sent from heaven (II Cor. 5:20).

CONSIDER THE RESPONSIBILITY YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN. We are "put in trust" with the gospel.

1. We must discipline our bodies

2. We must discipline our minds

5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed---God is witness.6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.

Any good builder recognizes the need for a proper measure. A ministry must be measured not by programs and personalities. A God-honouring ministry is recognised by its proclamation, its operation, and its motivation.

 

A few years ago Reader's Digest published a joke about a hunter in Africa who was walking through the jungle. He came upon a huge dead rhinoceros. Standing next to the slain rhinoceros was a Pygmy. He said, "Did you kill that rhino?" The Pygmy said, "Yes, I killed it with my club." The astonished hunter said, "Wow, how big is your club?" The Pygmy said, "There are about a hundred of us." There is power in numbers. Through the years I've notice when I meet a believer overseas, I feel an immediate kinship with them. When I met pastors in Kenya or PNG, I felt a closer relationship with them that I do with Australian pastors who don't follow Jesus.

 

LIKE A GENTLE MOTHER, WE CARE FOR EACH OTHER

7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

We live in such an impersonal culture. People are electronically connected through texting, Facebook, and Twitter, but people are lonely. People are longing for real relationships. That's what we should offer to people, the gentle caring like a mother loving her child.

 

LIKE A HARD WORKER, WE SERVE EACH OTHER

9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.Paul was careful to point out that he wasn't a financial burden to the church. He carried his own weight. He wrote, "Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you." (1 Thess 2:9)

We know from Acts 18 that Paul had a skill as a tentmaker. When he came to Thessalonica, he didn't expect the church to pay him any money. Instead he worked hard to earn his keep as a tentmaker.

There is a problem that existed in Paul's day and it still exists. There are people who use religion or faith as a means to get rich. There is a heresy going around today called the prosperity gospel. It's where preachers tell people to give money to their ministry and they will get rich as a result.

Paul wrote elsewhere that a workman is worthy of his hire and those that teach the Word are worthy of double honor, but he demonstrated he didn't receive money from the churches. He could work for a living. In his second letter Paul wrote, "The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat."

Here in the church, we serve one another. We aren't here to see what we can GET. We're here to see how we can give. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive.

 

LIKE A LOVING FATHER, WE ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER

10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.11 For you know how, like a father with his children,12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

Not only did Paul love them like a mother, and serve them like a worker, he encouraged them like a good father. He wrote, "We dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God." (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12) That's what dads do, we encourage our kids. Dads, here are two things you should be saying to your children on a regular basis. "I love you and I'm proud of you."

And the Bible teaches that the main reason we gather together as a church is to encourage one another. . "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25)

 

EPISCOPOS: THE SHEPHERDING ELDER 

1 Timothy 3: MULTIPLYING MINISTRY

1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive,5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

Titus 1:5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you---6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.7 For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Most of the leaders you serve have a vision for their group.  Envisioning.  Equipping.  

• What if I can't answer their leadership questions? • How can I offer spiritual guidance when I struggle too? • How long will I serve as a guide? • What if the leader doesn't want to grow or develop spiritually?
HOW CAN WE Build Community?

Relationships First:  People Matter More Than Programmes

Mark 3:14: Jesus calls the Twelve for two purposes: to be with him and to do ministry. The first priority was relationships— the "be-with" factor. John 15:15: At the Last Supper, Jesus says, "I no longer call you servants … instead, I have called you friends."

They first want to have a shepherd who feeds them rather than a supervisor who leads them.
Leaders want an elder who knows them like a shepherd knows his sheep. As trust builds, the leadership component can increase substantially, but never to the point that it outweighs the shepherding component.

Ask questions that will help you understand their spiritual journey. How did they come to Christ? To your church? Who has been influential in their journey?

 Understand their life history. What was/is their family like? How did they celebrate? Grieve? How did they handle conflict? What were the major turning points in their life?
Understand their heart.  What brings them joy? What makes them sad? What do they dream?
Listen Deeply      • Listen more than you speak.  "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" (James 1:19).

• Actively engage in their story.         • Ask for clarification.      • Keep the focus on them.

• Fight the temptation to move too quickly to solutions. "Answering before listening is both stupid and rude" Prov. 18:13 MSG,  Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

Be an Encourager  Who are models of encouragement in Scripture?

"Be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage —with great patience and careful instruction" (2 Tim. 4:2).
A Caring Shepherd

 

EQUIPPING: DEVELOP SKILLS BEYOND RELATIONSHIP

Acts 18:23-28 who were influential in equipping Apollos.

23 After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. 24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures.25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately.27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed,28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.

While the relationship with your leaders is important, don't get stuck there. It is easy to make the mistake of turning the elder-leader relationship into nothing more than a deep friendship. Elders can spend years with a leader only to realize that they have cared for their needs without developing their skills.

Equipping Made Practical

 As leaders share experiences or struggles with you, watch for teachable moments. You can use a variety of tools to equip your leaders in this setting, including:

• Your past experience with the issue, either in group leadership or in coaching other leaders.

• Wisdom from other group leaders in your church who have dealt with the issue effectively.

• Upcoming classroom training at your church or other seminars and conferences.

• Books or articles that have helped you deal with the issue. These can include trusted sources like websites for small group ministries.

• Tapes or CDs of training on the topic. Many churches have developed a lending library for this purpose. If a single topic or theme emerges consistently in conversations with your leaders, like difficulty in keeping group discussions on track, then you will want to use part of your next leadership meeting time to provide skill training in this area.
Here are some guidelines for the ongoing equipping of your leaders:

Affirm their gifts and abilities. Every leader will have strengths and weaknesses. Make sure to affirm your leaders and encourage ongoing development of their talents. Offer a balance of building into their strengths and shoring up their weaknesses. Consider asking leaders to share from their strengths in a leadership gathering as a way to develop others.

Teach from their experiences. Every experience— good and bad —provides an opportunity to learn. Listen for common themes to emerge from the groups you coach. As leaders share with you, watch for specific examples that can serve as a learning experience for all your leaders.

Discern their growth edges. Over time you will begin to observe areas that are consistently challenging for a group leader. You may see unhealthy patterns developing in their personal walk or in the leadership of their group. Offer resources and tools to develop their skills and abilities in these areas.

Solve problems with them. Problem-solving requires listening and understanding. Work to identify alternate solutions and help leaders decide which would be best for their small group. You may need to consult with a staff member or small group point person before committing to a plan.

Utilize role plays. Role plays are especially effective in helping leaders learn interpersonal skills. They can be highly effective in teaching leaders skills like conflict resolution, active listening, and asking effective questions.

Learn together. You cannot know the answer to every issue or problem your leaders will encounter. So when you don't know, admit it! Work together with your leader to find the answer through the Bible, another leader, a fellow elder, a staff member, or some other resource.