帖撒羅尼迦前書 · 第 3 課
The Faithful Minister
背景
The passage of this lesson extends from and expands on the opening chapter, in which Paul gave thanks to God for the exemplary church in Thessalonica. Now he asks the believers to recall the time when Paul and his companions first brought the gospel to them. In defending against false allegations, Paul calls upon the Thessalonians and God to be witnesses to testify to the integrity of the ministry Paul and his fellow workers had conducted. Then, at the end of the passage, he gives thanks to God once again for the Thessalonian believers’ reception of the gospel and strong faith.
你知道嗎？
“Spitefully treated at Philippi” (): Read for the account on this event.
大綱
- Boldness in Conflict
- Genuine Preaching
- Genuine Conduct
- Thanksgiving
問題
全課的問題
Observe the shift in focus from the previous passage to the present passage. Who is this passage mainly about?
Verses 1-6 consist of many negatives (“not…,” “neither…,” “nor…”). Record each of these.
Verses 7-12, on the other hand, stress many positives. Record these also.
· Boldness in Conflict
What is Paul’s evaluation of their ministry in Thessalonica?
What enables a preacher of the gospel to be bold despite persecutions?
What positive impact can a preacher’s boldness in sufferings bring upon the believers?
· Genuine Preaching
The apostles’ exhortation did not come from error (in their message), uncleanness (in their motives), or deceit (in their method). Elaborate on each of these negative things and why they are detrimental.
Why did God entrust the gospel to Paul and his companions?
What reason can we see in verse 4 why a preacher of the gospel must speak to please God rather than man?
What “right” did the apostles relinquish? (6)?
What lessons did you learn from this passage concerning your service?
· Genuine Conduct
What point is Paul making in comparing themselves with a mother and a father?
What two things were the apostles willing to give to the Thessalonians? (8)
Are you willing to do the same for those whom you minister to? In what ways can you give your own life to them?
What is Paul referring to by “laboring night and day”?
What can we learn from verse 10 about what a minister of the gospel should aim to accomplish?
What does it mean for us to “walk worthy of God”?
· Thanksgiving
Why do Paul and his fellow workers thank God without ceasing concerning the Thessalonians?
What can we learn from the Thessalonians in terms of our attitude in receiving the message we hear? Why is such attitude important?
How have the Thessalonian believers not only believed, but also experienced, that the word they heard was indeed the word of God?
How did the Jews incite the citizens of Thessalonica to persecute the Christians? (see ).
What sins did the Judeans who opposed the apostles commit? What was coming upon them as a result?