A Ministry Built on Integrity -part 2

1 Thessalonians 2:3–8 “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.

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.

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.”

Such a ministry will often be met with opposition and require a defense.

Such a ministry should be purposeful

Such a ministry may be difficult and lonely

Such a ministry should be done in boldness

Such a ministry should never waver from the gospel

1. Deception has no place in ministry

1 Thessalonians 2:3 “For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive,”

2. Everything we do should be done for the glory of God

1 Thessalonians 2:4 “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.”

1 Thessalonians 2:6“Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.”

1 Corinthians 10:23–24 ““All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.”

3. We must never allow greed to creep into our ministry

1 Thessalonians 2:5 “For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness.”

1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching (Preaching Style)

The story has been told of a young pastor who with great concern and sincerity ended his sermon like this: “And now, my friends, if you do not believe these truths, there may be for you grave eschatological consequences.”

Afterward a layman went to him and asked, “Did you mean that they would be in danger of hell?”

“Why, yes,” the preacher said.

“Then why in the world didn’t you say so?” the layman asked.1068

False prophets and teachers 2 Peter 2:3 “And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.”

4. A healthy ministry is a personal ministry

1 Thessalonians 2:7 “But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.”

1 Thessalonians 2:8 “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.”

1st & 2nd Commandments