The Ministry of Presence

Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12

Title: A Ministry of Presence

Big Idea: God calls us to be present and persistent disciple-makers.

Outline:

2:9 A Gospel-Centered Message

2:9-10 A Godly Example

2:11 A Genuine Concern for Others

2:12 A Call to Kingdom Living

Summary:

1 Thessalonians is one of the Apostle Paul’s earliest letters. He wrote it to the Church that he and Silas had planted in Thessalonica. He ministered there for a short time but was soon forced to leave because of persecution. In his letter, Paul describes his great desire to be with the church and how Satan had hindered his return. In

1 Thessalonians 2:9–12 ESV

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. 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.

1 Thessalonians 2:9–12 RVR60

9 Porque os acordáis, hermanos, de nuestro trabajo y fatiga; cómo trabajando de noche y de día, para no ser gravosos a ninguno de vosotros, os predicamos el evangelio de Dios. 10 Vosotros sois testigos, y Dios también, de cuán santa, justa e irreprensiblemente nos comportamos con vosotros los creyentes; 11 así como también sabéis de qué modo, como el padre a sus hijos, exhortábamos y consolábamos a cada uno de vosotros, 12 y os encargábamos que anduvieseis como es digno de Dios, que os llamó a su reino y gloria.

, Paul recounts his ministry of presence to the Thessalonians, and in doing so, he gives us the essential elements of making disciples of Jesus Christ. As we study this text, we will learn that God calls us to be present and persistent disciple-makers.

Purpose:

I want my listeners to understand that Satan is at work to disrupt the church’s ministry of presence throughout the world. I also want to help them understand the basic framework of what a ministry of presence looks like in terms of making disciples. Understanding these things, I want to convince them to fight for an ongoing ministry of presence in their local congregation, intentionally making disciples in spite of the satanic opposition.

[Turn with me in your Bibles to 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12. You can follow along with me as I read from the English Standard Version. 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12]

[Pray]

Introduction:

When Simcha and I were dating, she left our hometown to attend the University of GA, which was about five hours away. We hated being apart, but we were both working on getting our bachelor’s degree and this was just how things had to be. We didn’t let that separation keep us apart though. Every chance I got I would make the five-hour drive to Athens to see her. We were dedicated to our relationship and made sacrifices to make sure we could take care of each other. We found ways to be present in each other’s lives even when we were absent. When we were unable to be physically present together, we made calls, sent gifts, and wrote letters. We made being present a priority. We see that kind of dedication to being present in Paul’s ministry in the book of 1 Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians is one of the Apostle Paul’s earliest letters. He, Silas, and Timothy had planted the church in Thessalonica. You see its formation in Acts 17 where Paul and his partners enter the city and begin sharing the Gospel with both Jews and the Gentiles. It’s not entirely clear just how long Paul was in Thessalonica, but it was long enough to plant a church and live among them for a time.

Paul was dedicated to having a a ministry of presence in Thessalonica. He made disciples there by intentionally and persistently teaching biblical principles and calling the church to live out their faith in a real and public way.

This led to the Thessalonians living in ways that countered the culture of the city around them. This eventually led to persecution of the church, and Paul, Silas, and Timothy were even forced to flee the city for their protection. Yet, Paul was determined to continue to help this church grow in faith and practice. You can see this 1 & 2 Thessalonians, as he encourages this young church with his writing and by sending his partner Timothy.

In 1 Thessalonians 2 Paul explains that he longs to return to this church and help them grow in their faith. He says in

1 Thessalonians 2:17–18 ESV

17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, 18 because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us.

1 Thessalonians 2:17–18 RVR60

17 Pero nosotros, hermanos, separados de vosotros por un poco de tiempo, de vista pero no de corazón, tanto más procuramos con mucho deseo ver vuestro rostro; 18 por lo cual quisimos ir a vosotros, yo Pablo ciertamente una y otra vez; pero Satanás nos estorbó.

“But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us.” When Satan blocks his return to the Thessalonians, Paul shows his dedication by sending his most trusted partner, Timothy, and by encouraging them with his letters. Paul didn’t let anything diminish his dedication to his brothers and sisters in Christ.

In 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12, Paul reminds the Thessalonians of how he was there for them when he planted the church, and shows his dedication to them now in times of adversity. As he recounts this ministry of presence, he shows us how we should make disciples of Jesus Christ. As we study 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12 together we will learn that God calls us to be present and persistent disciple-makers.

(2:9) The first element of making disciples is a Gospel-Centered Message.

Take a look at verse 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.” (1 Thess. 2:9 ESV)

Like other Jewish teachers of his time, Paul had a trade that he would sometimes practice on the side. In describing his work there as “labor and toil” we can see that Paul sets an example of dedicated work and persistence. But I think that there are two important reasons that Paul mentions his work here.

Firstly, Paul’s example of hard work shows his purity of motive. In Paul’s day there were speakers, especially Philosophers, who would travel from place to place and speak for really high prices. These people were not devoted to their listeners or to the truth. Paul is making it clear that his motives are different. In 2:3-4 he says, “For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 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.” Paul was not motivated by money, but by pleasing the Lord and proclaiming the Gospel.

Secondly, Paul mentions his work here to show that the Gospel is first place in his life. He showed by example that he’d do whatever was necessary to proclaim the Gospel. Paul wasn’t in Thessalonica to make tents, he made tents in Thessalonica so that he could preach the Gospel to those who needed to hear it.

Acts 17:1–3 ESV

1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.”

Acts 17:1–3 RVR60

1 Pasando por Anfípolis y Apolonia, llegaron a Tesalónica, donde había una sinagoga de los judíos. 2 Y Pablo, como acostumbraba, fue a ellos, y por tres días de reposo discutió con ellos, 3 declarando y exponiendo por medio de las Escrituras, que era necesario que el Cristo padeciese, y resucitase de los muertos; y que Jesús, a quien yo os anuncio, decía él, es el Cristo.

describes the beginning of Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica like this:

“Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” (Acts 17:1–3 ESV)

Paul made sacrifices to be able to present the Gospel. Andin stead of waiting for people to come to him, Paul looked for opportunities to point people to Jesus. He was present and persistent in proclaiming the gospel.

Because we are followers of Jesus, we must be ready to present the gospel. This is the chief element of a disciple-making ministry. You might be thinking, “Yeah, but I’m not Paul. I can’t preach or argue from the scriptures the way he can.”

We might not be Paul, but we’re still called to share the Gospel. A Godly example is important, but the message of salvation through faith in Jesus is one that must be proclaimed and received in faith.

Let me encourage you in a couple ways.

1) Make time in your schedule to study and learn the word of God. As you read and study and meditate on the word, ask the Holy Spirit to help you have a better understanding of the overall storyline of the scriptures. Not only will this help you grow in your walk with Christ, but it will aid you in sharing the Gospel with others.

2) Don’t wait until you’ve studied the scriptures for years before you share the Gospel. If you’re a follower of Jesus, then you already know the essential elements of the gospel.

You know that all have sinned against God and have fallen short of his holy standard (Rom. 3:23)

You know that the penalty for sin is eternal spiritual death. (Rom 6:23)

You know that we can’t earn our salvation, but we are saved from spiritual death because of God’s grace toward us and through faith in Jesus (Ephes. 2:8-9, John 14:6).

You know that Jesus must be believed in, confessed, and followed, because the scriptures tell us “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” (

Romans 10:9–10 ESV

9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

ESV)

If you are a believer, then you know these things because someone took the time to share the gospel with you and you excepted it, believed it, and walk in it. No was Jesus’ disciple you need to trust Holy Spirit to guide you as you share your testimony and the gospel with unbelievers. A Gospel-centered message is the most critical and ongoing element of a disciple-making ministry.

(2:9-10) The second element of making disciples is living as a godly example. Take a look at 1 Thessalonians 2:9-10.

“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. You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.”

(1 Thessalonians 2:9–10 ESV)

The Holy Spirit uses the scriptures to convict the world of sin and righteousness and to bring people to faith in Christ. This happens when the Gospel is shared in truth and received in faith. It’s important to see, however, that when we come to Jesus, we not only get salvation, but transformation throughout a lifetime of walking with him. Paul’s message was credible because it was true, but it was given added credibility in the presence of the Thessalonians because they could see the effects of the Gospel in his life. Paul was intentional about living for God because it was the work of the Holy Spirit in his life to make him more like Jesus. But he was also intentional about letting others see his growth and obedience to the Lord because he knew it would be for their good.

You can see that in

2 Thessalonians 3:9 ESV

9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.

2 Thessalonians 3:9 RVR60

9 no porque no tuviésemos derecho, sino por daros nosotros mismos un ejemplo para que nos imitaseis.

when he explains why he worked so hard rather than asking these new converts to financially support him. He says, “It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.” Paul seemed to understand that they needed this example. He later rebukes certain people in the Thessalonian church in his second letter to them because some had refused to work and began taking advantage of the generosity of others in the church.

Part of Paul’s disciple making strategy was helping other people see how to follow Jesus through his own example. He told the Corinthian church in

1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV

1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1 RVR60

1 Sed imitadores de mí, así como yo de Cristo.

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” He knew that following Jesus was more than a set of ideas. That’s why he says in 1 Thessalonians 4:3 that Sanctification is God’s will for our lives. He’s saying that we can’t come to Jesus and continue to follow the world. We are saved for more than salvation; we are saved for transformation.

Following Jesus is not a one-time decision, but an abiding faith in and an ongoing submission to King Jesus. The best evidence for that is for people to see it in our own lives as we live and work alongside of them. Jesus tells us this in Matthew 5 when he says “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (

Matthew 5:16 ESV

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 RVR60

16 Así alumbre vuestra luz delante de los hombres, para que vean vuestras buenas obras, y glorifiquen a vuestro Padre que está en los cielos.

ESV) If we are going to make disciples, then we not only need to proclaim that Jesus saves, but that he also transforms.

But more than simply preaching transformation, we can help people to see how we do it by walking together with them. As you grow closer to Christ and learn to overcome temptation and doubt, share your experience with those you are helping to grow in Christ. It’s encouraging to see God help other overcome the world in God’s strength, and it’s one of the ways we help each other grow. We can’t forget that holy living as part of the work of making disciples. If we neglect this, we do each other a disservice.

(2:11) The third element of making disciples is a genuine concern for others.

In verse 11 Paul say he treated the Thessalonians like a father. He had led these folks to Christ, he planted their church, and what’s more, Paul felt a sense of responsibility and genuine concern for the Thessalonians.

You can see this by the context surrounding verse 11:

In verse 10 he says that he acts blamelessly toward the Thessalonians.

In verse 12 Paul talks about his persistent efforts to teach and encourage them.

Between these verses is Paul’s metaphor of fatherhood.

Paul is saying, “I treated you just the same way a good father treats his own children.”

So, how does Paul treat these spiritual children?

First of all, Paul has a genuine concern for these people that goes beyond pleasantries. He loves them and wants what is best for them.

If we take a look at 1 Thessalonians 3:9-10 we start to get a picture of what this looks like.

Beginning at verse 9 he says, “For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God,

Paul takes joy in these people:

That joy begins with Paul’s and the Thessalonians common faith in God, because God used him to bring them to faith in Christ. Paul’s joy is more than a mere feeling. It’s a motivating force that moves Paul to act on their behalf.

We see that in verse 10 when Paul says: as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?”

This verse shows us two other aspects of his genuine concern:

First of all, his joy for them drives him to be intentional about being present with them, either in person or in spirit. Paul says he’s praying most earnestly to be with them. This phrase in the Greek is a very emphatic word that means he’s praying beyond measure. Paul is begging God to help him to reunite with this spiritual family. He is so eager that he sends his partner Timothy to check on them and to give them this letter. It is important to Paul that they are encouraged to grow in their faith and remain steadfast under persecution.

Secondly, verse ten shows us that Paul is willing to teach and discipline these people, as any good father should do. He says part of his desire is to “supply what is lacking in [their] faith.” He means he intends to push them along, to urge them to strive for godliness and sanctification. He wants them to be more and more like Christ. This desire points forward to chapter 4:1-12 where Paul tells the Thessalonians that sanctification is God’s will for them. He begins that section saying “Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.”

The picture of fatherly love that we get from Paul’s interaction with the Thessalonians is one of genuine concern for others that seeks their good through intentional and persistent involvement.

Making disciples isn’t always easy. Lovingly correcting someone isn’t comfortable. Making sacrifices to be present isn’t something we naturally want to do.

(2:11-12) The last element of making disciples we see in Paul’s ministry is a call to Kingdom living.

Take a look at 1 Thess. 2:11-12.

“For you know how, like a father with his children, 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.”

What does Paul mean when he says we’re called to God’s own kingdom and glory? There may be little bit of a political overtone in this statement. Many of the Thessalonians were Greek gentiles who used to participated in emperor worship, but now their full allegiance was to God and his kingdom. Our hope is not in politicians, but in the Lord our God. Paul said in Colossians 1:13 “[God] has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Being a disciple of Jesus means we have made a kingdom transfer and that our hope and allegiance are first of all in God and his kingdom.

When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he said we should pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” God’s kingdom is his rule over and among his people. Its God being worshiped and obeyed by his people as one body. Paul addresses this directly in

2 Thessalonians 2:13–15 ESV

13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.

2 Thessalonians 2:13–15 RVR60

13 Pero nosotros debemos dar siempre gracias a Dios respecto a vosotros, hermanos amados por el Señor, de que Dios os haya escogido desde el principio para salvación, mediante la santificación por el Espíritu y la fe en la verdad, 14 a lo cual os llamó mediante nuestro evangelio, para alcanzar la gloria de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. 15 Así que, hermanos, estad firmes, y retened la doctrina que habéis aprendido, sea por palabra, o por carta nuestra.

where he says,

“But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.”

To be called to the Kingdom and Glory of God is to be saved from the penalty of sin through faith in Christ (that’s salvation), and from there to be continuously freed from the power of sin through submission to the Spirit of God (that’s sanctification). It’s a life submitted to the one and only true king. I like how one person put it when they said,

“I cannot say ‘thine is the kingdom’ if I do not give the King the loyalty due him from a faithful subject.[1]”

Paul’s example of faithfulness in the face of opposition was an important element of his disciple-making ministry to the Thessalonians. While he was physically present, he exhorted, encouraged, and charged them to live their lives in a way that reflected the faith they claimed to have in Jesus.

Now, even in Paul’s absence, he’s dedicated to helping the Thessalonians to grow in this way. In verse 12 he says he says that he exhorted, encouraged, and charged them. I love this description of his life with the Thessalonians because it helps us to better see how we can help each other to grow in Christ and to make disciples.

You can think of what Paul is saying in terms of direction, drive, and destiny. This is how we communicate. It’s how we stir each other up to follow Christ even in the midst of persecution or at times when living out our faith is hard to do because of external circumstances.

(We exhorted you – Direction “Do this.”)

Paul says, we exhorted you. This means Paul gave them direction. He’s saying, this is what you should do, how you should live. He preached salvation AND transformation through faith in Christ. Exhortation is a call to live in a certain way, to carry out certain tasks. Exhortation says, “Do this.” In 4:1 Paul says “Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.” Even though Paul can’t be there physically, he goes out of his way to exhort the Thessalonian church to continue on in the way they were taught to live in Christ.

(We encouraged – Drive “You can do this.”)

Paul also said that he encouraged the Thessalonians. Each of the seven times this phrase is used in the New Testament it gives the sense of strength-building. I like to think of it as giving someone a sense of drive, telling them, “Come on, You can do this!”

Because Paul knew the church was facing difficult times, he wanted to encourage them in such a way that it motivated them to remain faithful. Warren Wiersbe reminds us of the importance of this aspect of disciple making when he says this, “Christian encouragement must not become an anesthesia that puts us to sleep. It must be a stimulant that awakens us to do better.”[2]

We can do this in two ways:

First, we can remind each other of God’s promises to help us fight and defeat sin and to live righteously. We are empowered by God’s Spirit to live as God’s people.

Secondly, we can talk about the times in our lives that God has helped us in this way. We all face spiritual attack from the world, the flesh, and the devil, and sometimes we need someone to come along and encourage us to stay faithful, and to remind us that we can “do all things through Christ who gives us strength.”

Both of these can only happen if we are intentional about being present with the body of Christ.

(We charged – Destiny “You were made for this.”)

Finally, Paul says that he charged them to walk in a manner worthy of God. The NIV translates this as “we urged you.” The NET translates this as, “we insisted.” The point that Paul is making is that this is not optional, it’s something that God has called us all to do. We were made for this. We are made both to walk in faithfulness toward God and to walk alongside other believers.

At the end of this letter Paul reminds his readers that it is not his job alone to exhort, encourage, and charge others to live as faithful followers. Take a look at

1 Thessalonians 5:14–18 ESV

14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:14–18 RVR60

14 También os rogamos, hermanos, que amonestéis a los ociosos, que alentéis a los de poco ánimo, que sostengáis a los débiles, que seáis pacientes para con todos. 15 Mirad que ninguno pague a otro mal por mal; antes seguid siempre lo bueno unos para con otros, y para con todos. 16 Estad siempre gozosos. 17 Orad sin cesar. 18 Dad gracias en todo, porque esta es la voluntad de Dios para con vosotros en Cristo Jesús.

“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Paul’s is passing the baton to the Thessalonians. He’s insisting that these men and women help exhort, encourage, and charge each other to stay faithful. That’s the work of discipleship, helping others to live out their faith and to grow in the character of Christ.

Paul’s gospel-centered message, his godly example, his genuine concern for others, and his call to kingdom living are an example that the Holy Spirit will help us to follow. We were made for this, to know him and to make him known. We can do it because God calls us to be present and persistent disciple-makers.

Conclusion

Satan hindered Paul’s return to the church in Thessalonica because discipleship is massively important. It is the kind of work that grows and strengthens the church. It’s the kind of work that sees people come to faith in Christ and helps them grow in Christ-likeness. Satan is still at work and wants to disrupt you and I from the work of making disciples too.

He has clearly been at work this year during the time of the pandemic, trying to keep the church from meeting, trying to keep missionaries from going, trying to keep Christians from walking alongside each other. I want us to be encouraged by Paul’s example of persistence in the face of opposition and let it remind us that we must not allow external circumstances lull us into apathy. We have been given the model. We have been given the power. We have been given the call. We must make this work a priority in our lives because God calls us to be present and persistent disciple-makers.

[1] Michael P. Green, ed., Illustrations for Biblical Preaching: Over 1500 Sermon Illustrations Arranged by Topic and Indexed Exhaustively, Revised edition of: The expositor’s illustration file. (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1989).

[2] Warren Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, 1 Thessalonians, pg. 710