Sermon Tone Analysis

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Gifts for all moms

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Bible Reading

Alternative sermons for today [Basket Case, Nailed It]

1 Thessalonians 2:1–9 (KJV 1900)

1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:

2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

Sermon Introduction

My grandmothers photo album was filled with clippings of newspaper clippings of everything her kids or grand kids did.

She knew that in every story she played a role, even if the newspaper never mentioned her.

Try not to tell too any stories of my mom, my grandmother, or my wife but I have been greatly blessed by their tremendous examples.

My grandmother was proud of the growth of her kids.

There is no growth or change in this life, like the change that the Gospel can bring.

Paul as an example of a changed life.

The Gospel had radically changed the Apostle Paul.

The Gospel is the only thing that could have changed him or will ever change anyone.

(remember this thought for later)

Paul’s manner of life was drastically changed.

Can you imagine Paul walking into Heaven to the cheers of those he had martyred.

That is how the Gospel works.

Paul was an example that other believers followed.

1 Thess 1:5-6 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

Paul’s life was an answer to the accusations against it.

Often when my kids are arguing.

I can only hear one of them.

based on their responses I have a pretty good idea what the other one is saying.

Paul’s life became one of integrity.

1 Thessalonians 2:1 (KJV 1900)

1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:

You don’t know me.

Paul is saying the opposite.

You do know me.

False accusations made and responded to.

Paul was teaching error.

He is accused of being a false teacher who was attempting to lead them astray.

Accusation: Paul preaches to please others.

Paul states that he has been tested and approved by God to carry the true message of the gospel 1 Thess 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

Paul had impure motives.

Paul is accused of selfish living.

Accusation: Paul is delusional, has impure motives, and he deceives others

1 Thess 2:2-3 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

When Paul arrived in Thessalonica, the wounds on his back from Philippi were still fresh.

No matter the cost Paul was going to preach the truth.

Even if there was contention or opposition.

He did so with truth, in integrity, and without deceit.

Paul used impure methods.

He is accused of using sinful methods to get people to do what he wanted them to do.

Accusation: Paul just cares about the fame and money and not other people.

1 Thess 2:5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

Paul was lazy and wouldn’t do any work for himself.

1 Thess 2:6 “Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

Paul was dictatorial and power-hungry..

Accusation: Paul was a bully.

1 Thess 2:7 But we were gentle among you.

Paul’s life was pleasing to our Heavenly Father and we expect to his mother.

Story of Sam Rotman’s mom wanting a standing ovation; even thought she and all those around her were bound to wheelchairs.

Transition: How is a sermon about the example that Paul gave a Mother’s Day sermon.

Title said “Moms, we see you” but at this point you may not feel very seen.

As we look to Paul’s example he points to the example of mothers.

Paul points to the life of a mother as the example

We have seen how the Gospel changes a person

Gives our lives meaning.

Makes us people of integrity.

We see that it changes us from the inside out.

It makes a person gentle. 1 Thess 2:7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

It changes our affections toward others. 1 Thess 2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

Using the mother as a model, Paul raises the expectation of the spiritual leader.

A godly mother is the embodiment of the complete opposite of all the charges brought against Paul and his companions.

Paul was gentle, nurturing, caring, and self-sacrificing.

There was a bond of affection between Paul and the Thessalonians that was like that between a godly mother and her child.

Paul could have used any other vocation.

Soldier, Warrior, Boxer.

Or an animal like an eagle, bear, or a narwhale.

1. Godly, mothers are the example of gentle, spiritual leadership.

1 Thess 2:7-8 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: 8 So being affectionately desirous of you

But we were gentle among you

gentle is in contrast to all the accusation made against Paul (not self seeking, honest, living in integrity, trustworthy)

Even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

literally means to warm with body heat.

Opposite of harsh or indifferent, but tenderly nurturing.

an affection so deep and compelling as to be unsurpassed.

So being affectionately desirous of you

One measure of our likeness to Christ

is our sensitivity to the suffering of others

Don Tack wanted to know what life was like for homeless people.

So he concealed his identity and went to live on the streets of his city.

He found out that food and shelter were offered by many organizations.

At one shelter he could spend the night if he listened to a sermon beforehand.