Greetings in Christ Jesus.
In a previous study, I talked about how manifestations of the supernatural power of God and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit were described by Paul as "assurances" that the gospel of God was true. Now he would go on to list reasons why his own personal conduct as an apostle was likewise providing the Thessalonians with similar assurances. Among them were his continued faithfulness to preach the gospel even when suffering affliction for it, God being the true source behind his message and doctrine (not men), his not seeking glory, money or power over others, his habit of being genuine and caring with them rather than being dictatorial, and his lifestyle of working to pay his own way by supporting himself, so as not to be a financial burden to them.
I'll cite the passage below for those wishing to read it, but the questions are as follows:
1. Which of the following assurances (to new believers) do you feel are most important and why? (Note: After Charity's response, I'm changing the question to which do you feel might be the next most important, LoL. The first is too obvious now.
)
- Manifestations of God's power, such as healings, exorcisms, accurate words of knowledge or prophecies, etc.
- The outpouring of the Holy Spirit
- Christians leading a life of self-sacrifice, as demonstrated by preaching the truth even when suffering affliction for it
- Preaching messages and doctrine that are truly given by God, not men
- Ministers not seeking to attain glory, money or power over others, but who instead bear their own souls, and are caring and genuine
- Ministers who work to pay their own way, so as not to be a burden to those they minister to
2. How do you feel the modern church is currently doing in regard to providing any or all of the above?
I have my answers, but will wait to give them. If anyone has any other thoughts on how this passage speaks to them, feel free to share, and thanks in advance for contributing.
Hidden In Him
Passage:
For our good news did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit, and in great assurance, even as you know what type of men we were among you for your sakes… For you yourselves know, brothers, that the entrance we made unto you was not in vain, but having been treated abusively and made to suffer at Philippi beforehand, we were [nevertheless] bold in our God to speak the gospel of God to you amid great adversity, as you know. For our exhortation did not arise from error, nor [spiritual] uncleanness, nor deceitfulness, but as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel so we speak, not as being acceptable unto men but God, the One proving our hearts. For at no time did we come [to you] with a word of flattery, as you know, nor with any pretext of covetousness, God is our witness, nor did we seek glory from men - not from you or from others - [despite] having the power to be heavy-handed as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle in your midst, as a nursemaid cherishing her own children. Thus, longing for you, we were pleased to have imparted to you not only the gospel of God but our own souls as well, for you became dear unto us. For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil. We proclaimed the gospel of God to you while working night and day, so as not to be a burden to any of you. (1 Thessalonians 1:5, 2:1-9)
Previous Bible Study:
Your Thoughts: 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10
@marks, @charity, @Mayflower, @CharismaticLady, @amadeus, @Backlit, @Ronald Nolette, @Ferris Bueller, @Randy Kluth, @Heart2Soul, @Devin Wintch, @Pearl, @Jay Ross, @keithr, @CadyandZoe, @TLHKAJ, @Behold, @2nd Timothy Group, @mailmandan, @atpollard, @VictoryinJesus, @Nancy.
In a previous study, I talked about how manifestations of the supernatural power of God and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit were described by Paul as "assurances" that the gospel of God was true. Now he would go on to list reasons why his own personal conduct as an apostle was likewise providing the Thessalonians with similar assurances. Among them were his continued faithfulness to preach the gospel even when suffering affliction for it, God being the true source behind his message and doctrine (not men), his not seeking glory, money or power over others, his habit of being genuine and caring with them rather than being dictatorial, and his lifestyle of working to pay his own way by supporting himself, so as not to be a financial burden to them.
I'll cite the passage below for those wishing to read it, but the questions are as follows:
1. Which of the following assurances (to new believers) do you feel are most important and why? (Note: After Charity's response, I'm changing the question to which do you feel might be the next most important, LoL. The first is too obvious now.
)- Manifestations of God's power, such as healings, exorcisms, accurate words of knowledge or prophecies, etc.
- The outpouring of the Holy Spirit
- Christians leading a life of self-sacrifice, as demonstrated by preaching the truth even when suffering affliction for it
- Preaching messages and doctrine that are truly given by God, not men
- Ministers not seeking to attain glory, money or power over others, but who instead bear their own souls, and are caring and genuine
- Ministers who work to pay their own way, so as not to be a burden to those they minister to
2. How do you feel the modern church is currently doing in regard to providing any or all of the above?
I have my answers, but will wait to give them. If anyone has any other thoughts on how this passage speaks to them, feel free to share, and thanks in advance for contributing.
Hidden In Him
Passage:
For our good news did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit, and in great assurance, even as you know what type of men we were among you for your sakes… For you yourselves know, brothers, that the entrance we made unto you was not in vain, but having been treated abusively and made to suffer at Philippi beforehand, we were [nevertheless] bold in our God to speak the gospel of God to you amid great adversity, as you know. For our exhortation did not arise from error, nor [spiritual] uncleanness, nor deceitfulness, but as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel so we speak, not as being acceptable unto men but God, the One proving our hearts. For at no time did we come [to you] with a word of flattery, as you know, nor with any pretext of covetousness, God is our witness, nor did we seek glory from men - not from you or from others - [despite] having the power to be heavy-handed as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle in your midst, as a nursemaid cherishing her own children. Thus, longing for you, we were pleased to have imparted to you not only the gospel of God but our own souls as well, for you became dear unto us. For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil. We proclaimed the gospel of God to you while working night and day, so as not to be a burden to any of you. (1 Thessalonians 1:5, 2:1-9)
Previous Bible Study:
Your Thoughts: 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10
@marks, @charity, @Mayflower, @CharismaticLady, @amadeus, @Backlit, @Ronald Nolette, @Ferris Bueller, @Randy Kluth, @Heart2Soul, @Devin Wintch, @Pearl, @Jay Ross, @keithr, @CadyandZoe, @TLHKAJ, @Behold, @2nd Timothy Group, @mailmandan, @atpollard, @VictoryinJesus, @Nancy.
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