Lesson Seven
1 Thessalonians 2:9-12
 
Traits of Godly Leaders Part 2
 
1.  Having stated his affection for the Thessalonians in v. 7-8, in v. 9 Paul reminds them of his sacrifice while he was with them by stating, for you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.  What is Paul referring to by his use of the phrase labor (kopos—#2873) and hardship (mochthos—#3449)?
 
2.  What is Paul saying when he refers to their working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you?  In what way were the missionaries working night and day and what burden is Paul referring to?

3.  In v. 10 Paul calls upon the Thessalonians and God as witnesses of their conduct while in Thessalonica.  Why does Paul call upon them and God as witnesses?  Witnesses to whom?
 
4.  In referring to his conduct while among them, Paul describes their behavior as devout (hosiōs—#3743) and upright (dikaiōs—#1346) and blameless (amemptōs—#274).  Define each of these terms. 
 
   devout (hosiōs—#3743)--

   upright (dikaiōs—#1346)--

   blameless (amemptōs—#274)--
 
What is Paul saying about his conduct by his use of these three terms?
 
5.  In v. 11 Paul, once again, calls upon the Thessalonians to remember their former actions while among the Thessalonians by the phrase, just as you know.  Does his use of these instructions to recall his former attitudes and actions (1:5, 2:1, 5, 9, 10, 11) imply that the Thessalonian believers had forgotten these things?
 
6.  In v. 11 Paul reminds the Thessalonians of the care he exhibited toward them while ministering to them with the statement . . . just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children.  Define the following terms:
 
   exhorting (parakaleō—#3870)--
 
   encouraging (paramutheomai—#3888)--
 
   imploring (martureō—#3140)--

7.  In his description of his actions of exhorting and encouraging and imploring the Thessalonians as a father would his own children, what is Paul teaching us about his relationship to them?
 
8.  In v. 12 Paul brings this section to a close by stating the purpose for his diligent efforts on behalf of the Thessalonians . . . so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. 
 
   a.  Define the word walk (peripateō—#4043)--

b. What does the term walk mean as it is used in the New Testament?  What other passages refer to this same concept and give similar instruction?

9.  The phrase walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you can be misunderstood.  Some people interpret this phrase as implying that we can become worthy of God . . . that we can do things that are good and meritorious of God’s favor.
 
   a.  What does the term worthy (axiōs—#516) mean?

   b.  Based upon the definition of worthy, what does the phrase walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you actually mean?

10.  In v. 12 Paul states that it is God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.  Does this statement reinforce or refute the doctrine of God’s sovereignty in salvation?   Explain.

11.  Paul states that God’s calling is, ultimately, into His own kingdom and glory.  What is the significance of the terms kingdom (basileia—#932) and glory (doxa—#1391).  What do they refer to?

Traits of Spiritual Leaders Part 1

1.  As Paul defends himself against accusations by his enemies, he begins by refuting three specific allegations, listed in v. 5 . . . flattering speech, greed and seeking glory.  What do these terms mean?

   flattering speech--

   a pretext for greed--

   seeking glory— 

2.  How are these three self-serving motives employed by the world and false shepherds?  In other words, what should you be on the lookout for and how do you detect such people?

3.  At the end of v. 6 Paul adds the statement, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority.  

   a.  What does Paul mean by this?

   b.  Why does Paul make this statement? 

4.  Following his defense against negative accusations, Paul then begins to list the various positive attributes he and his companions exhibited.  He begins in v. 7 by stating, but we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children.

a.  Compared to his previous statement in v. 6 about not asserting their authority, what does his statement in v. 7 reveal about Paul’s motive and manner of behavior?

b.  What is the significance of describing their behavior as being like a nursing mother who tenderly cares for her own children?  What image is being portrayed here?

c.  What other images are used in Scripture to portray such a compassion and love of the brethren?

5.  In v. 8 Paul continues to express his personal affection for the Thessalonians by describing his behavior among them as having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.  Considering all that Paul had endured during his missionary journeys, what does this teach about Paul?

6.  Interestingly, as Paul will go on to further describe the role and attributes of spiritual leaders, he first begins by describing his personal love and affection for the Thessalonians.  What does this teach us about how pastor/shepherds should be motivated and behave toward their flock? 

7.  In John 10:12-13 the Lord describes false shepherds as hirelings.  What are the attitudes and actions of hirelings, compared to truly called shepherds?