Making Disciples: Ministry Temptations
1 Thessalonians 2:1-6
Pastor Miles
2/21/2016
1. As disciple-makers, we are tempted to give up.
"Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?"
2 Corinthians 11:24-29 NIV
"You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition."
1 Thessalonians 2:1-2 NIV
2. As disciple-makers we are tempted to have wrong motives.
- may stem from greed, financial gain, selfishness, looking to people to fulfill a need we might have.
"For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority."
1 Thessalonians 2:3-6 NIV
"All a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord."
Proverbs 16:2 NIV
"My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God."
1 Corinthians 4:4-5 NIV
"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV
- motives matter in ministry. We need to examine the reasons behind what we do.
3. As disciple-makers, we are tempted to use improper means.
"For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority."
1 Thessalonians 2:3-6 NIV
✔️In ministry, the ends do not justify the means.
4. How do we overcome these ministry temptations?
"On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness."
1 Thessalonians 2:4-5 NIV
⚫️ Ultimately, we need to remember that:
✔️ we are pleasing God in our ministry.
✔️ God is our witness.
Next Steps:
- ask God to protect me from discouragement
- ask God to reveal and purify my motives in ministry
- remember that God is my witness, my audience of One
