Discipleship as exemplified by the Apostle Paul Intentional (vs 1) A. traveled 770miles till the Lord told them to go somewhere in the will of the Lord (Paul knew that God had placed them in that region for the explicit purpose of sharing the gospel) B. Capital of all Macedonia, 2 major ports and 2 major Roman roads made it trade hub and business center. (Paul used discernment in whom he should go speak to "do not put pearls before swine" Matt 7:6) C. Wherever God has placed you (he has placed you there) let your relationships and your witness there be intentional D. Where has God placed you to further the Gospel? Who has God put in your life to grow in the Christian faith? 2. Boldness in our God (vs 2) A. The story of Paul and Silas in prison singing is what he's talking about here. B. Despite these afflictions Paul still had the will to share the gospel. Not because he wasn't afraid, or that he we a adrenaline junkie, but because he had boldness in His God. This boldness came from the many triumphs and victories that he has had through God in his life as a Christian. When you start doing things God shows up, and when God shows up you have the confidence to start doing things. C. Paul was preaching and teaching some unpopular things at the time. Christ being crucified and raised from the dead, Jesus hadn't become popular and mainstream yet. He was at the risk of his life. Further when Paul begin to teach the Thessalonians about their sin (4-5) these things are hard to say but are need, or when Paul talks to the Corinthians about their allowing sin in the church these were hard things (1 Corinthians 7:8) D. Bold- Courageous or daring. The Apostle got his courage and strength in the Father. He didn't have it always but asked others to pray for him. When they asked for prayer requests Paul said, "pray that I would have the words and boldness to preach the gospel" (Ephesians 6:19) E. What has God done for you to show you His greatness? Are you willing to tell the truth even when its not popular? 3. Teach the Word of God (vs 3-7) A. Paul spoke the inerrant word of God to the people of Thessolonica. His Gospel he spoke God had entrusted him to (Ephesians 3:2). This is important to know because he did not change the gospel to make the Thessalonians happy (saying sins were okay) but brought the truth of God, in a way that they could understand it. And this is all for God's glory B. Paul is not there to make the Thessalonians feel good, as some people pleasers are, he is there to bring the unaltered true word of God. How many times flattering a part of the way people speak, many times it is a way to get what you want, flattery always is in terms of greed. Paul emphatically tells them that he did not do this to gain something though he may be owed (this no doubt a discipleship relationship) ***And further Paul expresses his humility in respect and light of the Gospel because he does not seek to be praised though His position warranted it. (2 Corinthians 10) "You shall not muzzle the ox while it is threshing, and the worker is worthy of his wages" (1 Timothy 5:18). C. Paul's desire was to genuinely see these group of pagan gentiles (some were orthodoxy Jews, and some gentiles believing in the God of the Jews) grow strong productive Jesus followers who would serve and teach others the way Christ did. He wanted them to be the best looking and best acting followers of Christ. If you genuinely want to see people grow and develop to be amazing people in Christ then some of things we do will be less important and the way we do things will be more gentle and with greater joy than we could have perceived to have done it in. D. What gospel do you teach? What are your desires behind it? 4. Out of Love. (vs 8a) (greek to see you joined or connected with) himiromai A. The reason for all of this was love. God demonstrated His love to Paul and Silvanius and Timothy and therefore they did exactly the same. (1 John) When we love another brother we perfect (make complete) the love of God in another. This is the intentions of the Christ. To share his love and mercy to all. If love is not present in these actions then the actions we do mean nothing, or are worthless or unfruitful. Love is the greatest of things that will remain. B. Are your Christian relationships built upon love? How is your love when the other doesn't reciprocate. 5. Be open fully (share your life) (vs 8b) A. This is born out of love. True gospel relationships that are built between brothers are born through the gospel and out of love. First Paul was desirous of them, wanting them to see the peace of God and the fullness of life that can only be given through the Son. B. Having a ministry of vulnerability is vital in a relationship of others, it makes people aware that in the things they are going through they are not alone. Once you find that more people are struggling with the same issue it opens up the door for healing. Being open in life helps to bear another's burden. C. In sharing the lives of another it also brings about true life friendships. In the end these relationships we have in discipling bring about a joyous and beautiful friendship that will last because it goes into eternity. D. Is anybody open and honest with you? How does that make you feel? 6. Walk the walk (vs 9-10) A. Paul was a Tent Maker by trade (Acts 18:3) and supported himself in doing so in the community of Thessolanica. He was making himself an example of a hard worker worthy of his wages nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have the right, but to give in ourselves an example to imitate. (2 Thessalonians 3:8-9) B. Paul's lifestyle was holy and blameless among the people. And these things he did in Christ were done in the presence of the people. This is a profound thing because many times the teacher teaches but none ever sees his working, they only hear about it. Paul made absolute certainty to bring the action of the ministry of the gospel to the eyes of the Thessalonians, this way in he may instruct them they know he has walk in that path. Paul is willing to wade in the water, he can't expect you to if he doesn't But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:27) C. Paul was not doing these things just to be in the presence of others he does these things in private. As the text says "God also". Paul's lifestyle of holiness extended to all realms of his life that he may truly be that which God has called him to be. D. Is your leadership by mouth or by foot? How is your public and private holiness? 7. Then teach them how to walk the walk (be a spiritual father) (vs 11-12) A. Paul became as a father to them. He essentially brought them into rebirth through Christ and now is raising them up in His admonition. This a reproductive process (not productive) where the goal is to reproduce children that can reproduce themselves. This teaching was started with openness in the relationship coupled with example and now with teaching. These things go hand and hand and are necessary to gain the kind of followers of Christ that are continual dynamic relationships that are reproducing. B. Paul exhorted the brothers there. He gave them firm instructions and advice in how to live their lives. Telling them of what is good that they should live, and what is bad and that they should let die. He began to encourage them in their abilities they have to help them grow in those areas. Allowing the spirit to manifest Himself in the places in which God had blessed them with gifts. And he displayed his authority and instructed them to live lives that are worthy of the Gospel. That is shining the light of God in a darkened world C. Are you spiritually fatherless? Are you spiritually sterile? 8. The goal is true followers fruit bearers (vs 13-16) A. When the Thessalonians heard the Gospel of God, with all its power and greatness united with the love openness and example of the Apostles it began changing lives. It is true that only God can change lives but he changes lives through the hearts and lives of men. The power of God is in a changed life because Jesus is the only agent of change. Paul thanked God because he knew it was not of himself but only of God. B. Paul goes further in telling them of their true following in encouragement through the sameness with the great churches of Judea. These are the founding churches in which even Paul himself was sent out of (Acts 13) and to be compared to those would have brought great joy and strength to the resolve in Thessolanica. But this encouragement during their trials is not a false one but a very real act of fellowship and worship due to the bond made through Christ. C. Do you have true acts of a follower? Have you been a tool used to reproduce followers? 9. The reward is them to present before the Lord (vs 17-20) epithumia A. Paul being a beautiful writer begins to elaborate upon the persecution that took him away from the Thessalonians and then articulates his love and adoration for them in an amazing way. B. Paul then says that his reward is presenting these grown (spiritually) men and women in Christ to him on his coming. This is what Paul says is his present for Christ. What can you take with you to heaven? not much but to reach people and grow them in love and adoration of Christ is one thing that does go. However, how would it look or be if when you see those who you presented to Christ in heaven don't know one thing from the other in Christ, this will not be such a great present. We must continue to grow and lead and develop those in Christ to their full potential, and in doing so does the beauty of the beloved church shine in the glory of Christ eye. C. What will you present before God on that faithful day?