A Father’s Heart Revealed
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Darrin Mariott, Lead Pastor
Big Idea: A Father’s heart is revealed in a love for God and a love for His children.
I. A Love for God (vv. 1-6)
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
1 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. 3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. 9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. 11 For you know how, like a father with his children 12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
A. Reflecting on his ministry in Thessalonica, Paul recounts the challenges, successes, and joys of fellowship within that church. At the heart of it all is an intimate relationship between Christ and His people that results in a warm, caring, encouraging, and instructive atmosphere.
B. Paul’s love for the believers in Thessalonica is rooted in His love for God. We see:
1. Paul’s willingness to put up with difficulty and opposition (vv. 1-2; cf. 2 Cor. 11:24-29).
2 Corinthians 11:24-29
24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one.25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?
2. Paul genuinely cares about the people and is not motivated by greed or power (vv. 3-5).
3. Paul’s first concern: Please God (vv. 4-6; cf. Gal. 1:10).
Galatians 1:10
10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
C. Paul recognizes that his service to the church is really a service to God and as such, he looks to Him for affirmation and a measure of success. Ultimately, it’s how God evaluates our service to Him that matters. This perspective can help any parent as they seek to love, lead, and disciple their children.
II. A Love for His Children (vv. 7-12)
A. Here, we see Paul uses the image of a parent to their children in describing his ministry, which underscores the intimacy and importance of such relationships.
B. Paul uses the image of a mother (vv. 7-8) to describe his:
1. Gentleness – A tender, not harsh, tone (cf. Col. 3:21).
Colossians 3:21
21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
2. Transparency – A willingness to share openly and honestly.
3. Hard work – A willingness to sacrifice.
C. Paul also uses the image of a father (vv. 11-12) to describe his:
1. Encouragement – Spurring on to greater heights.
2. Comforting – Lifting them up in times of challenge.
3. Urging – Providing guidance, direction, and a gentle push in trying times.