DEVELOPING A CARING COMMUNITY - (I Thess.2:1-9)

The Thessalonian Church was transformed by the message of God's redeemed grace in Christ. Paul, Silas and Timothy risked their lives in order to bring the gospel to them. Today's Church wants to avoid conflict! Involvement in ministry is relegated to the paid pastoral staff. But that was not the N.T. model! The world took note that these Christians exemplified authentic faith even under persecuted. They became a caring community . If the Church today is to rediscover this kind of community, at least three steps need to be taken.

I. AVAILABILITY -- (vs.1-2) "Our visit to you was not a failure"
A. It Takes Time - (v.1) "Our visit"
B. It Takes Risks - (v.2a) "we had previously suffered & been insulted"
1. They suffered severe scourging with a roman whip
2. Paul was a Roman citizen & according to their law should not have been whipped
3. At midnight, He and Silas sang in a Philippian jail after being scourged
C. It Takes Effort - (v.2b) "we dared to tell...in spite of strong opposition"
1. "Dared" means "boldness, courage"
2. "Opposition" (Gr.agon). It is a metaphor taken from the Olympic games & sport arena
Heb.12:2, "run with patience the race (agon)"
I Tim.6:12, "Fight the good fight(agon) of faith"
2 Tim.4:7. "I have fought a good fight(agon)"
II. CREDIBILITY -- (vs.3-6) "the appeal does not spring from
error or impure motives"
A. It Includes Integrity - (vs.3,5,6)
1. Not from error or impure motives- (v.3)
2. Trickery was not their method - (v.3)
3. They did not use flattery or a mask of greed - (v.5)
4. It was not for self-effort or praise - (v.6)
B. It Includes Sincerity - (v.4) "we speak as men approved by God...who tests our hearts"
1. Godward Sincerity
2. Inward sincerity
3. Outward Sincerity
III. ACCOUNTABILITY -- (vs.7-9) "we were gentle among you
like a caring mother"
A. Caring - (v.7) "we were gentle..like a caring mother"
1. The spirit of gentleness is part of the fruit of the Spirit - (Gal.5:23)
2. The spirit of tenderness as seen in a nursing mother
B. Sharing - (v.8) "not only the gospel but our lives as well"
C. Reaping - (v.9,19) "you remember our toil & hardships..you are our crown"
The lives of the Thessalonian Church were turned upside down because they were
transformed by the power of the Holy spirit. Their focus changed from themselves to
Christ. They modeled true Christianity. This same message needs to be implemented and
reintroduced in today's church if we are to develop a caring Community.