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The church in Thessalonica faced persecution and worldly temptation. Having lovingly labored to establish this church, Paul had concerns for its health. One concern expressed in today's passage: Dubious itinerant speakers sought to take financial advantage. Paul reminds his spiritual children that he never sought financial gain, but ministered to them like a mom nurturing her kids (v. 7). With rich familial metaphors laced throughout, this passage offers guidance for both family living and for living in the family of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:7-12

1. Note Paul's use of "children," "mother," "brothers," "sisters," "father." What does this say about his relationship to these believers?
   
   
2. Why is it difficult to imagine Paul in the role of a nurturing mother (v. 7)?
   
   
3. How might God be challenging you to take on a more nurturing role in your family? In your church?
   
   
4. Paul calls these believers "dear brothers and sisters." Why is it important to view fellow church members as siblings?
   
   
5. How do you think Paul treated each believer as a "father treats his own children" (v. 11)? (For insights, see verse 12.)
   
   
6. How could you apply Paul's fatherly example to both your family and church?
   
   

Pray about needs related to your relationship with each family member; ask God to show you ways to minister more effectively to fellow "siblings" in Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:7-12

7 As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children. 8 We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.

9 Don’t you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you? Night and day we toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to any of you as we preached God’s Good News to you. 10 You yourselves are our witnesses—and so is God—that we were devout and honest and faultless toward all of you believers. 11 And you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. 12 We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.

Copyright © 2009 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
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Prayer for the Week

Lord, teach me to be a good steward of my family time and convict me when I am not.

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