This week, Pastor Chris continued in our sermon series with a message on how ministry that pleases God is not built on popularity or personal gain, but on lives surrendered to Christ with courage, purity, love, sacrifice, and a desire to see others grow spiritually. Drawing from Paul’s example in 1 Thessalonians, this message reminds believers that true ministry requires bold faith, genuine integrity, compassionate care, and a willingness to pour ourselves out for the sake of the gospel. As God’s chosen people and royal priesthood, we are called to faithfully serve Him in a way that reflects His character and leads others to walk worthy of His kingdom and glory.

1 Peter 2:5, 9 (ESV)

5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Ministry That Pleases God…Requires Courage

1 Thessalonians 2:1–2 (ESV)

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.

“Anything worth doing is uphill.” John Maxwell

Ministry That Pleases God…Needs Purity and Integrity

1 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (ESV)

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.

Proverbs 29:25 (MSG)

25 The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that.

1 Thessalonians 2:5-6 (ESV)

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.

  • Flattery is the act of giving excessive compliments, generally for the purpose of ingratiating oneself with the person.

“Flattery is not communication; it is manipulation. We flatter people because we want something from them. Gossip is saying behind a person’s back what you would never say to his or her face; flattery is saying to a person’s face what you would never say behind his or her back.” Warren Wiersbe

Proverbs 29:5 (ESV)

5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

Proverbs 26:28 (ESV)

28 A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Ministry That Pleases God…Should Be Loving

1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 (ESV)

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.

1 Peter 4:8 (MSG)

8 Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything.

“Do you love your preferences more than my people.” Lonnie Arnold

Ministry That Pleases God...Requires Sacrifice

1 Thessalonians 2:9–10 (ESV)

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.

Philippians 2:17 (ESV)

17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

Ministry That Pleases God…Aims at Spiritual Maturity

1 Thessalonians 2:11–12 (ESV)

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.

Ministry…

  1. Requires Courage
  2. Must Be Pure
  3. Should Be Loving
  4. Requires Sacrifice
  5. Aims at Spiritual Maturity

Discussion Questions:

  1. Paul preached boldly even after suffering persecution (1 Thessalonians 2:1–2). What fears or challenges can keep us from boldly living out or sharing our faith today?
  2. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of human opinion disables.” In what ways can people-pleasing affect our walk with God?
  3. Which of the five ministry qualities—courage, purity, love, sacrifice, or spiritual maturity—do you most need God to strengthen in your life right now?

Application Question:

  1. What does it look like to “walk in a manner worthy of God” in everyday life?