Service - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16

In chapter two of this short letter, we read the Apostle Paul defending his ministry to the church of the Thessalonians. His past presence and teaching there was under attack and the local church continued to suffer through persecution. So Paul addresses the accusations directed at him head-on and asserts that his motives for sharing the gospel with them were pure and blameless. He even went out of his way not to be a burden, by working on the side to pay for his living expenses instead of depending on the young church for support. And he affirms them for responding to the gospel and following Christ even though they were enduring great suffering because of it; God would deal with their persecutors.

What resonates as you reflect on this passage? Are you suffering intense persecution in order to follow Christ? Probably not. Do you feel like you’re having to defend yourself from malicious or misguided accusations? Hopefully not. But what about your motivations for serving or even just for coming to youth group? Are they as righteous and selfless as the Apostle Paul’s? Or are they more mixed and messy?

Paul sets a clear example for why and how we should serve and belong in the church. We’re to please God above one another. We’re to be sincere in our interactions and not flatter others to be liked or get ahead. We’re to be honest and not wear masks that hide our real selves, motives, and struggles. We should do nothing out of greed or jealousy. The list could go on….


So why do you come to youth group, and why do you serve? (If you’re not serving in some way then talk to a Doulos member, counselor, or Pastor Jon and we’d be happy to help you plug in!) Our hearts are often deceitful and it can be hard to discern our true motivations for serving. Sometimes we want attention, we want to be liked and praised, we want to attain a special status, we want friends, we think we can get something out of it, etc. It’s easy to serve for selfish reasons—instead of selfless reasons—and we can be good at hiding these impure motives. But nothing is hidden from God, who sees all, and whose son is our ultimate example of a suffering servant.

Take some focused time to intentionally search your heart and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any impure motives within you. Think about what makes you angry when you are serving, and why—that’s one good way to reveal our true motivations. Confess your sins here and receive the grace and strength from God to repent and serve instead out of selfless love for Christ and all He has placed in your care.

Read Psalm 139 as a concluding prayer.