As we continue to study 1Thessalonians we learned in chapter 1 how to measure the maturity of a local church. In chapter 2 verses 1-12 we learn the motives and manners of godly leaders. This is contrasted by leaders in spiritual authority who abuse. Just as we confront physical, emotional and sexual abuse in our culture, we need to be discerning about those who are in places of spiritual authority.
1. Pure vs. Impure Motives v.1-3
Godly leaders are willing to endure great suffering and opposition to declare the Gospel of grace. Impure leaders will normally run from intense conflict and blame others in the process.
2. Suffering vs. "Success" v.2
A godly leader will teach that unjust suffering is a normal part of the Christian experience. God's grace is revealed through our weakness. Leaders with impure motives will avoid that subject in preferance to a health, wealth and prosperity gospel. They also gain power from preaching a theology of salvation by good works.
3. God Pleasers vs. People Abusers v.4-6
The motivation in godly leaders is to please God rather than pacify people. They realize that the message of the cross is offensive to many and foolishness to others. Leaders with impure motives will manipulate people in four specific ways:
a. By cleaver speech
b. By phony friendships
c. By financial pressure tactics
d. By popularity polls (It's all about me)
4. Protection vs. Abandonment v.7-12
Godly leaders will demonstrate family care. They will be gentle like a baby. They will nurture like a mother. They will encourage like a father. In contrast, abusive spiritual leaders will serve themselves, motivated by financial gain and then leave the "family" to find new victims.
5. Kingdom vs. Empire v.12
God has called us to share in His Kingdom not to build personal empires. Spiritually abusive leaders will always draw attention to themselves by promoting their ministry over the finished work of Christ. They will eventually show that they are pursuing financial gain (a love of money). They will utalize smooth and cleaver sermons to manipulate and deceive those who are spiritually immature. They will be judgmental and legalistic to those who question their authority. If this kind of abuse is experienced in a local church or the media, expose and confront it.
