Mundane, But not in Vain

251. "Mundane, But not in Vain"           May 5, 2011
1 Thessalonians 2-Part 1
For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain.
1 Thess. 2:1

LET IT GLOW

Sometimes household chores can make me feel like I'm doing them in vain, no good resulting from it. The dishes have to be washed everyday, laundry washed and put away, floors cleaned, furniture dusted. Are you with me?  Have you noticed how everything shows dirt so quickly and easily. It's as if the coffee table wants me to write "DUST ME" on it. It would grab me if it had arms. It would promise to keep shining and never get dusty again, if I'd clean it just one more time, that is, if it could speak. When the sun shines in the window, the top of the stove shines. Oh it shines all right, showing all the splatters of grease on it. Ugh! Scrubbing. Why can't it stay clean for a day? Better yet, why can't I be rich and have a maid do it all the time? Yes my household chores are mundane, but not in vain. (Mundane means worldly.) Hey, guess that means I'm useful, since we can't afford a maid to clean. Well, I must admit, I enjoy the shine, even if it is only for a short period of time and must be repeated often.

Paul spoke of his work in Thessalonica not being in vain.
The Greek word, kenos, for vain means empty; metaphors of endeavors, labors, acts, which result in nothing, fruitless, without effect. (Thayer's Lexicon)
Certainly Paul's visit hadn't been unfruitful or unproductive in Thessalonica. There was  purpose, God's purpose to accomplish. When the missionary team arrived at this city, they had "already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi" (verse 2a). Luke tells about Paul and Silas being disrobed, "beaten with rods, imprisoned" (Acts 16:12, 22-24).  Even after all that,  they had boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition (verse 2).
Not only were people saved and a reproducing church planted, but the church at Thessalonica grew and flourished even after Paul left (1:5-8). Paul's efforts was not in vain, but fruitful.
Are my efforts in witnessing in vain, fruitless?


LET IT GROW


Look at verses 3-4. Could they honestly say that Paul and his companions were trying to deceive or had impure motives? (verse 3)
His message was true, manner of life was pure, and method of ministry was authentic. (MacArthur)

How did the missionary team speak?
Not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. (verse 4 b)
God sent them and they spoke the truth of the gospel, resulting in salvation of the hearers. It was a divine appointment, approved by God, with integrity and devotion. Could there have been false teachers that came into the chruch to discredit Paul's ministry? Perhaps that is why Paul is defending His motives.

Do I speak to please God or to please people?


LET IT GO

Serve the Lord with gladness.

Make sure my words spoken are pleasing to God, not people.