Introduction
A minister’s relationship with his people should be one of deep love and affection
Paul’s love for the Thessalonians was demonstrated by his response to his involuntary separation from them.
A minister needs to have a deep love for his people.
A congregation must respond in love and openness to the love of their pastor.
A minister must express his love by his commitment to minister to the flock
Paul was forced to leave Thessalonica, yet he made every effort to return and minister to his converts there.
Today’s minister needs to exert himself in ministering to the needs of his people.
Paul’s example provides us with a standard for evaluating ministers of the Word
Paul regarded the lives of his converts as evidence of his own faithfulness in ministry.
We need to evaluate those who claim to be ministers of the Word against Paul’s example.
Conclusion
17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face,