February 8, 2005

  • So, I've gotta quickly recap the small group lesson last night, 'cause it was really good...so here goes...

    Study of 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6

    In this passage Paul defends his motives to the Thessalonians...Purpose Driven gives us five ways to measure OUR motives. These can pertain to our motives in life to anything, but here Paul is speaking about his motives in sharing the gospel and building God's church.

    1) Do you see your service to God as an entrustment?

    Anything and everything we have is a gift from God. He has trusted us with talents and abilities that are only on loan from Him. How do we view these gifts? Pride can be subtle and insidious.
    Also see 1 Cor. 9:17, and Jer 17:9

    2) If someone could see my motives, would they see me focused on pleasing God, or pleasing men?

    This one's pretty self-explanatory...in your decision-making, are you focused on what other people think of you? Are you driven to make decisions based on the complaints of others? or fear of rejection from others?
    Make sure you are connected with God and continue to seek His will so you know what will please Him. Stay focused on HIM.

    See 2 Cor 4:5

    3) Am I focused on the internal as much as the external?
    God examines the heart. Remember that in our image-is-everything society.

    See 1 Sam 16:7, Prov 16:2

    4) Am I serving God with no hidden agenda?
    Flattery implies using words to manipulate. (see 1 Thess. 2:1-6)
    Do we use people, or utilize people? The difference is subtle, has to do (imo) with our motives.

    5) Where am I looking or my reward?
    Where does your praise come from, man or God.

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    This is great stuff, so I had to give you all a recap....thanks!

    This week's memory verse:
    Proverbs 16:2
    "All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord."