It Starts Small

⁵ You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. ⁶ We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. ⁷ Instead, we were like young children among you.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, ⁸ so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. ⁹ Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 

1 Thessalonians 2:5-9

This passage begs a question: Why did Paul spend so much time seemingly praising himself and his methods?

² Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth;
    an outsider, and not your own lips.

Proverbs 27:2

Why does Paul take a different approach? In verse 6, we see that Paul is not hunting for human accolades, and I wholeheartedly believe him. Sometimes, it is crucial for leaders, teachers, and parents to highlight their qualifications. They need to show their credentials and methods as part of the teaching process. One can’t overlook the myriad of reasons that might have driven Paul to assert himself in this instance. Perhaps false teachers infiltrated the church and cast doubt on some of Paul’s vital teachings, or even on Paul himself! This scenario was not uncommon in other churches.

Or perhaps the reason is even more profound. In Chapter 1, we find Paul fervently urging the Thessalonian church to model their lives after his own. He passionately desires for them to embrace his way of treating others and his relentless approach to ministry. These verses serve as a vibrant reminder of the invaluable lessons they have already gleaned from Paul’s extraordinary example. Sometimes, our actions alone can speak volumes, illuminating the path for others. Yet, it is crucial to recognize that some new believers may not have keen observation or discernment. They may struggle to grasp the deeper motivations behind those actions. They might not fully appreciate why certain principles resonate with such significance.

we never used flattery,

Flattering speech often emanates from those who harbor hidden agendas. Deceptive teachers may shower others with compliments, making it easier to lead them astray. This tactic is all too familiar to salesmen, who skillfully wield flattery to achieve their goals. However, we must resist the temptation to engage in such insincere praise. Ephesians 4:15 passionately reminds us to “speak the truth in love,” for truth holds far greater power. Relationships founded on flattery rest on unstable ground and are destined for disaster. Flattery is a form of manipulation, and we should never stoop to manipulate others into complying with our desires. If you seek a favor from someone, muster the courage to simply ask.

nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—

This stands as yet another glaring sign of the multitude of false teachers! These deceitful souls are often driven by the insatiable desire for wealth. Their ambition is to cultivate a devoted following. They coax their followers into generous donations. Meanwhile, they quietly pocket the profits for their own gain. But as we will discover later in verse 9, Paul embodied an entirely different spirit, one of genuine selflessness.

We were not looking for praise from people,

In other words, their motivations were absolutely pure! They didn’t spread the gospel seeking the limelight or craving the applause of others. Paul and his companions didn’t pray for the hollow praise of those around them. Their hearts were set on genuine connection. They didn’t memorize Scripture merely to dazzle others with their knowledge. It’s all too easy for us to slip into the trap of seeking glory, often without realizing it. Let’s consider this: are you truly content to carry out your duties for others—be it your spouse, your roommate, or your church—without a single soul acknowledging your efforts?

we could have asserted our authority.

Notice that Paul rarely asserted his authority. Why did Paul not do it often?

• Great leaders inspire us through their actions, embodying the values they wish to instill rather than simply issuing commands. Their fervent dedication ignites the passion in others, motivating everyone to strive for greatness together.
• When a leader continuously asserts his authority, it won’t be long before his followers feel overwhelmed. They become frustrated and feel the weight of his control. Reflect on Ephesians 6:4, where it passionately urges fathers not to provoke their children to anger. One poignant way fathers may falter in this is by repeatedly asserting their dominance. This behavior stifles the spirit of those they lead.

Husbands and Wives, how can you apply this to your marriages? How can parents apply this? Teachers? Pastors?

It is nearly always more powerful to engage in heartfelt conversations. Making decisions together with your wife, older child, or student is better than issuing a sweeping command. The mindset of “I am the boss!” should only be a last resort, employed when sound reasoning, open discussion, and earnest prayer have utterly faltered.

we were like young children among you

This is yet another compelling illustration of positive and gracious leadership! Paul was nothing like a dictator to the Thessalonians. Instead, he employs one of the most tender images in all of nature—a nursing mother. Some of us might lean towards “tough love,” thinking, “My way or the highway.” Yes, we catch glimpses of tough love from Jesus and Paul. However, their boundless gentleness shines through. Their unwavering patience is evident. What truly stands out is their deep compassion. This should be the hallmark of our attitudes toward others! If 90% of our communication is rooted in gentleness and compassion, people will be more receptive. They will be more open to that crucial 10% of tough love. However, if we consistently treat others with harshness and rigidity, we will wear them down over time. Bitterness and anger can easily rise in their hearts as they drift away from us. This painful scenario unfolds in countless marriages and parent-child relationships, as well as in churches and fellowships. Let us learn from the examples of Jesus and Paul. Let us embrace gentleness and patience in our interactions. We should reserve rebuke for when it is truly necessary!

so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much

Paul didn’t just share the gospel; he poured his heart and soul into the lives of others. He truly cared about each individual, recognizing them as cherished souls rather than mere statistics in his mission report. This serves as a powerful challenge for all of us who take on the mantle of sharing the gospel. How can you rise to this call? How can you demonstrate deeper compassion for those you teach and share with? Don’t merely tally the figures. Listen deeply to their struggles and ponder their questions. Invest your time in them. Strive to assist them through the real-life challenges they face. Show unwavering patience when they seem to be slow to grasp the message. Reach out beyond Bible study; make that heartfelt connection through email, a phone call, or a face-to-face meeting. Treat every person as a precious individual, not as a mere object. This principle resonates in every aspect of life.

our toil and hardship

Paul and Silas stood resilient and self-supported during their time in Thessalonica, as highlighted in Acts 18:3. With unwavering determination, Paul often crafted and sold tents to ensure he wouldn’t weigh down those he came to uplift. This approach, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, showcases his commitment to self-sufficiency for the sake of the message. Yet, let us not mistake his example as a universal solution. It was not a mandate for every preacher and missionary. When Jesus dispatched His disciples in Luke 10, He passionately instructed them to travel light. He encouraged them to rely on the generosity of the locals and created a beautiful opportunity. Communities could engage in authentic hospitality and nurture. This divine strategy not only strengthened their bonds but also fostered growth and maturity among those who extended their support. Thus, Christian workers must be discerning and Spirit-led. They need to navigate the complexities of when and where to embrace each method with wisdom and grace.

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Cross-References

On motivations:

• Proverbs 21:2
• Galatians 1:10
• Matthew 6:1
• 1 Timothy 1:5

On flattery:

• Proverbs 28:13
• Psalm 5:9
• 2 Samuel 15:2
• Numbers 11:12
• Luke 13:34

Discussion Questions

• What are the distinctives of Paul’s motivation and conduct among the Thessalonians?
• Why would some teachers engage in flatter?
• How could greed be a motivation for some false teachers?
• How did Paul act among them? Why?
• What can we learn from Paul about how to treat others?
• What can we learn from Paul about how to do ministry?
• What can you learn from Paul about his attitude toward the Thessalonians?
• What job did Paul often do so as not to be a burden to the people he served?
• Did he have to do this? Why not just let them provide for him? Which way is better?
• Why does Paul seem to be praising himself here? What is his motivation for talking about their motivations and principles of ministry? Is this prideful? What could the Thessalonians learn from this? How does this connect to the idea of modeling?

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© Kimberlee Smith 2025 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.