Daily Bread 2010 - 1 Thessalonians 2
Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica
1You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. 3For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. 5You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.
In this second chapter to the church in Thessalonica, Paul informs the church of some of his travels. This is one of the earliest of NT letters, written about 51-52 AD. In this chapter, we see Paul’s pastoral and shepherding heart. He says to them that they (he and his disciples) were pleased to share with them not only the gospel, but their whole lives as well. 2:8 This typifies Paul’s relationship with the churches he planted. You can see he has enormous relational capacity for these churches and the people in them.
But we also see that Paul is not overly reliant on the approval of men. 2:4 This is why Paul could be so bold in his proclamation, because he was not relying on approval ratings, but cared only that his preaching and teaching registered a smile with His Father in heaven. Although it is important for us to be relevant, it is more important to be faithful. If being relevant means a compromise in any teaching, doctrine or biblical principles than it is better to be true to Scripture.
As pastor or leader in the church, or really anyone for that matter, it is easy to get caught up in getting praise from man vs. God. The beauty of Paul’s leadership was that he combined a deep love and affection for those he ministered to, as well as a core conviction never to compromise God’s Word or truth. May we imitate his leadership, as we seek to have influence on the world around us that needs the truth to be set free, from a person who cares enough about the world to earn a hearing!
Jesus, help us to live lives like your disciple Paul, who was passionate about lost people but also true to the Word you gave him. Give us hearts like Paul to reach those who have bought into the world’s lies, and help us to make clear the Gospel truth that will truly set them free from the lies of the enemy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
1You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. 3For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. 5You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.
In this second chapter to the church in Thessalonica, Paul informs the church of some of his travels. This is one of the earliest of NT letters, written about 51-52 AD. In this chapter, we see Paul’s pastoral and shepherding heart. He says to them that they (he and his disciples) were pleased to share with them not only the gospel, but their whole lives as well. 2:8 This typifies Paul’s relationship with the churches he planted. You can see he has enormous relational capacity for these churches and the people in them.
But we also see that Paul is not overly reliant on the approval of men. 2:4 This is why Paul could be so bold in his proclamation, because he was not relying on approval ratings, but cared only that his preaching and teaching registered a smile with His Father in heaven. Although it is important for us to be relevant, it is more important to be faithful. If being relevant means a compromise in any teaching, doctrine or biblical principles than it is better to be true to Scripture.
As pastor or leader in the church, or really anyone for that matter, it is easy to get caught up in getting praise from man vs. God. The beauty of Paul’s leadership was that he combined a deep love and affection for those he ministered to, as well as a core conviction never to compromise God’s Word or truth. May we imitate his leadership, as we seek to have influence on the world around us that needs the truth to be set free, from a person who cares enough about the world to earn a hearing!
Jesus, help us to live lives like your disciple Paul, who was passionate about lost people but also true to the Word you gave him. Give us hearts like Paul to reach those who have bought into the world’s lies, and help us to make clear the Gospel truth that will truly set them free from the lies of the enemy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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