1 Thessalonians 2:1-20
👉 Paul, Silas, Timothy:
- spoke to please God, not man
- did not flatter others
- did not seek glory for themselves
- acted and spoke w/ gentleness
- shared the gospel and their lives
- labored and toiled
- holy, righteous, blameless conduct
- exhorted and encouraged others
- charged others to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel
👉 The Church in Thessalonica:
- accepted the gospel as the Word of God
- became imitators of the churches in Judea
- suffered at the hands of their own countrymen
- were a glory and joy for Paul, Silas, and Timothy
We know that Paul and Silas were treated shamefully at Philippi (v 2). You can read the details of their experience in Acts 16. But Paul didn’t give up because he saw the value in his ministry (v 1). Perhaps that is why he was entrusted with the gospel (v 2).
👉 Do we view the gospel as something valuable that has been entrusted to us?
I couldn’t help but look at the way they conducted themselves in Thessalonica – with humility, sincerity, gentleness, encouragement, etc. – right after suffering so terribly in Phillipi.
Never asking, “Is it worth it?”
Never wondering, “What’s the point?”
Never accusing, “Lord, this isn’t fair.”
Nope. He just kept encouraging the folks as he was run out of one place and joyfully went to the next.
👉 May this be our heart when we are misjudged, mistreated, misunderstood. May we – no matter what – continue to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel.
You are loved. ♥️
