November 4, 2023
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in 1 Thessalonians? Here’s today’s reading:
1 Thessalonians 2 (NIV)
Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica
1 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.…..Continue Reading
In this chapter, Paul shares identifying marks of his ministry that characterized all of his work. He was truthful and honest in the things he taught and was not looking for reward or praise from men in doing it, it was all about God and Paul’s great conviction about the gospel. That passion for the gospel was an identifying mark all by itself. Another was his genuine concern for people. He cared deeply for those he ministered to, showing his ministry flowed from relationship. He sought to be a mother and a father to those he ministered to as well. (I actually taught from this passage at my ordination affirming my desire to be both too.). He also worked in tent making so as not to be a burden to those he taught. This also purified his motive why he was doing what he was doing. He was also aware of the persecution that he faced as well as the persecution those who believed his message would face. All good things for us to keep in mind as we minster to others for the sake of Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 2
1 Thessalonians 1-2
I Thess 2:13 was a memory verse. It spoke to me that we ought to take the gospel as God’s very word, not just the words of an evangelist. I take Scriptures for granted, not remembering how it was preserved for millenia, without error or contradiction. Good for me to read it again.
Paul is speaking to the believers and is stating how he and the others with him shared the gospel to them when they were there. They were mouth pieces for God and therefore were honest and bold to preach the gospel yet with great compassion as a parent would care for their children. They were given this trust by God and therefore he and the others desired to please God and not men. And in trying to share the gospel Satan hindered them. Satan doesn’t want people to get saved and if they do, he tries to prevent them from growing in Christ. Satan hates us for he hates Christ. Today was an interesting day, for we took Ava [ our grand daughter] to a playground in East Greenwich. I had a couple of conversations with some fathers. Their children were playing with Ava. One man is with the National Guard and he had his 4 year old there and another man was from China and had taught at a school in Worchester, Mass. This man had his two children with him. He seemed very interested in what I shared with him and I even got his telephone number. He has Christian friends and I shared the gospel with him. Both of them while sharing I told them that Mel and I are born again Christians and I told them of our church. They seemed to be interested. The Chinese man was Buddhist and something else. In China he is aware of Noah`s flood for as we know there are accounts of it around the world. I quoted Eph. 3,8,9 to him and he was really interested. So much more was said. Unfortunately I don`t remember their names but please pray for them and their families. Their wives weren`t there. Hopefully we will have another opportunity to witness to them. When we got there I wasn’t even thinking about witnessing but the Lord despite me, led the conversation to talk about the Lord. I should have been more aware at the beginning. May all of us be alert to the opportunities God has given each one of us and not waste it.
Praying for them Dennis and good job!
Dennis, almost every opportunity that I have had to share the gospel was unexpected! I think that is better, we are more relaxed and natural when we don’t come across with a scripted response, but rather, speak from our hearts. I will be praying for these fathers.
Just an extra comment on the Chinese father, he said his daughter has a book about Joseph with his coat of many colors, and something on Abraham. Also when I shared about Noah`s Ark I mentioned the Ark Encounter that is in Kentucky which some of our church members have been to. Made to the dimensions from the Bible. I have yet to go. God bless.
Paul explains his ministry in this chapter and it is a good example for us as to motivation and intent in our our lives. The glory be to God in the good and in the suffering. We speak and minister to others in love and humility for we should be sharing God’s words and truth.
It is always important to remember to put God first and others before ourselves to avoid pride and jealousy which are things that easily slip into the human heart.
Paul relays the example we all ought to be in the world and amongst each other.
“You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; 11 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, 12 that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”
I totally agree with Kelly. Paul amazes me in his strong commitment in spreading the Word of Jesus.
When we share the gospel to others like Paul did, we engage with people in the following ways:
in a way that pleases God, not people
do it even when faced with strong opposition
speak with pure motives – not with flattery or a greedy heart
share our lives with the people we speak to
do it in an encouraging, comforting ,and nurturing way