Paul’s Ministry to the Thessalonians
2:1 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. 3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. 11 For you know how, like a father with his children, 12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers. 14 For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind 16 by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But God’s wrath has come upon them at last!
Paul’s Longing to See Them Again
17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, 18 because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy. (ESV)
5You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.
Here Paul is explaining why he and the other Christians acted in the way they acted towards them. They treated them right. Paul clears up in this verse that they weren’t just “showing off” or trying to flatter them, but that they genuinly cared for them. Now this reminded me of Bobby’s “One Another” messages. We need to care for each other and love one another. But, you need to have a sincere heart, not just trying to flatter people by acting nice to them. God knows our motives, so let’s treat others right, for the right reason too.
4 On 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.
5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.
I just really like these two verses. God is in control and he tests our hearts and judges. We need to fear God and not men, for God can do so much more, which is why it is important to serve the one who determines where you will spend eternity. Verse 5 is just a motivation to me because The Lord sees and knows everything… you can’t hide anything from God, nor cover up anything. He knows where your heart is at, and if you are living for him 100% or not. I know that without a doubt, I want to please God and seek out his perfect Will for me!
8 We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
As christians if we say we love someone but dont tell them about Christ how can we really say we love them…? We are basicly ignoring the fact that they are going to go to hell (if they are non-christians) and we dont even want to talk to them about it because they might not like us any more. If we love someone we are going to talk to them about Christ! and with our close friends we should constantly be fellowshipping with them and keeping our minds on spiritual things! This is a hard thing to do for highschoolers it seems like, atleast it is for me alot! But we need to pray that God will give us HIS strength because with him we can do all things!¡!
4 On 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.
Great verse to keep in mind as you go out to your school today – who are you trying to please? It’s easy to sin and please men, but it’s God who we really need to be wanting to please. Don’t take the path of least resistance; act as a Christian would and show your friends the light of the Lord!
13And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
The word “accepted” in this verse actually means to embrace or receive. Paul is grateful that the Thessalonians’ response to hearing the Word of God was to wholeheartedly embrace it. That means they devoted themselves to DOING what God’s Word says! As a leader at True North I can tell you that I have offered many thankful prayers to God because of those of you who apply what you are learning from Pastor Bobby’s weekly sermons and your reading of the Bible. I know how Paul feels to serve the Lord and spread the message of His Word and to feel gratitude for those people who embrace God’s Word. My prayer today is that all of us would consider the Bible as God’s Word, not the word of men and that we would get busy doing what it says!
beth!!^^^
i like how you said embrace or recieve!
and howw we should all think it is Gods word not the word of men!
1 Thes 2
Nice posts Max and Adam! This chapter is a great primer on what our motives should be in sharing the gospel (aiming to please God) and how we are to act towards the people who need to hear it (with honor, gentleness and respect). Lord, thank You for saving grace and please help me to live this way every minute today.
8We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
This verse, to me, is saying that we need to open up our lives to people. We need to welcome them in and love them. We cant just share the gospel and then say bye. We have to be a part of their lives and LET them be a part of ours. Dont be concealed awayy from people.
12encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
This is what the apostles did to help people at the church of Thessalonica build up their faith in Christ by encouraging, comforting, and urging them to live lives worthy of God. We should want to be like the apostles, so let’s apply this to our lives.
11For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children,
12encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
Paul thought of the Christians at this church as his spiritual children. Like a father is encouraging in training his own children for life, he was like this to them spiritually–encouraging, comforting and urging them.
Sometimes we assume that Christians in our lives are doing well, when maybe they aren’t really living lives worthy of the Lord and need us to urge them to be obedient. Or maybe someone we can see is having a rough time needs us to comfort them with God’s Word.
Everyone needs encouragement, whether they are doing well or not! So this verse was helpful for me showing me that I need to be prayerful and thoughtful of who I can specifically and tangibly encourage, comfort or urge today to be living for God today!
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.
God’s view of us should be our biggest concern. We tend to have this fear of man when it comes to standing up for the truth, especially with sharing the gospel. BUt there is nothing to be afraid or ashamed of. Romans 1:16 says “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” His word is the truth and the good news that we should share with people all the time!
13And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
Bobby may be preaching to us on weekends, but he is really doing God’s work and we should take his teaching like it was spoken from God himself! We wouldn’t forget about it throughout the week we would do it out of fear for the Lord. How much would True North grow if we were applying God’s word to our lives each and every day as if He said it!!
19For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?
20Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
I love these verses because it is SO true for us believers! We aren’t taking anything to heaven with us except other souls and therefore when someone comes to repentance and faith it is but a glimpse of heaven and a joy fills our hearts that we truly cannot even comprehend! For each person I have seen come to Christ and even for those who have grown in knowledge and wisdom of as they are used by Him…my joy has increased!
BLOG ON EVANGELISM CHECK IT OUT…click on my name
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.
This word entrusted really stuck out to me this morning so I looked up the definition.
It means to “to charge or invest with a trust or responsibility”. Paul is saying God has trusted him a with the responsibility of sharing the gospel. Many times I glance by this charge of sharing the gospel like it is a suggestion…you “should” share the gospel, when in actuality it is our responsibility as christians to be preaching and teaching the gospel to everyone. I really struggle with this. Thats why the next line is so important. We are not trying to please men but God. When I am more concerned about what men are going to think wether some one I know or don’t now then I will fail every time at sharing the gospel. But if I think of this as a responsibility God has given me then I know it does not matter what others think because it is what I am called to do. There are so many pure motives of why we need to be sharing the gospel.
Lord, I pray that my heart would not seek the favor of men, but only of you. That my thoughts would be centered around the gospel and it would be brought into every part of my life and that I would be bold and compassionate as you give my opportunities to share your truth with people.
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.
The gospel is not please to man…it is offensive. However, we need to present a Biblical gospel and not water it down so that it is less offensive. We need to make sure that we please God and not try to please man. It is God who will judge us!
Brooke!! Good to see you on here bright and early! :)
2 “We 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.”
Paul, Silas, and Timothy (the three authors of this letter) were facing extreme opposition. They suffered much and were constantly insulted for the sake of Jesus, but did they give up or give in? No. They endured with the help of God, even in spite of all the hostile force they were facing. They were trusting in God when they shared His truth, and I pray that we are and will be too!
4 “On 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.”
They all knew who was greater than their persecutors. God obviously was, still is today, and will be forever. He doesn’t judge by appearances; He delves straight into our minds and tests them. We think we’ve got secrets? Whatever they are, God knows them. He knows our every thought and motive. So shouldn’t we be trying to please Him in everything, instead of our brothers?
6We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you,
I constantly struggle with wanting praise from men, as many of you would also probably admit. As a Christian my number one goal needs to be to please God. Doing what pleases God will often not please men. Thus, if you are like me, we need to redirect our focus each day back to God and aim to please Him!
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
we are not to go around saying what pleases the ear to get people to turn to Christ one because Paul didn’t ever change the Word to get a certain response and secondly because if they do become “Christian” and did not know that it won’t be easy to be a Christian. we can’t butter up the gospel we need to give it to them straight :)
16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.
Great example here! First, Paul talks about how God punishes those who purposly sin, and continue to sin. This is a perfect example on how we need to be trusting God to do His job, which of course He will do! Secondly, this is a perfect example on how we need to be praying for others who are not saved, who persecute us, like Jesus says in Matthew. We should do this because they really need it, and they do not know how bad things are going to be for them!
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.
Paul, yet again, shows humility in this verse! He glorifies God in mentioning that without God’s help, they would not have had the boldness to spread his gospel in times of extreme persecution! It’s just another reminder to humble ourselves before the Lord who saved us by his gospel! :D
12encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
This reminded me of my accountability partner and how I need to be consistently doing what this verse tells us to do.
12encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
This is how we should be towards others. We want to be encouraging to everyone. If there is a christian doing something that is wrong, encourage them to do what is right. That little encouragement may help in more ways then we think. Just having someone tell you that they prayed for you today, or just checking to see how there day was. It means a lot to them
12encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
this is how every one she be to every one
19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?
This was a church that Paul obviously held in very high esteem. To be considered the crown of Paul’s ministry was not an unimportant distinction. Are we that kind of Church? Do we live up to the standards that we did, so that someone like Paul could be unashamed of when Christ returns? We need to be! Every Christian should make that his or her goal: to be blameless before Christ, and to take their faith to the next level, always striving to grow in Christ and our knowledge of HIm and His Word.
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.
I like this verse because it is talking about how we need to do things for the purpose of serving God, not men. Instead of trying to be popular or accepted by others, we need to be concerned with pleasing God. He is all that matters and he deserves our obedience.
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.
someday soon we will all be tested by God and we should live ower lives for him.
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.
When you are trying to trick men your motives can be wrong but people can’t tell. But since we are trying to please GOD, we can’t just feign that we care. To please him it must be a true heartfelt act. The one who sees the heart judges our actions by what we do, intend to do, and what our true motives are.
Our integrity has a great impact on our witness. Paul points out two main areas we must watch out for:
a) the integrity of our message
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.
b) the integrity of our life/actions
10You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.
These are things we must also be mindful of as we try to be light in South Orange County!
19For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?
20Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
What a great way to end. I believe this sums it all up (well the last verse). :]
***GOD IS GLORY!!!***
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.
God is trusting us that we will spread the gospel and has chosen us to do it. I love how this verse says “we are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts” because as Christians we don’t need to worry about what people think about us loving Jesus Christ. A lot of people think we’re crazy but it doesn’t matter because we should care about what God thinks about us instead of this world.
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.
Many of us know what it is like to be met with opposition when witnessing to unbelievers. Often, if the persecution has been great it can hinder us from continuing to share the gospel. What I like about this verse is that Paul never lets persecution hold him back. His life is completely centered on the will of God and spreading the gospel. This should be the goal for us all. My prayer is for God to do a mighty work through True North at the “Double It-Up Evangelism Night”, regardless of any opposition they may face.
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. As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you,
7but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children.
These are good versus for all of us. When Paul said that he is here to not bring praise to himself, but to bring praise to God. I think we alot of times, myself included, do things to bring attention to are selves wheather it is singing so that everyone is staring at you in aww, or if it is just doing all the quiet work so that people think you are humble. In the end we might be able to trick are selves and others, but we can never trick God. And what I mean by trick ourselves is sometimes we can get so caught up in what we are doing that we think we are serving Christ when infact we are doing it to bring praise to our selves.
After that when Paul says we cared for you like a mother cares for her child, he means that we need to treat non-christians with gentleness and respect. I find myself sometimes treating people that I no are just strait up bad people, I would just not talk to them or just give them a cold sholder when a chance pops up to talk about God. But we have to remember that Christ loved us first, and we were sin in his eyes but he should us love and we need to do the same to others. As simple of a concept as this might be it is a very difficult thing to grasp on in our daily lives.
4 On 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.
This verse makes a good point that these men who wrote the Bible were appointed by God and earnestly trying to please Him over everyone else! They feared the Lord and wanted His approval because He’s the one that knows all of our hearts
I love how Paul says that he will continue to speak the gospel out of love even if he is a burden. He says that fellow Christians are his pride and joy. This is the outlook every Christian should have. Talking about Jesus should be our joy.
4 On 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.
When we preach the gospel to others, we should not present it “watered down” We need to give the full 100% version. We are not trying to look “cool” and be accepted, so we make the gospel sound like its not a big deal. It is a huge deal! GOD is who we are serving, NOT man! Its important that we care about what we look like before God instead of man. God tests our hearts, and in the end, He is the only one who matters.
13And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
This is why staying in the Bible is so crucial. It is because it is God’s Word! Not the teachings of a wiseman or old fables. It is God’s primary way to teach, rebuke and correct us so that we can become more like Him (2Tim. 3:16). I hope this encourages us to read the Bible more and make SOTD more of a priority in our lives so that God’s word will work immensly in us!
12encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
Those are all super great things to do when looking out and talking to other believers and brothers&sisters in Christ. Encouragement is always a help when you’re down as well as comforting. And urging is very important because at some point we all do fall & slip away from God and His word and we need to keep reminding ourselves and others to stay in the Word and live a godly life continually. WWJD
13And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
This affirms that the Bible is the word of God.
13And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
We never really thank God for the Word that was sent to us. Thank You God.
8We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
This verse reminds me of the Connections sermons!
The love that Paul talks about here is the love we need to have for one another! The Christian in Thessaloniki shared there lives with one another because of there deep love founded in the common salvation they share. According to John 13:35, we will show the genuineness of our faith by our love for each other. Let’s keep the connections happening at True North as we continue to love one another!
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.”
We need to keep our thoughts on Heavenly things. Sometimes is canbe really hard, but it’ll be worth is in the end
I love how this whole chapter acts as a prime example of how someone should share the gospel! Sharing God’s word with gentleness and love as a caring mother, and comforting and encouraging as a kind-hearted father.
One thing that really stuck out to me was this: “Surely you remember, brothers, 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”(1Thes. 2:9).
It seems that the right attitude, when evangelizing, should be that of a servant, making sure that the hearer is not burdened.
Good Stuff!!
12encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
This is how we should be with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, encouraging, spurring them on to stay on track with God, a loving family member. We can also be this way with non Christians– encouraging them to seek a relationship with Christ and comforting them in times of need[:
10You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.
It’s pretty awesome to see Paul’s love for the Thessalonian church in the last couple of verses. He also expresses this love by trying to provide a godly example for the new Christians by living a blameless life in this presence. This shows me how I should be caring for the other Christians in my life, desiring their spiritual benefit so much that I make it an effort to live a righteous life among them to build them up rather than provide a bad example.
19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?
this encourages me to invest more of my efforts into the things that matter, and into other people, rather than being selfish. our own lives should be pouring out what God has given us into the lives of others that they may see us and glorify God.
13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
Sometimes we should just sit back to praise and thank God for his word. Without it we would be on the road to hell but because of it we could see Christ’s sacrifice and trust in Him for our salvation.
19For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?
20Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
I agree with Curtis, we need to turn our time and efforts to things that really matter, and things that will strengthen us and drive us closer to God. God gave us each special gifts, he gave them to us for a purpose, so that we could express Gods glory and grace whenever we express our gift. We are Gods joy!!!!
PRAISE BE TO GOD!!!!!!! :)
9Surely you remember, brothers, 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.
As Christians we ought not to be burdensome to any in our striving to spread the word of God, but that doesn’t mean not to press people about their faith and what they believe in. I think it means we need to toil both to share the Gospel, but also that we not inconvenience others in any way more than necessary to show them God’s word.
Mmmm…
This is a great chapter often in the beginning, Paul is talking how we should be fearing God over men because he is the true judger of our lives. He is often talking of this (verses 1-6) and how, since we are not fearing men, that we would not be afraid of rejection or our reputation and go out to spread the gospel. We should always be out evangelizing and Paul says that in verse 2: “We 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.” Saying this again, we should always be out there evangelizing and a great chance to be doing that is this saturday night DOUBLE-IT-UP EVANGELISM NIGHT!!!!
6We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you.
The apostles were not spreading the gospel so they may be praised and lifted up. They were doing it soley for the purpose of lifting and exalting God’s name up. Some people these days go out spreading the gospel so other Christians may look at them and say, oh he is doing what God commands him to do. God does command us to spread his word, but he wants us to be humble and contrite and not bring glory upon ourselves but to God.
8We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
I really love this verse. It underlines the important fact that as Christians, we need to have a loving heart for the lost sheep God puts in our lives. If we say we love our non-christian friends, like true, real and genuine love, then we need to be sharing the Gospel with them if we haven’t already. It’s a “work of faith” that we read about yesterday. Sharing the gospel with those who are living dead in their sin is something we should be doing as Christians– it’s part of our fruit!
13And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
We need to pray for God to work in others lives when we evangelize. We are just a messenger, but it is God who does the work. The person needs to understand that this is the word of God, written by God himself by using men to write it. I am so thankful for those of us who have seen the truth in the Bible and had God work in our lives. May many more understand this truth!
I love 1 Thessalonians! You can read about the beginning of this church in Acts 17. It is crazy that Paul rolls into town, starts preaching the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, people get saved and the next thing you know this church has started!
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.
I think that the key to his success is that Paul didn’t try to appeal to people. He tried to please God! There is so much power when we speak the Word of God to people…notice how the Thessalonians heard Paul…
13And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
Even though Paul was speaking…it was like they heard straight from God. They welcomed it as God’s Word! What a great privilege we have to tell people the Bible and really it will be like they are hearing from God himself!
Keep rocking SOTD True North! And let’s evangelize this Saturday night and get the gospel out there like Paul did!
13And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
i agree with jacob that when we evangalize it is really god that is doing all of thw work.
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.
Sharing the Gospel is not always the easiest thing, but we need to remember that if God wants us to do something he will give us courage and strength to boldly speak to others.
5You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness
i think its horrible when Christians try and flatter others. If we proclaim God’s truth we are responsible to be honest! flattery is a “false cover up for a real persons intentions”.
9 Surely you remember, brothers, 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.
As Christians, we need to be hard workers. If we claim to be imitators of Christ but are lazy, how is that going to look to non-Christians? Our job is to represent Jesus on earth, and one of the best ways to do that is to be reliable and go above and beyond to fulfill the duties we are given.
MARANATHA
6.) We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else…
Hmm, can we honestly say that our whole focus is on glorifying God and not trying to please men or keep the glory for ourselves. Remember everything we do as Christians needs to be for the sole purpose of glorifying our Father in Heaven.
12encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
this is how we should live, encouraging, comforting and urgingpeers to live 100% for Christ
10You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.
I like this verse because it shows us how important it is for us to be blameless in other’s sight. Living without sin for christ is a way to evangelize to others, although it isn’t always direct. If we do evangelize to others by actually telling them the good news, it is very important that we emulate Jesus Christ in all that we do, otherwise they might see our sin and turn away. Once we master self discipline we will be able to bring more people to Christ.
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.
Mmmmmmm!!! Wow how true and convicting is this verse. They were telling others about the gospel, not trying to please other people or look good and blend in with them, but rather they had the drive and focus and right heart set to please God in their evangelism. That is why so many people have a hard time evangelizing at their school to their non-christian friends– they are scared of what others will think instead of fearing God and focusing on pleasing Him. I find myself doing that and that is a completely wrong heart set to want to please others. I need to focus on pleasing God alone in my evangelism.
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.
As children of God our first priority should be to please Him and only Him. Sometimes we are put to the test of our faithfullness to God. It is during those tests of faith that we have a choice to make in doing the right thing in the side of God. We are not perfect and we will probably fail at times, but we need to get back up and lean towards God.
20Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
every single thing we do is for the glory of the Lord. He has everything in control, and has us in the palm of his hand. Everything is in his timing not ours, and we need to be filled with joy through out trials, and said in James 1. There are so many things um this life that can tare you down, and make you lose your focus and joy, but in all things we need to remember to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We need to let go of everything we are holding on to and counting on in this life and grab onto our Lord and Savior. HE IS OUR ONLY HOPE FOR SATISFACTION AND JOY. And i am so thankful that even when we lose sight of things, the Lord will always take us back, and will find a way to humble us. The Lord is pushing me to my extremes, and is placing me in a huge trial, but i am praying that i keep my eyes set on him, and hold onto him, and finish this race strong.
Thank you Lord so much for not forgetting about me, and for listening to me. Lord i thank you so much for my salvation.
MARANATHA
Romans 12:11 KEEP YOUR SPIRITUAL FERVOR.
1st Thessalonians 2
17 But, brothers, when we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.
I am so encouraged by Paul’s love for his fellow believers (Brothers) in Christ. I can relate to Paul’s deep love for his fellow brothers and sisters as you feel his distress and intense longing to see them again. I would be devastated if I was unable to see my Church family. Paul’s love was a direct result of his compassion to see his fellow believer’s faith strengthened and not fall into temptation. Do we posses this same intense longing and love for our fellow brothers and sisters? Do we have love and compassion for our brothers and sisters like Paul has here despite the cost?
If we are characterized by our friends than what does our character look like? Are our best friends Christians or non-Christians? Would we be proud to show off our friends if Jesus Christ came to meet them? With a new year and a new group of freshmen coming to True North we have an opportunity to do as Paul did by discipling others in the faith.
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
6We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you,
This is a really cool verse. Here we see how the apostles just always point the finger to God and say it is God doing this and not us. It is hard sometimes i think to not take the glory for ourselves. But we as Christians need to be making sure that in every opportunity we have we are giving God the glory and turning the attention from us to God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good job on all the posts guys keep it up and keep reading! :)
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.
You can really feel Pauls conviction in these words. All to often we care more about what people think than God.
We try to fit in with the cool crowd or be acceptable to the world in one part of our life, then try to fit in with TN. Is this you? Is this me?
Always be preaching the Gospel, and sometimes use words…
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.
This is a great reminder of who we’re doing this for. We’re not doing it to show people that we hold the key to the ultimate Truth, or that we get to go to heaven because we’re soo cool, we’re preaching the Gospel to please God. He knows our motives better than anyone can read them. We are entrusted with the gospel which also means we should probably do something with it…we need to share it! Speak it! Preach it! Live it! And not for the people around us, but for God himself. We must say and do things that are pleasing to the One who gave us the good news to know and share in the first place.