Paul, a Servant of the Gospel

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Paul, a Servant of the Gospel

Date: Feb. 17, 2022

Passage

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 (ESV)

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.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 2:12

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.

In this passage, Paul refutes accusations against him that he was trying to deceive the church or manipulate them out of greed. As a busy seaport on the Egnatian Way, Thessalonica had seen its share of scam artists. Moreover, the Jews gloated that Paul failed in Thessalonica, because they chased him out so quickly and kept him away.

Paul testified how God had worked in them through the gospel. Firstly, Paul had to overcome himself to go to them. In Philippi, he had been insulted and was deeply hurt. Yet Paul overcame his emotions to go to Thessalonica to continue the Gentile mission. There, the word of God worked in their hearts with power and conviction. Paul was clear not to use flattery, nor manipulate them out of greed, nor even enjoy their praise. His pure gospel lifestyle was the best testimony to his sincerity. Do we rely on the gospel or emotion to convert others?

Finally, he describes in beautiful terms of how they were like a family. Paul lived among them purely like a child, nurtured them like a mother, and encouraged them like a father. Paul loved them as himself and did not burden anyone, but worked hard day and night for their salvation. A selfless love relationship in Christ glues people together for the gospel work and enables the church to grow.

Prayer: Prayer: Father, thank you for your gospel work in others. Help us to imitate Paul’s gospel ministry.

One Word: One Word: Be a godly, loving gospel worker

Victorious over Suffering and Death in Jesus

Revelation 2:1-11

Key Verse: 2:10

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Today's Question

What is the right way to receive the Lord's Supper?

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