1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 — The 3rd Day of Thessmas!

READ THIS: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

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. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people 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. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. 7 Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 9 Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, 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. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

How are we supposed to share the good news about Jesus with others? In the first 6 verses, Paul teaches us how we shouldn't share the good news, and it would be wise for us to take some notes on it! When we share the gospel, we:
  • Shouldn't be afraid of opposition (v. 2)
  • Shouldn't speak lies (v. 3)
  • Shouldn't share the good news for our own benefit (v. 3-6)
  • Shouldn't be fake, wear masks, or pretend to be people we are not (v. 3-6)

So if this how we shouldn't share the good news, what are we left with? In verses 7-12, Paul says we are supposed to act like children, nursing mothers, hard workers, and fathers...? These are some interesting comparisons, but they really do give us a good picture of how to share the good news.

Think about it this way... young children, especially during this time, were treated as some of the lowest people when it comes to status. Paul and his peeps could have commanded people to follow Jesus like they had authority over them, but instead they humbled themselves before the people. They also took care of them in two specific ways, just like good parents would! They cared for their needs, but they also had the boldness to call the Thessalonians out in a loving way, just like parents discipline their children. Lastly, they never gave up! Like hard workers, they spent their days and nights sharing the good news to everyone they had an opportunity to spend time with. Let this be the model for us to follow as we share the amazing news about who Jesus is to those around us!

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. What is the biggest reason you choose not to share with people about Jesus?

2. Look at the last paragraph of the devo... which example (children, parents, hard workers) do you need to be more like? Why?

TRY THIS:
 
You probably saw this one coming... find a way to talk to someone around you about Jesus! Bonus points if it is with someone you don't know very well!

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