REVEALED WORD TODAY
// Read: I 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[a] 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.
MEDITATION:
The Word of God is a two-edged sword, both sides cuts. The question today is not how do you receive God’s Word but how do you preach Christ? Many people fail to see God’s Word for what it is because of the personality God is using. Apostle Paul was above board here. He had a testimony of integrity. Verse 10 says “Ye are witness and God also how holily and justly and unblameable we behaved ourselves among you that believe”. Is this your testimony too? If not, repent and change today. Do not be a stumbling block to others.
PRAYER: Pray that you will not be a stumbling block to others by the way you live.