REVEALED WORD TODAY
// READ: 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[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:
No wonder Apostle Paul said, “Imitate me as I imitate Jesus.” The passage today talks about how Paul related with his converts. He related as follows:
a. His exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness neither was it in deceit.
b. He did not please men but God that tests the hearts.
c. He did not sure flattery words or cloak of covetousness.
d. He did not seek glory from men.
e. He was gentle among them.
f. He imparted not only the gospel but their lives.
g. He laboured day and night not to burden them.
h. He had a father-children relationship.
Let every Christian leader or Pastor check his life ministration with those eight variables and make amends today.
PRAYER: Pray that all these will accomplish your ministration or work for God in Jesus name.