Scripture:
I Thessalonians 2:4-12 NKJV
[4] But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so, we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. [5] For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness. [6] Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. [7] But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. [8] So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives because you had become dear to us. [9] For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. [10] You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; [11] as you know how we exhorted and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, [12] that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
Observation:
1st and 2nd Thessalonias was written by Paul as letters to strengthen and build their faith in GOD. At one point, he had spent some time with them and wanted to bring that time to their memories because his actions were a demonstration of what he was trying to teach them. Here in 1st Thessalonians chapter Paul wants to make it clear why he did the things he did and spoke the things he spoke. He knew his approval did not come from man, and man’s approval was not what he was seeking. He had been entrusted to teach the gospel. So that became his passion. He knew that the way to do that was not always going to make people feel good, and in fact, would at times be very unflattering and very convicting, but what GOD had shown him needed to be preached and taught whether or not it made people feel good didn’t really matter. Paul’s life did not hinge on man’s approval, and he knew it. I’m sure that caused him problems in his life and on some of his missionary journeys… but it didn’t look like that mattered to him. He knew he had to speak the truth of the gospel. That’s what he had been entrusted with. He had the opportunity to come into a region and just focus on teaching and preaching, but he never took advantage of that. He was a tent maker and would go to work doing what he knew how to do so that he would not be a burden on those he was teaching the gospel to. I imagine his working side by side with them gained respect from them as well and opened their hearts so that the words that he spoke had a deeper effect. Although his message was not always comfortable for some to hear, he never spoke it in a harsh manner or with the intent to offend he spoke with truth seasoned with grace showing the fruit of the Spirit that steams from love. It was clearly his pleasure to teach them about GOD and the gospel. Because he had grown to love them as a parent loves their child, sharing his life with them, living out the gospel in front of them, and being an example to them was his vessel to preach the gospel into their lives. He knew it would be hard to teach someone what a life well lived for GOD looked like if he were not living life well for GOD. So laboring among them working side by side and speaking the truth daily was his focus. Everything Paul did was motivated by not only a love for GOD but a love for his fellow man as well. It’s easy to tell someone to walk worthy of the calling that GOD has placed on their lives and walk away, not showing them how, but Paul took a very different approach. He not only preached the gospel, but he lived it in front of those whom he was teaching it to. So that they would know what it looked like to live the gospel.
Application:
I’m honestly affected by the observation of this SOAP this morning. GOD is so good, and HE reveals exactly what needs to be seen when it needs to be seen. I need to tell you I love those whom GOD has placed around me, and I know that HE has put them there for a reason. I want to be the best example for them that I can. I’m not doing well for their approval but chasing after GOD’S approval in a manner that gives them a desire to do the same. I never want my life to be an example of what not to do. I feel as if GOD has called me to teach and preach the gospel l. Then, I need to live the gospel in all areas of my life. I believe GOD has placed me in a unique position in life. A position that allows me to be a living example of what it looks like to live as though the word of GOD is true. Because it is, in fact, it’s the only truth I know. But how can others believe that if they are not shown its principles at work? GOD has called all of us to a unique position. If you know Jesus Christ as your LORD and SAVIOR. GOD has placed you around people who need to see the gospel lived out. They need to see that grace and truth. In such a manner that it affects their lives. Hearing it from a pulpit is one thing. But living next to them is another. However, it’s not just in actions but words as well. Living the gospel comes from a passion and desire inside of you to proclaim the change that Jesus Christ has made in you. I want everyone I come into contact with to not only see the change but to hear how it happened as well. I want my life to line up with the true word of GOD. You have heard my say it before you may be the only bible someone ever reads. So, what does your life say about the gospel? Does it have the power to change lives, or will it leave you right where you are when HE finds you. YAHWAH has changed my life. HE did that by sending HIS son to the earth to show me how to live and then give HIS life for sins. HE never committed. So that HIS Father could raise HIM from the dead. Giving us all who believe in victory over death. It’s not the final chapter. Eternity is living the gospel. Live like the word of GOD is true because it is.
Prayer:
Father, you have given us all the influence to affect the lives of those around us. We want your truth to be seen. We want to live for your approval and not anyone else’s. Help us to live in a manner that your way is appealing but not compromised. In any way. We love you and want that love to be not just heard but seen in how we live. We know that this life is not about us but about what your son did on the cross for us, and we want our lives to be an example of that not living compromised but living with conviction and passion for your Holy word. Help us to be a living, breathing, walking testimony of your truth and grace. We love you beyond our own understanding, and we know that you have empowered us for such a time as this. You have prepared our hearts and lives to be used by you, and we are grateful for the opportunity. You are such an awesome GOD. you still take my breath away at how truly amazing you are. I only hope that my life is a reflection of your gospel. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus. I pray, amen.