It Starts Small

2 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.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-4

that our visit to you was not without results.

In fact, preaching the gospel to others is never in vain! Just as Isaiah 55:11 reminds us, it always fulfills the profound purposes of God. We may not yield immediate fruit everywhere. In Thessalonica, Paul and his dedicated comrades faced a heart-wrenching reality. They had to leave after just three short weeks. We must not lose heart. They were driven out by an angry mob, furious at the life-changing message they brought. Even in the face of danger and discouragement, we find inspiration! Sometimes we may not see the results of our labor right away. We are called to keep sowing seeds of faith. We must trust in God’s perfect timing.

We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi,

(See Acts 16:19-24.) How was Paul treated there? What incredible hardships did they face in that city? Yet, amidst the trials and tribulations, how could these very hardships ignite a fire within them? This verse imparts a vital lesson that resounds with power and purpose.

It powerfully illustrates that God had an incredible plan for Paul and Silas as they bravely encountered adversity in Philippi. Though countless dimensions of this divine purpose remain a mystery to us, one stands out boldly. This purpose was to embolden their spirits. They witnessed God’s miraculous interventions during their trials. He saved the jailer and his family. God also unleashed an earthquake that released their chains. Ultimately, He liberated them from the authorities. These acts filled Paul and Silas with renewed faith. Their faith gave them unwavering courage. It inspired them to preach the Word. They were undeterred by any obstacles that dared to stand in their way.

Remember, God has a powerful and intricate plan for you, especially in the face of hardships! Take a moment to reflect: have you truly embraced the lessons He has laid out for you amid your struggles? It’s through overcoming daunting challenges that our courage rises to triumphant heights. Similarly, it’s only in the midst of irritating situations that we cultivate the profound gift of patience. And let’s not forget, without the experience of illness, we would struggle to truly cherish the marvel of good health. These difficulties are not just obstacles; they are divine tools, meticulously designed to refine and strengthen our Christian character!

does not spring from error or impure motives

Many false teachers are driven by their own hidden agendas. Like cunning snake oil salesmen, they wield smooth, persuasive speech to mask the flawed products they peddle. These deceitful teachers thrive on lies, skillfully twisting the Scriptures to craft a narrative that aligns with their distorted beliefs. Just look at 1 Timothy 4:3! In stark contrast, Paul passionately defends their teaching ministry. He asserts the truth of their words. He also emphasizes the purity of their intentions. Their aim was not to curry favor with man (see 2 Timothy 4:3), but to earn the approval of God.

be entrusted with the gospel

Paul and his co-workers came to a profound realization. They were not just workers. They were passionate stewards of the gospel. This is a sacred trust handed down from heaven itself. This divine knowledge transformed the very essence of their service, igniting a flame within them. Are you aware of the trust placed upon you with the gospel? Which powerful verses in the Bible affirm that we are entrusted with this divine message? Consider how this impacts your life! What bold actions should you take, knowing you hold this precious trust? And equally important, what pitfalls must you avoid?

Here are a few ways the knowledge that we are entrusted with the gospel should affect us:

• We must never alter the gospel. We should not infuse our own views or attempt to dress it up. The gospel should not be made more appealing or less daunting than it truly is. This is the gospel of God, not just ours. We are driven by an unwavering commitment to share it with precision. We share it with integrity. It holds the very essence of truth!
• It has been entrusted to me and to every one of us for a profound reason: to share it boldly! We must not be like the man who buried his coin in the ground. Instead, we are called to let the gospel resound powerfully through our lives!
• We must not depend on others to communicate the message of hope to my family or friends! God has entrusted each believer with the sacred responsibility of sharing the gospel. This responsibility starts with those closest to us. If we fail to share this transformative truth with our loved ones, then who will step up to do so? It is our divine duty to boldly proclaim and spread the love of God to all we know!

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Cross-References

• Acts 16:19-24,37 – This passage tells the background of Paul and Silas serving in Philippi.

Discussion Questions

• What was the result of Paul’s ministry among the Thessalonians?
• What incident helped give Paul and Silas boldness? What happened in Philippi? So, what is one known reason for why God allowed this seemingly bad thing to happen to them?
• What is the motivation for Paul’s sharing with them?
• What does it mean to be “entrusted with the gospel”?
• Are we entrusted with the gospel?
• What can we learn from these verses about proper motivations?

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