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I Thessalonians Chapter 2 – It was not for nothing that we came – it was not for nothing that all this has happened. Have you seen God’s plans and purposes unfolding in your life?

God owned and honoured Paul’s ministry

Verse 2 – What had happened to us did not affect what we were nor what we did.

There is no limit to what men will do against the Gospel. Various questions arise here. Was Paul being accused of being a criminal on the run?

We almost have to expect much contention as the Gospel is contested – for some it becomes a contest – and nowhere is that more clear than in certain moral matters within our own nation just now.

Was Paul being misrepresented? Misrepresentation is part of the cost of exercising a faithful ministry – but suffering seemed to sharpen his witness. We see the pressures and persecution facing Paul and the team – and he is quite open about the difficulties, no matter where he goes preaching and teaching.

This was a successful church and the enemy detests successful churches. If he can, he will attack the message being preached, and the message has not changed in 2,000 years. Neither have the attacks.

Verse 3 – My motives were pure. When we consider what had been happening the whole work appeared to be a stake.

Was Paul being accused of being deceived and deceiving? The enemy attacks the messenger and that appears to have happened here.

Error has that meaning of deceit – and impure motives has the underlying meaning of uncleanness, and has that hint of being a womaniser – and trickery has the meaning of guile – it is the word used for ‘angling to catch with bait’ – offering as a lure something that is not what it seems to be – a confidence trickster – exploiting truth.

These were big accusations. Satan means slanderer – or liar - and he is the father of all lies. People were saying terrible things about Paul after he had left Thessalonica.

Verse 5 – He writes about their calling. It was God who entrusted us with His holy Word. They had been tried out by God and then trusted for service. No Master is going to commit such a ministry to us, without first testing us, to see if we are fit to do the work, and remain faithful with such a responsibility.

Can God trust us and depend upon us?

Paul is a God pleaser. He is responsible to God and he knows he has to answer to God. This is why it is so pointless to seek to please men – we are to please God.

God tests our hearts. After he came to Christ he went off into the desert to work things out – perhaps even to count the cost as he prepared and trained for his calling. After his apprenticeships and preparation and training he was soon sent out in the name of Jesus and this mighty ministry began.

After you pass the tests you are sent out. In this passage we see how character and ministry go together. What we are is as vital as what we are doing. Even then, people can point the accusing finger at our work and our character – and sadly sometimes with good reason.

“Do not let what you consider good to be spoken of as evil.” Romans 14verse 16 .

We cannot avoid misrepresentation, opposition, criticism and persecution, but we are not to hand people ammunition.

“Loving gracious God – do whatever You have to do to shape and form and mould our character. When people judge, may they not find any evidence to prove their case. Teach us how to be loving and courageous and faithful and bold. Father, it is not easy, but with the help and guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, enable us to walk worthy. Hear our prayers in Jesus’ name.” Amen.

"Refreshment in Refuge" from Gina Burgess

End of Times thoughts to ponder