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We are in 1Thessalonians 2and verse 5 – Was Paul being accused of seeking fame and honour, and money, when you read verse 9 ?

In Paul’s ministry, there was no flattery and no covetousness, and no “what is in it for me” or “what can I get out of it”.

Paul was totally sincere and that is what we are being taught to be through this letter. People tried to destroy the impact of the message by destroying the reputation and integrity of the man of God. God was a witness to his work and life.

Verse 6 – We did not seek the praise of men. Ministry can become a very self-exalting matter. It is a real danger.

Verse 7 – There are those who say Paul was such a hard and even harsh man. And in verse 11 we learn that he treated his people as a father would his children, or a nurse her patients.

There was a quality in his care – like a shepherd with his sheep and lambs. We need care, and we need shepherds, more than we realise. Gentleness without discipline is no use and loveless harshness is of little value.

This shepherd knew what it was to feed and protect and guide, with a firm fatherly oversight.

Verse 8 – We would have given our lives for you. Here we see such compassion and love and concern. Paul was a man who knew what it was to pray and weep and teach and write.

Verse 9 – He did not want to be a burden. Were the critics accusing him of being lazy? Paul was serving these believers and ministering to these disciples – not burdening them.

Verse 10 – In one sense he is clearing his own name here for the cause of Christ. You know how we lived among you, we read of that in Acts Chapter 20 .

You who believe know, and God puts His seal on this. He even appeals to the holy character of his life.

Not one of the charges against him could stick.

Verse 12 – He was encouraging and comforting – urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

Paul had one great goal among disciples of Jesus Christ and that was to see these men and women living worthy of God, who had called them.

And, in verse 13 – we read that they received the Word of God as the Word of God and not as a word from men.

“Lord God – gracious God – Holy Father – help us in our lives, as disciples of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Saviour – to exhibit honesty, integrity and transparency – wherever we go – by our actions and deeds and decisions and conversation. As we meet people over these next days and weeks may the light of Jesus Christ shine brightly and clearly wherever we go – irrespective of the cost. We bow before You in Jesus’ Name.” Amen.

"Today's Little Lift" from Jim Bullington

Justification IV (2-10-11)