1 Thessalonians Reading Plan – W1D3

Check out all the previous 1 Thessalonians readings here.

1 Thessalonians Reading | Week 1 | Day 3

Prayer

Take a moment to be silent and still. In order to be fully present in body and mind, take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Do this three times. Pray that God would open your eyes to wonderful things from His word today.

Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6

Read these verses three times slowly.

You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 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. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 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. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 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.

Reflection & Questions

We’ve been reading this week about the amazing change that happened in the lives of the people in Thessalonica who came to Christ. This change didn’t come without a cost. The Apostle Paul says in these verses that they faced “strong opposition,” yet still “with the help of… God dared to tell you his gospel.” What was his motivation in paying this cost? Paul was clear that it was not from impure motives. He said, “We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.” Paul, and his friends, we’re truly aiming to please God. They based their motivations, their methods and their priorities based on what would please their Lord. And if it included paying a price, so be it, because Jesus had paid a price for them.

There is no Christian ministry without a cost. Jesus paid the price. Paul endured opposition. Christians throughout the centuries have spread the gospel at great personal sacrifice. As we look to reach others for Jesus, it will cost us. It may cost reputation, resources, time, energy, and our emotional tank. It may take daring and courage. But when we look at who we are serving, there’s no question.

1. Who are you aiming to please? How do you know?
2. What has reaching your ONE cost you?

Prayer

Talk to God in response to today’s reading.

Worship Song

You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:

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Questions?