Scripture to Read: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-10
When we serve others, when we have the opportunities to share Christ with family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and others, we need to make sure we are never a burden to the people we’re investing in. As we walk through 1 Thessalonians 2:9-10 today, we see that God is using Paul to communicate with the Christians in Thessalonica how he, Silvanus, and Timothy labored day and night, so that they would not be a burden to anyone in Thessalonica. We know Paul was a tentmaker because God shares this with us in Acts 18:1-3. So, Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy made and mended tents while sharing the Gospel of Christ with the people in Thessalonica. It would not have been wrong for Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to receive gifts from the people of Thessalonica, as preachers of God’s Truth. But God had led Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to labor among the people and serve the Thessalonians so that the Gospel message would not be hindered in any way. Not only did Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy labor among the Thessalonians, but they also lived their lives above reproach. In other words, Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy lived out the Gospel as well as spoke the Gospel. These three men lived their lives as an incredible example to the Thessalonians so they could see what it looked like to be a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ. God wants us to live our lives in like manner, so others hear and see the Gospel through our words and actions.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about how you are to share Him with others?
2. Who will you share the Gospel with this week through your words and actions?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!