Scripture to Read: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-8
God gives us godly people in our lives as great examples to follow. When we consider the role models we have chosen to follow, we need to make sure they are passionately pursuing Christ and His Word and also living obediently to Him. As we saw in yesterday’s devotion, we need to make sure we are not hanging out with undisciplined believers. God led Paul to remind the Thessalonian believers in 2 Thessalonians 3:7 that they already knew that they should be following the example of Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, who had invested in their lives. Those Thessalonian believers knew Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy had lived out an excellent example for them to follow when Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy had been with them in their city of Thessalonica. Through Paul, God tells the Thessalonian believers that Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy did not eat without paying for their own food. We also read that Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy worked night and day so that they would not be a burden to any of the Thessalonian believers. What a great reminder for us that our actions must match our words. As we share the love of Christ with others, we must make sure our actions and attitudes line up with God’s Truth. That is exactly what God was sharing through Paul to the Thessalonian believers, that his, Silvanus, and Timothy’s actions and attitudes matched the Gospel they proclaimed. We must examine our lives daily so that our lives do not hinder the spreading of God’s Good News.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about your role models and also how to live your life among the lost and new believers?
2. Who are you currently being a role model to, and who are your role models?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!