Good Morning “Praise of God Seekers.” Today - 1 Thessalonians 2.
How about a moment of honesty? Not with me, but just personal reflection with the Lord? Why do you do the things you do? Are you an excellent musician, singer, athlete, a gifted speaker, or over achiever in some way? Are you an intellectual, a philosopher? Do you work out, stay in shape, perfect your body in some way or another? Are you highly concerned with your looks? Do you crave being noticed.
What is it that drives you? What is the motive behind what you do?
Look if we’re honest we all like the attention of those around us. It’s easy to fall into the trap of using what God gave us to get it. In some way at some level we all want the “Praise of men.” What does that mean. It means want to be “somebody” in the eyes of the world. We want to hear the cheers of the crowd, stand on the top spot of the awards box… command the crowd, cause them to say, “Wow… look at him / her.” It puffs us up, makes us feel valued. So what’s the problem? The problem is it’s self seeking, self focused. It’s an act of self love not selfless love. It doesn’t necessarily all things are bad - in and of themselves. But our flesh wants what our flesh wants and we can easily get off track with the gifts God has given. My point is, we must continually check the motive of our heart - making sure we are centered on Him and His glory… not ours.
Paul who by this time is a Rockstar Servant of the Lord makes a powerful statement here, regarding the way they came to the Thessalonians. They didn’t come as if they held some higher position. We know Paul did not distort the Gospel to gain more followers or for the sake of the crowds attention.
“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. Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” 1 Thessalonians 2:6-8 NIV
They came to them humbled! With love like a nursing mother - they cared for the Thessalonians. They didn’t just share the gospel and leave. They shared their lives! They got their hands dirty. Talks cheap. May we be those with actions that reflect the heart of Jesus - bringing glory to Him.
Much to learn from Paul here. Love you all! Dig in and live it out!
How about a moment of honesty? Not with me, but just personal reflection with the Lord? Why do you do the things you do? Are you an excellent musician, singer, athlete, a gifted speaker, or over achiever in some way? Are you an intellectual, a philosopher? Do you work out, stay in shape, perfect your body in some way or another? Are you highly concerned with your looks? Do you crave being noticed.
What is it that drives you? What is the motive behind what you do?
Look if we’re honest we all like the attention of those around us. It’s easy to fall into the trap of using what God gave us to get it. In some way at some level we all want the “Praise of men.” What does that mean. It means want to be “somebody” in the eyes of the world. We want to hear the cheers of the crowd, stand on the top spot of the awards box… command the crowd, cause them to say, “Wow… look at him / her.” It puffs us up, makes us feel valued. So what’s the problem? The problem is it’s self seeking, self focused. It’s an act of self love not selfless love. It doesn’t necessarily all things are bad - in and of themselves. But our flesh wants what our flesh wants and we can easily get off track with the gifts God has given. My point is, we must continually check the motive of our heart - making sure we are centered on Him and His glory… not ours.
Paul who by this time is a Rockstar Servant of the Lord makes a powerful statement here, regarding the way they came to the Thessalonians. They didn’t come as if they held some higher position. We know Paul did not distort the Gospel to gain more followers or for the sake of the crowds attention.
“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. Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” 1 Thessalonians 2:6-8 NIV
They came to them humbled! With love like a nursing mother - they cared for the Thessalonians. They didn’t just share the gospel and leave. They shared their lives! They got their hands dirty. Talks cheap. May we be those with actions that reflect the heart of Jesus - bringing glory to Him.
Much to learn from Paul here. Love you all! Dig in and live it out!
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