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Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.
Paul reminds the Thessalonians how he and his team ministered with courage after being mistreated in Philippi—preaching the gospel “in the midst of much conflict” (vv. 1–2). Their message wasn’t built on error, impure motives, or trickery; they spoke as those approved by God, seeking to please Him who tests our hearts (vv. 3–4). They didn’t use flattery, chase money, or demand honor, even though as apostles they could have (vv. 5–6). Instead, they were gentle like a nursing mother, sharing not only the gospel but their very lives, and they worked night and day so as not to burden the church (vv. 7–9). They lived holy, righteous, and blameless among them, urging them like a father to walk worthy of God, who calls us into His kingdom and glory (vv. 10–12).
The church’s response confirmed God’s work: they received the preached word “not as the word of men but… the word of God,” which keeps working in believers (v. 13). Like the Judean churches, they suffered from their own neighbors for following Jesus (v. 14). Paul explains his sudden absence: he was torn away and repeatedly tried to return, but Satan hindered him (vv. 17–18). Still, his hope, joy, and crown of boasting at Jesus’s coming will be the Thessalonian believers themselves—his dearly loved spiritual family (vv. 19–20).
🌀 Reflection:
Where might God be inviting you to serve others not for praise or gain, but with a mother’s gentleness and a father’s faithful urging (vv. 7–12)? How can you welcome the Scriptures this week as God’s living word that keeps working in you (v. 13)?
💬 Mission Challenge:
Write a short note (text or card) to someone who helped you grow in Christ. Thank them for sharing “the gospel of God” and their life (v. 8), and tell them one way the word is still at work in you today (v. 13).
Click here to return to the contents page for Phase 2.2 — The Savior, His Church, and the Mission.
Just Keith Harris 
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