July 5
Approved by God
In 1 Thessalonians 2, Paul reminds the church that, though he had been mistreated in Philippi, he still came to Thessalonica to declare the gospel with courage in God. Paul says he didn’t come with trickery, flattery, greed, or a hunger for praise. He spoke as one entrusted with the gospel by God. That trust shaped his witness. The gospel is meant to form people who can speak truthfully and live before God with clean hands and whole hearts.
Questions to consider:
- Where are you tempted to measure your faithfulness by someone else’s approval?
- What would become clearer if your first concern was pleasing God?