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1 Thessalonians 2:12 – Walking Worthy

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Will

that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

Truth to Learn

Encouragement and instruction help us to become more godly.

Behind the Words

The word “that” is translated from a form of idiom that Paul uses frequently. It consists of eis to and the infinitive of the following verb. A literal translation would be “unto this thing.” The effect of this idiom is to tie what was just said to what is about to be said. In effect, Paul is saying, “the reason I exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you is so that you might …”

“Walk” is from the Greek verb peripateō. This is made up of peri, meaning “around” or “about” and pateō, meaning “to walk.” So you can see that this verb literally means “to walk around” or “to walk about.” Figuratively, it refers to the manner in which a person lives his or her life.

The word “worthy” is from axiōs, which is derived from agō, meaning “to weigh.” It is a picture of an item being put on a scale to determine its worth or worthiness.

“Calls” is translated from the verb kaleō, which means “to call or to hail someone.” In its primary sense this verb refers to calling someone so that he or she might come or go somewhere. It is expressed here as a present participle, indicating current continuous action.

“Glory” is translated from doxa, which is derived from the verb dokeō, meaning “to think” or “to recognize.” Doxa refers to favorable thought or opinion. In a secondary sense it means “reputation, praise, honor, glory, or splendor.”

Meaning Explained

Paul says that he performed the functions of a father figure to the Thessalonians so that their lives might measure up to what one would expect from a child of God. In performing the fatherly function, he sometimes had to do the difficult things. Things like scolding and correcting wrong actions and attitudes have to be done if a child is to learn proper behavior. Back in verse eight he informed the Thessalonian believers that they had become dear to him. We noted that the word translated “dear” in that verse is agapētos, indicating a strong motherly or fatherly love for the people. So, like a loving father, Paul did what was necessary to raise them up spiritually.

We find out now that Paul’s motives were not selfish. He was not seeking his own glory. He fathered the Thessalonian church so that these Christians would be able to live their lives in a manner that is worthy of a child of God. We also learn something here regarding how God is treating all of his dear children. There are numerous verses in the New Testament indicating the fact that we have been called to salvation and service by God. Here we learn that he is continually calling us. This is like a father at a soccer game giving a son or daughter instructions and encouragement from the sidelines. Why does God do this? Because He wants us in His kingdom, and He wants us to experience His glory.

Application

Do you have a “father in the Lord,” someone who teaches you, comforts you, and challenges you? When was the last time you thanked him for being a godly example to you? Why not send him a note. It might just be the encouragement he needs today.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:11 – Father Paul

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Will

as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children,

Truth to Learn

We all need some comfort, encouragement, and challenge.

Behind the Words

“You know” is translated from the verb eidō, which means “to see with perception.” As in English, this verb can refer to visibly seeing something and perceiving what it is, or it can mean “to see with the mind,” that is, “to know.”

The word “exhorted” is from parakaleō. It is made up of para, meaning “to the side of” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” It is a picture of someone being “called alongside” for the purpose of coaching, encouraging, challenging, and comforting.

“Comforted” is translated from paramutheomai, which is made up of para, meaning “to the side of” and mutheomai, meaning “to make a speech” or “to tell a tale.” Paramutheomai means “to speak soothingly” or “to console.”

The word “charged” is from martureō, which literally means “to be a witness” or “to give a testimony.” As used here it probably means that Paul instructed and challenged them by using examples from his own life.

Meaning Explained

Back in verses six through eight, Paul used the metaphor of a mother caring for her infant children to show how tenderly he and his companions ministered to the Christians in Thessalonica. Now he changes his metaphor to that of a father. At the time this letter was written it was the mother’s responsibility to feed and care for the children. The father’s responsibility was to help the children mature, to challenge them, to encourage them, and to comfort them.

First of all, notice in the previous verse that Paul called the Thessalonians as witnesses of his behavior among them. Now he says that they know from observation how he raised them in the faith. These two facts further indicate the close relationship he had with the people who were under his spiritual care. He wasn’t some demagogue, preaching fire and brimstone from the pulpit while keeping his distance from his congregation. He was directly involved with them daily, on a personal level.

When the spiritual battles and hardships of life caused them to become discouraged, he encouraged them. When they experienced set-backs and failures, he comforted them. However, he didn’t let them wallow in their self-pity and he certainly didn’t coddle them. Instead, he challenged them to grow in their faith walk. He taught them the difficult aspects of walking closely with their God. He used examples from his own life to show them that we all have difficulties in this life, but we don’t give up. When our sin nature or life’s problems knock us down, we get back up and get back into the race. It’s this kind of discipline that makes us stronger. The writer of Hebrews said a similar thing about staying in the race:

… let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1b)

Application

Are you going through difficult times? Has life, or sin, knocked you down? If so, get back up, fix your eyes on God, get back in the race, and “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:10 – Blameless Ministers

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Will

You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe;

Truth to Learn

Christians should be blameless in whatever ministry they are engaged in.

Behind the Words

The word “witnesses” is translated from martus, from which we get our English word “martyr” (someone who has given his or her life as a witness of their belief). Martus means “someone who gives testimony as a witness of some act or event.”

“Devoutly” is from hosiōs, which refers to “piety,” that is “a demonstration of obedience to God’s will and devotion to serving Him.”

Dikiōs is the Greek word translated “justly.” It is derived from dikios, meaning “that which is right or just.” Therefore dikiōs refers to “doing that which is right or just.”

“Blamelessly” is from amemptōs, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “without” or “not” and a form of the verb memphomai, meaning “to find fault.” Thus, amemptōs refers to “acting without fault or blame.”

The word “behaved” is the translation of the verb ginomai, meaning “to become” or “to be.”

Meaning Explained

Paul is continuing his defense against apparent attacks on his character and ministry while serving God among the Christians at Thessalonica. Based on his previous defensive arguments it appears that he had been accused of:

Using deceptive practices to teach doctrinal error
Simply being “men pleasers,” using flattering words to make the people feel good so that Paul and his companions could gain material goods from them
Seeking their own glory and being harsh, laying heavy burdens on those to whom they ministered
Being lazy while expecting the Thessalonians to provide for all their material needs

Based on the current verse, it appears that Paul, Sylvanus, and Timothy had also been accused of behaving themselves improperly and dishonestly while they ministered there. In defense of this, Paul calls for his witnesses.

In the Old Testament two witnesses had to testify the same thing regarding any accusation in order to ascertain the truth (Deuteronomy 19:15). Paul is satisfying this requirement by appealing to God as well as the people in the church in Thessalonica. He says that they are witnesses to the fact that Paul and his co-workers were not only devout and obedient to God in their personal lives, but they also acted justly and blamelessly while performing their ministry. Paul’s ministry was always characterized by being obedient to God’s call on his life, and he always did what was just and right. So much so, in fact, that he could remind the people that no one could legitimately blame him for any wrongdoing.

Application

My prayer for each of you is that you perform whatever ministry God has given you in such a manner that you may be found blameless in the sight of God and of men.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:9 – Hard Labor

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Will

For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

Truth to Learn

Serving God sometimes requires hard work.

Behind the Words

“Labor” is translated from the Greek word kopos, which literally means “to strike or hit something.” Throughout the New Testament it is used figuratively to refer to “wearisome effort, or labor.”

The word “toil” is from mochthos, which refers to “difficult labor.” It refers to a type of work which is greater in effort and difficulty than kopos; that is, the kind of work which produces fatigue because of how hard the work is.

“Laboring” is translated from ergadzomai, which is based on ergon, meaning “work.” Ergadzomai is a generic term for work or labor of any kind.

Nux is the Greek word for “night” and hemera is the Greek word for “day.” They are both expressed in the genitive case, so we could translate this as “by night and by day.” The implication is that they started their ministry early in the morning (probably before dawn) and worked until after dark.

The word “burden” is translated from epibareō, which is made up of epi, meaning “on” or “upon” and the verb bareō (from baros, meaning “a weight” or “a burden”). Thus, we see that epibareō means “to lay a heavy burden on someone” or “to be burdensome to others.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous two verses Paul told the Christians in the church in Thessalonica that he and his companions nurtured and cared for the people there like loving parents care for their dearly beloved children. He is telling them now how hard they worked for the sake of these young Christians. They put a lot of effort into not being burdensome to the church in Thessalonica. In his later letter to the Thessalonians, Paul explained this further, saying:

… nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. (2 Thessalonians 3:7b-9)

We learn from Paul’s letter to the Philippians that they provided financial support to Paul and his co-workers while they were in Thessalonica.

… no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. (Philippians 4:15b-16)

We also know from Acts 18:3 that Paul worked as a tentmaker while he was in Corinth. It is quite likely that he also performed that trade while in Thessalonica to help cover some of his financial needs.

Application

Serving God is hard work and it sometimes requires hard work not directly related to our ministry. When you stand before God, will He be pleased with how hard you worked to serve Him? We can all learn a lesson from Paul’s efforts.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:8 – Spiritual Parenting

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Will

So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.

Truth to Learn

Mature Christians help younger Christians grow.

Behind the Words

“So” is from the Greek word houtōs, meaning “in this way.”

The words “affectionately longing” are translated from the Greek verb himeiromai, meaning “to have a strong affection for, or remembrance of.” It is a term of endearment which was most often used of a mother and father toward their children. This is the only place in the New Testament where it appears.

“We were well pleased” is from the verb eudokeō, which is composed or eu, meaning “well” or “good” and dokeō, meaning “to think.” It is expressed in the imperfect tense indicating past, on-going action.

Metadidōmi is the verb translated “to impart.” It is composed of meta, meaning “with” and didōmi, meaning “to give.” This word means “to share something with someone else.”

The word translated “dear” is agapētos, meaning “someone who is dearly loved.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse, the Apostle Paul used the imagery of a nursing mother to express to the Christians in Thessalonica how gentle and caring he and his fellow-workers were toward these new Christians. In one sense, these people really were children. They were young children in the faith. When Paul wrote this letter to them, the church in Thessalonica may have been less than a year old, with none of them having been a Christian longer than that.

In a similar manner, Paul later told the Christians in Corinth that, although they had most likely been Christians more than a year, they were still babies in their faith. Because they were letting their fleshly desires control them instead of the Spirit of God, they needed to be fed with milk (baby food) instead of adult food.

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; (1 Corinthians 3:1-2)

The Thessalonians, on the other hand, were simply very young Christians. Therefore, as their spiritual parents Paul said that he, Sylvanus, and Timothy acted like doting parents to them, tenderly caring for them, feeding them with milk, watching over them, gently challenging them, and encouraging them. In fact, Paul and his companions were so affectionately tied to the Christians in Thessalonica that he referred to them as “dearly beloved ones.” And, like any loving parents, Paul and the others would have given their very lives in order to protect and nurture these new Christians.

Application

Let me ask you, my friend, where are you in your own spiritual maturity? Are you a baby in the Lord? Then do all you can to learn and grow. Give yourself to God and serve Him with all your heart. Have you been a Christian for years? Then be a spiritual parent to the babes in Christ. Be gentle, feed them, care for them, and encourage them like a loving parent.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:7 – Caring Like Mothers

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Will

But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.

Truth to Learn

Christian service should demonstrate love and care for others.

Behind the Words

“Gentle” is translated from the Greek word nēpios, which is made up or nē, meaning “not” and epos, which refers to “a spoken word.” Thus, nēpios literally means “one who does not speak.” Its common usage is a reference to “infants,” that is, “those who have not yet learned how to talk.” On many Greek manuscripts, however, this word appears as ēpios, meaning “one who is gentle, easy, or mild.” This seems to make more sense in the reading of this verse.

The words “among you” are from the Greek en mesō humōn, which literally translates to “in the midst of you (plural).” This implies a more intimate interaction between the apostles and the people of Thessalonica.

Trophos is the word translated “nursing mother.” It is derived from the verb trephō, meaning “to nourish, feed, or nurture.” It generally refers to “a nurse, someone who nurses an infant.” In classical Greek it was often used to indicate “a mother.”

“Cherishes” is from the verb thalpō, which literally means “to make warm.” Figuratively, it means “to brood over, to foster, or to cherish.”

The word “children” is translated from the Greek noun teknon. This is based on the verb tiktō which means “to bear a child,” thus teknon refers to “an offspring” or “a child.”

Meaning Explained

In defense against false accusations, Paul has been telling the Christians in Thessalonica what the true intentions of the apostles had been while they ministered there. In the previous verse he said that they didn’t lay heavy burdens on the people to whom they ministered.

In Behind the Words we noted that there is a variation in this verse. Some manuscripts have nēpios (infants) while others have ēpios (gentle ones). Paul says that they were like a nursing mother who tenderly takes care of her children. It doesn’t make sense that he would say the apostles were children in the midst of those people and at the same time say that they were like a mother. So, his message is, instead of laying heavy burdens on the people, he and his co-workers were gentle and treated the Thessalonians with the same tender love and concern that a mother does for her own children.

Paul may have been making a reference to Moses’ complaint when he referred to himself as a nursing mother to Israel:

Did I conceive all these people? Did I beget them, that You should say to me, 'Carry them in your bosom, as a guardian carries a nursing child,' to the land which You swore to their fathers? (Numbers 11:12)

One of the hallmarks of Paul’s (and Moses’) ministry was that he performed his responsibilities out of his love for God and his concern for the welfare of those to whom he ministered.

Application

All of our service for God should be done out of our love for Him and our desire to gently help others to become more Christ-like. This is the heart of a true servant of God.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:6 – It’s Not About Us

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Will

Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.

Truth to Learn

Paul didn’t make personal demands, even when he could have.

Behind the Words

The words “did we seek” are from the Greek verb dzēteō, which means “to seek after” or “to try to find.”

The first occurrence of the word “from” is translated from ex, meaning “out of.” What Paul is saying is that he and his associates did not try to extract praise out of others; they did not manipulate the thoughts of others to receive recognition.

The words “when we might have” are translated from dunamai, meaning “to have the ability or power."

“Made demands” is the translation of baros, which refers to “a weight, a load, or a burden.” So, a literal translation of this portion of the current verse would be, “having the ability to be burdensome.”

Meaning Explained

This is now a third defense given against the accusations that apparently had been leveled against Paul and his co-workers. The first two were that they didn’t minister to the Thessalonians simply to make people feel good, and they didn’t use flattering words and false praises to endear people to themselves or their message.

In today’s verse he says that they didn’t try to manipulate people to draw praise out of them. Their ministry was not about personal glory or recognition. Paul’s ever present goal in his life was to bring praise to God. In fact, later in verse thirteen, he tells them that it wasn’t his own message that he delivered to them, it was the word of God.

He now makes an interesting comment to the Christians in Thessalonica. He says, in effect, “We had every right to be a burden to you, to make demands of you, because we are apostles of Christ, but we didn’t do so.” There are some who think this is a reference to the fact that the apostles didn’t expect financial support from the Thessalonians while they were ministering there. Verse nine seems to support this belief. Others, including Calvin, believed he is saying that the apostles could have used their authority to demand unqualified obedience from those to whom they ministered, but they didn’t. Paul had similar things to say to the Corinthian Christians in 1Corinthians 9:8-15.

One final note on this verse, notice that Paul uses the word apostles (plural). This implies that Paul believed that at least Silvanus and possibly Timothy were also apostles of Christ.

Application

Some people within the church seem to expect to receive recognition or praise for the work they do. That’s not why Paul worked as hard as he did, and we shouldn’t either. We should all put as much effort into our ministries as we possibly can, not expecting anything in return. Instead, let’s serve Him so that God will get all the glory and all the praise.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:5 – No Deceptive Practices

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Will

For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness.

Truth to Learn

Christians don’t need to be deceptive to deliver the truth.

Behind the Words

The words “at any time” are from pote, which means “at some time” or “ever.” It can be used to refer to sometime in the past or in the future. Here it obviously refers to the past.

“Flattering” is translated from kolakeias, which does not appear anywhere else in the New Testament. It refers to “excessive compliments” or “insincere praise.”

Prophasis is the Greek word translated “cloak.” It is composed or pro, meaning “before” and phainō, meaning “to shine.” It refers to an outward show or a pretense used to hide the real intent of the speaker.

“Covetousness” is from the Greek word pleonexia, which is made up of a form of pleiōn, meaning “more” and echo, meaning “to have.” Pleonexia refers to the desire to have more, that is, greediness or covetousness.

Meaning Explained

The apostle is in the middle of a defense of the type of ministry he had among the Thessalonians. This verse gives us more clues as to the type of criticism or attacks that were leveled against him. In yesterday’s verse he told his readers that his purpose for declaring the gospel was not to make people feel good about him or his message. The whole reason for his ministry was to be pleasing to God. His defense in the current verse is that he didn’t use excessive compliments or unearned praise to try to influence his listeners.

It seems that many public speakers of that day used flattery and insincere praise in their speeches to make the listeners feel better about themselves and about the speaker. It was common to praise people for their beauty, wealth, accomplishments, or talent to make others more accepting of the message that was being delivered. A good example of this is given to us in Acts chapter twenty-four. When Paul was taken to Caesarea to be judged by the governor, a man named Tertullus opened his accusation before Felix like this:

Seeing that through you we enjoy great peace, and prosperity is being brought to this nation by your foresight, we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. Nevertheless, not to be tedious to you any further, I beg you to hear, by your courtesy, a few words from us. (Acts 24:2b-4)

Paul says that he never resorted to such deceptive practices. He also said that he didn’t try to hide his real intentions because he was not trying to gain anything from his listeners. Today there are television preachers who use such techniques to persuade viewers to give money to their ministries. Their real motive is not to help viewers grow in their faith, but to help themselves grow in their wealth. Paul’s intention, however, was not to get something for himself, but to give something of real worth to the people of Thessalonica, and he calls upon God as his witness to the type of ministry he had among them.

Application

Christians have a powerful message and great truths that lead to freedom. We don’t need to resort to deception or trickery to deliver our message because we proclaim the truth!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessaloninas 2:4 – Be a God Pleaser

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Will

But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

Truth to Learn

Proclaim the simple truth and seek God’s approval alone.

Behind the Words

“Approved” is translated from the Greek word dokimadzō, which means “to test something to determine its value.” It is not a testing to find flaws or fault, but a testing to determine worth. It is expressed here in the perfect tense indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect. Hence, Paul is saying “we have been tested and found worthy; therefore, we now have God’s approval.”

The word translated “entrusted” is pisteuō, which means “to believe, to have faith in, or to trust.” It is expressed here in the passive voice (action done to the subject). Thus, it means “to be believed in” or “to be entrusted.”

“Pleasing” is from the Greek verb areskō which means “to be content with, or to be pleased with.” In the New Testament this word has evolved in emphasis from the end result (others being pleased with us) to the active pursuit (working to please others). Thus, instead of expressing a relationship, it expresses a behavior as an attempt to influence a relationship.

Meaning Explained

In yesterday’s verse we noted that from verse three on, Paul is talking about the pastoral/teaching phase of his ministry among the Thessalonians. Previously, he had been talking about his evangelistic ministry there. And, as was pointed out in verse one of this chapter, it appears that Paul is now defending himself against some accusations that have been made. In yesterday’s verse it appears that he was defending himself against a claim that he was teaching false doctrine or that he was using deceptive means to convince his listeners to accept the truth he was proclaiming. These claims possibly came from those Jews who first heard his messages regarding Jesus but did not believe (Acts 17:2-5).

In preaching the gospel message and teaching the truths of God’s word, we are handling messages of extreme importance and of inestimable worth. How we deliver these messages indicates how much respect we have for them. When we declare these messages, we are not trying to endear ourselves to others; we are not trying to win others over to “our side.” We are proclaiming truths that God has given to us, and we are relying on the Spirit of God to carry these truths and to open up the hearts of men to receive them. Our job is not to make converts nor is it to convince people with fancy words or clever communication techniques. Our job is simply to proclaim the truth and to let God take care of the rest. Paul was not trying to make his listeners like him; he was trying to please God who called him to his ministry.

The great preacher Dwight Moody is said to have been approached by a man who said, “I saw one of your converts in a bar getting drunk last night” to which Moody is said to have replied, “Yes it may have been one of my converts. If he was one of God’s converts he wouldn’t have been there.”

Application

Whatever your spiritual gifts and whatever ministry God has placed you in, don’t seek the approval of men. Instead, seek God’s approval by being diligent and faithful to Him.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:3 – Minister Righteously

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Will

For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.

Truth to Learn

All ministries should be performed honestly and for God.

Behind the Words

“Exhortation” is translated from paraklēsis, which is derived from parakaleō, meaning “to call near.” It is a picture of someone who has come alongside to coach, encourage, or comfort. Paraklēsis refers to comfort, encouragement or to urgent instruction, challenging someone to make a change.

The Greek word translated “error” is planē, which refers to “a wandering away from the proper path.” Figuratively, it refers to doctrinal error. It expresses the notion of passive error rather than intentional deception.

The word “uncleanness” is translated from akatharsia, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” or “without” and a form of kathairō, meaning “to cleanse.” Thus, akatharsia refers to “doing something in an unclean or immoral manner.” In the New Testament it generally refers to sensual impurity.

“Deceit” is from the Greek noun dolos, which is derived from the verb delō, meaning “to bait.” It is often used metaphorically, as it is here, meaning “fraud” or “deceit.”

Meaning Explained

In the latter half of the first chapter of this letter, Paul spoke of the evangelistic nature of his ministry to the Thessalonians. Now, through verse twelve, he gives a defense of the type of pastoral, teaching ministry he and his companions performed. He refers to this phase of his ministry as “exhortation.” Preaching the gospel and evangelizing the lost is only a portion of a pastor’s ministry. In Ephesians we learn that the purpose of the specially gifted spiritual leaders, including pastors/teachers, is to equip those under their care so that the church members can perform the work of the ministry.

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Unfortunately, many pastors today focus almost exclusively on evangelism, producing a flock that is saved but spiritually immature and ill equipped to evangelize and minister to others.

The Apostle tells his readers that his preaching and teaching were not based on erroneous doctrine. Even though this letter was written very early in the life of Christianity, there were already others whose teaching was based on man’s ideas rather than on God’s word. And, he says that his ministry was not based on uncleanness and immorality. Pagan religions of the time incorporated immoral sexual practices which enticed many to join.

Finally, Paul tells us that he did not use deceptive practices or trickery to perform the tasks that God had given him to do. His teaching was straight-up and straightforward, the truth and nothing but the truth.

Application

Whatever ministry you have within your local church, take a lesson from Paul. Perform it as plainly, forthrightly, and honestly as you possibly can. Don’t seek attention or glory for yourself; give all the glory and praise to God.

In God's service, for His glory,