The Character of the Apostles (1 Thess. 2:3)
Read 1 Thessalonians 2:3. What key point is he making there about motives?

Here Paul is talking about the motives behind the service that he offered to the Thessalonians. He said that the service did not come from deceit, error , or uncleanliness. The Apostolic example was to first beginning their service with the right motives in mind. Because they started out with good motives this enabled them to have an effective and powerful ministry. We must be able to examine the motives behind why we do things.

Think through your own motives for all that you do. How pure are they, how free are they of error, deceit, and impurity? If they are not what they should be, how can you change for the better? See also Deut. 10:16, Phil. 4:13, Ps. 51:1-10.

Wow , this is a striking and penetrating question. I pray that God will purify my heart.

Prayer: Lord God almighty make us holy unto thee. Thank you in Jesus name amen.

Boldness in Suffering

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1, 2 in light of Acts 16. What connection does Paul draw between his earlier ministry in Philippi and his ministry in Thessalonica?

When Paul was in Philippi he went through a lot of hardships and they developed a boldness in suffering. Despite his hardships he continued to persevere in his ministry. When you decide to do something for God you will have opposition. The question is not will it come but when will it come. When it comes your response to the opposition will determine where your heart is. The good news is that God will give us strength in the midst of that opposition. Paul was convicted of what God called him to do and nothing could stop him so he pressed on. Paul was motivated by love. We too must be motivated with and internal conviction that presses on in the midst difficulties and develop a boldness in suffering.

What would you point to as evidence that God has changed your life? How is this evidence visible to others? Or is it visible at all?

My outlook on life has changed and the things that I focus my time on have changed. The way that I treat others has changed. The thing about Christianity is that it has to have an impact on the world around you. Our Christianity must be connected to works. While we are not saved by our works give evidence that we are saved.

Prayer: Father we thank you for the strength that you give us to persevere. Help us not to give up and develop a boldness in suffering