1 Thessalonians – Chapter 2

So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 – A passion for seeing the lost coming to know Jesus begins with you growing a love for the lost. We see Paul opening his own heart to these people saying because he loves them so much he wanted them to know about the Gospel and was willing to give up everything he had, even his life, in order for them to hear about Jesus’ love for them. Paul’s gospel centered life began with a love for the people he was sharing it with. Do you love the lost like that? The people that are different than you because they don’t know about Jesus and know how to live for Him, does your heart ache for them to know Jesus not only because you know they need Him but also because you have chosen to love them? When you love someone, it changes how much you’re willing to give up in order for them to be rescued. If you want to see the people around you coming to know Jesus, begin with choosing to love them. Let that love propel you to do what’s necessary in order for them to hear the Good News of Jesus’ love for them. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac

But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. 1 Thessalonians 2:2 – Don’t let past let downs of when sharing the gospel didn’t go so well hold you back from future sharing. Here Paul speaks about how badly they were treated in Philippi, yet steps up and says that even with that in the rearview mirror they chose to boldly continue sharing the Gospel to the Thessalonians. I betcha you as well have stories of when you’ve tried to talk about Jesus with someone yet the end result wasn’t pretty. If you don’t yet, you will when you start talking about Him with others! So how we choose to react after those times really matters. Do we shut down saying we’ll never do that again or choose to accept not everyone will listen but some will so I’ll keep talking? It’s hard when people respond badly to you just trying to share God’s love, but remember there are hearts out there ready to receive it. Keep sharing and know God will lead you to one of those open hearts and all the struggle will be worth it after that! I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1269

…because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. ¹⁹For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? ²⁰For you are our glory and joy. 1 Thessalonians 2:18-20 – Paul is now speaking directly to the church in Thessalonica about his time with them and his pleasure in them. He recalls and he reminds them that when the gospel was shared to them, it was done so in a pure way, and this church embraced it wholly from God. This full acceptance of the Gospel by the Thessalonian church was a joy to Paul and was victory for him within mission work. The hope for us today is to read this chapter and be spurred to find our same joys within the repentance of the lost. Luke 15 reminds us how all of Heaven, even the Father Himself, rejoices when one lost soul repents. Yet, a chapter like this could turn us away from the gospel mission. Clark writes it this way, “Every man who preaches the Gospel should carefully read this chapter and examine himself by it. Most preachers, on reading it conscientiously, will either give up their place to others, or purpose to do the work of the Lord more fervently for the future.” For while joys are available to be found within the mission, so is Satan and his hindering. Are we willing to say yes to our God in our calling, knowing that Satan and his forces will seek to hinder us each step of the way? All for the sake of even just one person turning to follow Jesus? Know the joys that comes from embracing the great commission is greater than anything this world can offer and greater than any pushback our enemy gives. Share the gospel and taste the joy that comes with such a choice. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2773