Conduct Yourself Well
June 14
Paul begins 1 Thessalonians 2 talking about how he and his companions ministered to the church with such care for the people. He talks about how he and his partners conducted themselves when they ministered there in 1 Thessalonians 2:7–12.
In 1 Thessalonians 2:13–14, Paul repeats what he said in yesterday’s Bible readings at the beginning of 1 Thessalonians 1: he thanked God for the church and their glad reception of the Gospel and support of his ministry.
Paul said that he and his companions desperately wanted to return to Thessalonica, but that Satan had prevented them from doing so. We don’t know what kind of opposition they experienced, but they were disappointed that they weren’t able to return. Perhaps this comment reflects a promise that Paul may have made that they would return.
Application
Look around at how your pastor, ministry staff, or other Bible teachers conduct themselves. Are they above reproach as Paul and his companions were? Are they good stewards? Granted, no one is perfect. God knows I’m not! But over time, each of God’s representatives should exhibit more and more godliness as time passes.
James tells his audience that God holds those who teach the Bible to a higher standard, (James 3:1) not because we’re special, but that, in our position, we are accountable for what we say and do.
The Bible doesn’t let anyone off the hook. Yes, leaders are held to a higher standard, but God holds all of us to His standards and expects each of us to grow in godliness.