Introductory Thoughts
In the presence of others, Paul carefully behaved himself in such a way to bring glory to God. For example, when Paul was in the presence of the believers at Thessalonica, he was gentle, “even as a nurse cherisheth her children.” He laboured “night and day” because he “would not be chargeable” to the believers. Paul conducted himself in such a godly way that he had no problem suggesting that the believers themselves were witnesses of “how holily and justly and unblameably” he had behaved among them. Paul thought his testimony was so important that he would rather personally suffer than bring any reproach or blame upon himself or the work of God.
Devotional Thoughts
-
(For children): Read Psalm 101:2a. Our desire should be to live in such a way that we draw others to the Lord (1 Corinthians 10:32-33; Philippians 1:27). Could people follow our example like Paul said they could follow his (1 Corinthians 11:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:7)?
-
(For everyone): How important is your testimony? What wrongdoing or suffering would you be willing to endure in order to keep yourself from being blameable in the eyes of those with whom you associate?
-
Why is your testimony supposed to be important? Why is it important to keep yourself and the Lord from being blamed by those around you?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to give you a burden for preserving your testimony.
- Ask God to give you the character of an apostle Paul.
Song
OUR BEST
