The Almost Daily Devotional

ESV 1 Thessalonians 2:1 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 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. 3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed- God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 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.

Meditation

Literal: Paul’s goal as he entered a city was to form a “gospel community” of people. This “gospel community” would be the long term center for the ongoing work of making disciples and teaching them to observe all things that the Messiah Jesus had taught. In this “gospel community” those who believe in Jesus would have there spiritual family, center of worship, and school of discipleship. If Paul did not build a “gospel community” then his ministry in a city was a failure.

The first step in building such a community the first thing that Paul did was to present the gospel in boldness before God and men in presenting the gospel without fear. The Greek word for boldness is parrhsia,zomai parresiazomai and means to speak freely or boldly (Acts 9:27; 13:46; 14:; 18:26; 19:8; 26:26; Eph. 6:20; 1 Thess. 2:2) This word reflects the Greco-Roman philosophical concept of "bold speech." “This expression was used in antiquity to indicate freedom of speech and courage to speak in the face of opposition. It is used with political connotations of not allowing civic authorities to stem protests or the cry of the mob from preventing the proclamation of what is right.”[1] Although what Paul declared was unpopular, he declared it boldly. Even when such bold presentation of the gospel lead to being shamefully treated, it did not silence Paul.

The next step in building community was that Paul and his “gospel community” planting team lived lives of personal integrity. Paul and his team have been tested by God to make sure that they are involved in the ministry only to present the truth and not to manipulate the people. Their goal, as true lovers of the divine wisdom, is not to make human beings happy with their message, to teach and practice the truth. Those we minister to must know that we are not there to flatter them, take their money, or seek fame. While having a true spiritual authority there is great care not to be religiously abusive. To some extent the gospel could be trusted because the messengers of the gospel were trust worthy people. A healthy “gospel community” must have integrity as one of its core values.

The final step in building community was emotional commitment and bonding. Here we see Paul using the illustration of a nursing mother to describe how open, transparent, dedicated, steadfast, and caring he was with those who had come to faith. He shared his soul with the people he discipled. He had real empathy for them. He was not cold, professional, or distant. A healthy community must be one where the disciples are real and open with each other. There must be a dedication to giving to each other from the heart.

So this passage tells us what we need to encourage, pray for, and work towards in order for us to see our churches become healthy “gospel communities”. Every believer has a role to play in boldly declaring the gospel, living a life worthy of the gospel, and emotionally embracing the other disciples even as Christ has embraced us. As these three core values dominate our churches we will see them become fruitful “gospel communities” in the midst of our culture.

Christocentric: Jesus the Christ was the incarnation of the Gospel and came boldly into a rebellious world, living a perfect life of grace and truth, and totally giving His life in sacrifice for us that we might live. Messiah Jesus is the ultimate builder of “gospel communities” for He is the one building His Church in every nation.

Moral: To preach the gospel without living the gospel is hypocrisy. To live the gospel without preaching the gospel is cowardice. To preach and live the gospel without compassion is slander to the heart of God.

Eternal: There will be a day when we will see the wonder and glory of the eternal “gospel community” which will be made up of a great multitude of every people group, language, culture, skin color, nation, tribe, and group. We will know an eternal fellowship with our gospel brothers and our gospel sisters for all eternity before the accepting and loving face of our Lord Jesus forever and ever. Amen

Prayer
Lord, help me be a builder of your “gospel community” and not one that would tear it down or do it harm. Help me love your people as much as you love your people. Help me to believe in the gospel’s power to save as much as you believe in the gospel’s power to save. Give me boldness, integrity, and compassion for your glory and my good.

Contemplation
I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it.


Action

Where could I present the gospel boldly today? How could I live the gospel boldly today? How could I boldly open my heart to another believer today?




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[1] 1 Thessalonians 2:1–8 Commentary by Richard Ascough