Pleasing to God

June 13, 2010

Background Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2
Lesson Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:1 – 13

Today’s lesson continues this month’s emphasis on the nature of Christian commitment. In this lesson we focus on the aspect of individual commitment that is pleasing to God. This is what Paul claimed as the primary motivation for him and his companions during their time of ministry in Thessalonica. Paul briefly reminded the church of the suffering and persecution that had driven them out of Philippi to Thessalonica at the beginning of their ministry to them. He further reminded them of their behavior in the presence of the Thessalonians during the time of ministry. They behaved themselves righteously in spite of the persecution they had endured knowing that it would bring the same response in that region. Furthermore, the apostle and his helpers did not impose upon the Thessalonians in any other way except to share the truth of God’s word with them. Their behavior was not out of pride or to boast before the Thessalonians. They simply did what God required of them. They worked night and day to minister the word of God to the Thessalonians. This was not done for self glory but to establish a clear conscious that they had labored so that they could not be charged with having neglected their responsibility in ministry. Again, the only one they had to answer to was God and they would be able to do so with a clear conscious.

As we reflect on the lesson passage, how many of us would inconvenience ourselves or otherwise put ourselves in harm’s way to fulfill the ministry God has assigned for us to do? It is much easier to talk, sing, and shout Christianity than it is to live it. Yet, if we are going to have a commitment that is pleasing to God, it will depend on what we do in faith and nothing else. This type of commitment requires that we mix what we know and believe with faith that God is going to see us through. Are you convinced that God will see you through whatever obstacles you are faced with in fulfilling your commitment in ministry? How has faith been a part of your ministry commitment? The bible is clear that we cannot please God without faith. We can make the grandest verbal commitment and perhaps even accomplish some worthwhile goals. But if we fail to have faith in God in the midst of it all, we will not be able to please God. Paul and his team would no doubt have found it impossible to run from persecution and then act in a way that they knew would bring more persecution if they had failed to trust God to see them through it. No amount of self pride or accolades from others would suffice to convince us to put ourselves in harm’s way for the sake of ministry. Only faith in God and the desire to please God could motivate Paul and his companions to press on in their service. Although we don’t know persecution today as they suffered then, we still have a desire to please God and therefore must rely on our faith even as they relied on theirs.

Robert C. Hudson
June 4, 2010