Today we are reading 1 Thessalonians 2. In this chapter Paul speaks about his ministry to the Thessalonians and describes his relationship with them. The keyword for this chapter is “a-res-ko”. The definition is “to please someone. The word is found in inscriptions of people who have served their fellow citizens and it conveys the sense of service and obedience.” “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.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4 ESV Very definitely, during Paul’s time in Thessalonica, many people were angry with him. Why were they angry? They were angry because through Paul the Gospel was being proclaimed and many people were coming to faith in Jesus. So, the devil opposed the Gospel by inspiring evil people to do bad things to Paul. Paul makes it clear that he is only concerned with pleasing God. Why is it unwise to be a people-pleaser? How do you avoid living to please people? May God bless you to imitate Paul in pleasing Jesus! Pastor Tim
