Show and Tell

GETTING STARTED

“Having kids changes you.” That’s what we were always told, and if you ask any parent, you’ll learn it’s definitely true. New parents realize very quickly that their life is no longer just about them, a truth leading to a special kind of love—the kind that results in a truly shared life.

  • Have you experienced how it feels to share your life with others?

READ THE WORD: I Thessalonians 2:1-8 (ESV)

2:1 For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, about our coming to you—it has not proven to be purposeless. 2 But although we suffered earlier and were mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of much opposition. 3 For the appeal we make does not come from error or impurity or with deceit, 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we declare it, not to please people but God, who examines our hearts.5 For we never appeared with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is our witness— 6 nor to seek glory from people, either from you or from others, 7 although we could have imposed our weight as apostles of Christ; instead we became little children among you. Like a nursing mother caring for her own children, 8 with such affection for you we were happy to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. Why did Paul’s visit to Thessalonica require courage (vs. 2)?
  2. How did Paul summon the courage he needed (vss. 3-4)?
  3. What motivated Paul to share the gospel (vss. 5-8)?
  4. What did Paul mean in verse 7 when he wrote that he and his fellow apostles “became little children among you”?
  5. What motivates you to share the gospel—obligation, love, or something else?

RESPOND TO GOD

Paul writes that his courage and motivation for sharing the gospel come from a desire to please God. He feels responsible for the truth God has entrusted to him, and this drives Paul to respond to God’s calling on his life. He takes it a step further, however, when he explains that his mother-like affection for the people God has brought into his path results in sharing more than words; he also shares his life.

  • Pray for God to reveal opportunities to share not only the gospel, but also your life with others.
  • Pray for the courage to act when God gives you chances to not only tell, but also show, his love.