The Living Word

KING JAMES VERSION

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."

— Isaiah 40:8

1 Thessalonians 2

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1

For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:

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2

But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

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3

For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

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4

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

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5

For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

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6

Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

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7

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

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8

So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

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9

For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

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10

Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

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11

As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,

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12

That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

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13

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

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14

For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

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15

Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:

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16

Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

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17

But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

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18

Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

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19

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

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20

For ye are our glory and joy.

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Chapter Study & Analysis

Overview

1 Thessalonians 2 recounts Paul’s ministry among the Thessalonians, emphasizing his sincerity, self-sacrifice, and fatherly affection. He expresses his intense desire to visit them again, describing the believers as his "glory and joy."

CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS

1. Pleasing God, Not Men: Paul’s ministry was not for "cloke of covetousness" or human glory, but to please God who trieth our hearts (v. 4-5). Integrity in ministry requires a heart focused on divine approval rather than earthly gain.
2. Gentle Leadership: Paul was "gentle among them, even as a nurse cherisheth her children" (v. 7). Spiritual leadership should be marked by tenderness, sacrifice, and a genuine sharing of one’s own soul with others.
3. Receiving the Word: The Thessalonians received the message not as the word of men, but as the "word of God" (v. 13). We must approach the Scriptures with the same reverence, allowing it to work effectually in our hearts.

Practical Lessons

FORMAL PRAYER

Almighty God, who trieth our hearts: grant that our witness may be without guile or vanity. Help us to walk worthy of Thee, who hast called us unto Thy kingdom and glory, and to cherish Thy people with a fatherly love. Amen.

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