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Keith Cook Evangelistic Association / On The Go
Paul's Example for Ministry by Keith Cook Jr.
"For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake." 1 Thessalonians 1:5
Paul honors the church of the Thessalonians by describing them as imitators of himself, Silvanus, Timothy and most of all, Christ Jesus. Paul states that the word came to them with Power, the Holy Spirit, and Full Conviction.
How did the Word come to them with these three things?
There are two explanations:
1. Because of the Thessalonians work of faith, labor of love, and steadfast hope.
2. Because of the true example of Christ shown through Paul.
A relevant question would be, "How did they do works of faith and labor in love with steadfast hope?"
One would have to look at the example of Paul for it was because of Paul that the Word came to them in the first place.
If the one spreading the Word has these three characteristics, an obvious conclusion would be that it would spread with the Word. The apostles brought it with them.
This brings us to the most important question, HOW? How was Paul able to bring it with him? 1 Thessalonians chapter two holds the explanation.
When Paul and the other apostles came to the Thessalonians, Paul said:
1. We did not come in vain
2. We did not come with flattering speech
3. We had no pretext for greed
4. We did not seek the glory from men but from God
These four things equal power, Holy Spirit, and full conviction. One cannot have these four things and not lead a life close to God. It just comes with the territory. These are men who could have easily used their status to exercise their right toward all of these bad qualities but they did not.
You see when you don't go in vain, you know you have the purpose of God and the direction of God's Spirit. You have confidence in His Word to you. You have courage to follow Him even into hard situations and unknown circumstances. Your service is not in vain or without purpose. Your purpose is His purpose and this leads to Spiritual Power.
When you don't go with flattering speech, but you speak the Word with clarity in a way that would honor God and not yourself, God will give you the Holy Spirit and Convictions will be realized.
When you don't seek the glory of men but you seek God's Glory, it doesn't matter what happens - If 1 or 1,000 people follow you - God will honor you and your ministry because you are Pleasing Him.
When you start to give God the ultimate glory with your words, actions and abilities, you begin to imitate Christ. When you imitate Christ, you train up strong believers everywhere that will do what the Church of Thessalonica did in 1 Thessalonians 3:1.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray for opportunities to share the Word of God with clarity in a way that will honor God.
On The Go Prayer Focus: Those who need to make decisions for Christ as On The Go and the Keith Cook Team shares the Gospel around the world. Pray that they will hear a clear message about Christ, that the Holy Spirit will move them to a point of decision and that they will be bold enough to publicly respond for Christ.
Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.
Copyright (c) 2005, 2009 Keith Cook - On The Go
Permission is granted to "forward" this devotional to friends and acquaintances. All other rights reserved.
On The Go Ministries, Keith Cook Team
P.O. Box 963, Springfield, TN 37172, (615) 299-0222, www.onthego.org
Founder/Director - Keith Cook, keithcook@onthego.org
E-zine Editor, Laurie McTier, laurie@onthego.org
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