Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  2024  Day 128

May 7;       I Thessalonians 2:10;        184/260;        ‘Ministry Conduct’

1 Thessalonians 2:10 You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe

One of the many outstanding qualities of the ministry of Paul, was that he always conducted himself in a holy, godly and moral manner.  The Lord Jesus and the ministry were never disgraced by this amazing man of God.  ‘Devoutly’ means holy, pure from evil conduct, and observant of God's will.  How incredibly vital it is that a man or woman who represents Jesus, do so in a holy manner that brings the Lord and the minister honor.  Paul was able to tell the churches he started and ministered in, to follow him as he followed Jesus (I Corinthians 11:1).  Paul gave the devil nothing to use against his ministry for the Lord Jesus Christ.  ‘Justly’ is according to what is right, righteously and uprightly.  This also can mean conduct that is fitting for a minister and representative of Jesus.  This term could also mean the way Paul handled the Word of God.  It is clear as you read his letters that he treated the Word with utmost respect and reverence.  The Holy Spirit used Paul to teach the Church who they are and what they have because of the redemptive work of the Lord.  His teachings were accurate and empowered by the Holy Spirit being upon Paul.  ‘Blamelessly’ simply means that there were no charges of any kind that could be made concerning the life of Paul, what he did or what he said.  ‘Ourselves’ means Paul was referring not only to himself, but to anyone who was with him in his ministry and travels.  A leader, such as Paul, would see to it that the conduct of those ministering and helping him, would behave just like him.