Whatever became of Integrity? - English Devotion

Bible Verse:1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Title: Whatever became of Integrity?

Paul always demonstrates tremendous courage in his ministry.
In Philippi he was being mocked, insulted, and shamefully treated but he had the courage to face it.
Paul is delusional” (1 Thessalonians 2:3, error).

Paul’s ministry is based on impure motives” (1 Thessalonians 2:3, uncleanness).
Paul deliberately deceives others” (1 Thessalonians 2:3, in deceit).

Paul preaches to please others, not God” (1 Thessalonians 2:4, not as pleasing men).
Paul is in the ministry as a mercenary, to get what he can out of it materially” (1 Thessalonians 2:5, 2:9, nor a cloak for covetousness).

Paul only wants personal glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:6, nor did we seek glory from men).
Paul is something of a dictator” (1 Thessalonians 2:7 we were gentle among you).
He did not come to Thessalonica pushing a particular private revelation or doctrine.

It was the truth of God, confirmed by the prophets and by Jesus Christ himself that he preached.
The purity of Paul’s message made it apparent that there was no deceit, uncleanness, or guile in his ministry.
He gloried in the fact that God had called him to deliver a message that people desperately needed.

We have already been given the greatest honour that can ever be given to a human being, to proclaim what Paul calls "the unsearchable riches of Christ," (Ephesians 3:8).

The only reason anyone has a desire to please God is because he has learned to love him.
Paul knew his Gospel wouldn’t always please men, but he knew that it was pleasing to God.

Paul tried to make the Gospel as attractive as possible, but he never changed its central character or focus. 
Paul never compromised issues like man’s need, God’s Savior, the cross, the resurrection, and the new life.
Paul could be stern and sharp, but when he was with someone alone, he was gentle. 

That is a mark of a true shepherd. Paul’s gentle, humble attitude among the Thessalonians demonstrated his motives were pure.
Paul’s preaching was effective because he gave not only the Gospel, but himself as well (also our own lives), and he gave because of love
He is always righteous before others as he behaved himself, resisting things which could be misconstrued or which would tend to mislead.

Paul did not think of himself as sinless but he is honest and has dealt with all his sin.
Aware of it, he judges it and does something about it, he does not cover it over because he knows, as he puts it, "God tests the heart."

Paul’s own behavior and message to the Thessalonians demonstrates the integrity of his character before God and man.
It is impressive that Paul could freely appeal to his own life as an example. Paul didn’t have to say, “Please don’t look at my life. Look to Jesus.” Paul wanted people to look to Jesus, but he could also tell them to look at his life, because the power of Jesus was real in his life.
 
God knows what is going on inside so Paul is strictly honest with himself, does not deceive himself, but confesses his wrong and so is blameless.

When we are facing times of great danger and crisis, but these are also times of great possibilities. We must not be shaken , rather look unto God , he is with us. 

 Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, give us courage, a loving and gentle heart, and a faithful spirit so that we will be like Paul and always demonstrate these qualities to others. Make us a blessing , in Jesus name we pray. Amen.