Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
1. Why did Paul never stop thanking God?
2. How did the believers accept what he said?
3. What did he say the word continues to do?
Reflect
Yesterday we learned that Paul addressed false accusations by explaining his motives, methods, and mission. In the midst of hurt and confusion, he was thankful the church recognized the real Savior, God Himself. Throughout the New Testament, we see that the church has never been a problem-free zone. People have always had a way of getting things wrong, taking their eyes off Jesus, and hurting each other.
So much hurt takes place in our lives when we put a flawed human being on a pedestal they never should have been on. Rather than character, we elevate charisma. Rather than private integrity in our leaders, we prioritize public performance.
Godly leaders are those who don’t seek to be the savior, but who recognize who the real Savior is. They model Jesus through servant leadership – loving people, washing feet, and seeking and saving the lost. Regardless of our own roles in the church, whether leaders or followers, we’re called to live this way. Let’s put our earthly leaders in their rightful place, honoring, encouraging, and supporting them, while also modeling Jesus’ servant leadership to everyone we meet.
Respond
• Have you ever put a leader on a pedestal above God? What would it look like to reorder your perspective?
• Have you ever sought to elevate yourself higher than you should, whether in a position of leadership or in a relationship? How does today’s reading challenge you?
• When or where do you find it hardest to model servant leadership like Jesus did? What is one step you could take this week to do so?
Pray through these questions, and write down what God is prompting you to do next. Share with a friend, and take a step to apply it.
Want to go deeper? Visit the Traders Point app or this link to see our recommended resources for this week’s topic. If you want to catch Sunday’s message again, you can find it here.