1/7/26

1 Thessalonians 2:20 NASB95 For you are our glory and joy.

Paul describes to the Thessalonians that when he stands before God and God accepts him in Christ that the rewards he will receive are because of them.

It will not be for the numerous times he was imprisoned for Jesus. It will not be for the miles he walked. It will not be for the beatings he took nor for the times that he was left for dead. It will not be for the relentless way that he kept getting back up after being knocked down. Paul's rewards will be for the people he showed Christ to.

The songs he sung, the times he lifted his hands, and the sacrifices he made, will not be the acts of worship God will look at to say well done. No, it will be the church that follows Christ that will be the glory or worship that God will see in Paul and say well done. It will be those who profess Jesus as Savior that will be the joy of Paul. He will stand before God and see the many who followed Jesus and are there due to Paul's obedience to and faith in Jesus. This will be Paul's glory and joy. This will be his crown.

Let this be a lesson to us. God is pleased with our worship, but the greatest act of our worship is not shown in song or sacrifice, but in the souls who have heard the gospel and received it. We cannot save anyone, but we can share with everyone.

I won't ask you what will be your glory and joy. Instead, I will ask you who is your glory and joy.

Share the Way! For in this you will find glory (worship) and joy!

Love Bro. Scott