Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 2:1-2; Acts 16:16-24
Mon, 21 February 2022

The Gospel Facing Strong Opposition

Observation:

What significant observations can you make about Paul’s experience as
described in verses 1 to 2?

Deeper Reflection
PAUL PREACHED THE GOSPEL AT PHILIPPI AND PLANTED a church there before going to Thessalonica. At Philippi, Paul and Silas “suffered and were shamefully treated” (v.2). They suffered both injury and insult from people who opposed them for preaching the Gospel. They were being “dragged” to the magistrates, who “tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods”, and they were inflicted with “many blows” before they were thrown into prison, with their feet fastened in the stocks (Acts 16:19-24). It was an extremely painful and humiliating experience, being flogged naked in public and imprisoned, and without trial.59 Paul was “shamefully treated”, but he was “not ashamed of the gospel” (cf. Rom 1:16). Instead, the shameful suffering resulted in “boldness” in preaching the Gospel in Thessalonica (v.2). To speak in “boldness” means “to speak freely, openly and fearlessly”, with “outspokenness, frankness and plainness of speech”, and “so with courage”60. Paul preached the Gospel with “boldness” in two spheres. Firstly, “in the face of strong opposition” (v.2, NIV), and more importantly, “in our God” (v.2) – that is, in the presence of God. And this is God’s empowering presence that gives the boldness (cf. Acts 4:29-31). “If we have boldness before God in what we do for Him, it is a small thing to be brave towards mere humans in carrying on God’s work.”61
59 John R. W. Stott, Thessalonians, 48 60 John R. W. Stott, Thessalonians, 47 61 G. K. Beale, 65
Application:

What significant observations can you make about Paul’s experience as
described in verses 1 to 2?

Prayer:
O God, fill me and empower me by the Holy Spirit, that I may be bold in being a witness for Christ by living out and proclaiming the Gospel. I ask of You that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the Gospel, as I ought to speak.58 Help me not to lose heart when the Gospel is being opposed or rejected.
58 Ephesians 6:19-20
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 5:7-17
Wed, 31 May 2023

Answering God’s Call in Vocation

Observation:

What significant observations can you make about Daniel?

Deeper Reflection
Daniel did not choose to serve Babylonian kings in Babylon. It was circumstances – a national crisis of his country – that compelled Daniel to be where he was and doing what he was doing. Daniel did not have the privilege, opportunity or freedom to pursue a career of his own desire. However, it was out of these adverse circumstances, that Daniel discovered God’s call for him: To serve God through serving Babylonian kings. And God gave him the specific competency to fulfil God’s call (Dan 1:17). After Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar about his dream and the interpretation, he was “promoted” to be “ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon” (Dan 2:48).When Belshazzar gathered his wise men to interpret for him the inscription on the wall, Daniel was not among them. Daniel was not unknown to Belshazzar.59 He knew him as “one of the exiles from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah” and “appointed him chief ” over all the wise men of Babylon (vv.11-12). It was only when the queen mentioned Daniel to him, that Belshazzar called for him (vv.10-11). Belshazzar “deliberately ignored Daniel”60 . Daniel was sidelined. How do you respond to being sidelined? For Daniel, he felt secure. Daniel was secure because he had no ambition to climb the corporate ladder. He had no interest in rewards and promotion. Daniel said to Belshazzar, “Keep your gifts for yourself or give your rewards to someone else” (vv.16-17). But Daniel interpreted the inscription for Belshazzar. Daniel was answering God’s call for him.
59 Ernest C. Lucas, 131 60 Ernest C. Lucas, 131
Application:

What positive attitudes do I need to cultivate in my workplace?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for the Generations: To view their vocation as answering God’s call for their lives
  • Pray for self
 

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