When you think about helping, ministering, and serving others, you tend to think first about what you can do, give, or assist with. However, these opening words of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians remind the church that your ministry is your own testimony.

What impact should your testimony have on other Christians? This passage identifies two ways that your testimony should impact other Christians.

Gospel work is motivated by conviction of truth and a desire to honor God.

There have always been those who teach and preach false doctrine or use the preaching of the gospel for selfish gain. There have also been those who, though they proclaimed the true gospel, did not lead the church to faithfully live according to the righteousness of God. Paul reminds the church that his ministry among them was faithful to the gospel and unapologetically led them to live righteously before God. His testimony is not one that is unique to him, church leaders, or those with special giftedness in the church. This testimony is one that every faithful Christian should have.

This passage teaches two testimonies that a life governed by the conviction of truth and a desire to please God will bear.

What are you ashamed of?

In a broken and sinful world, what is shameful is often celebrated, and what should be celebrated is shamed. To be ashamed of something is to feel shame or disgrace because you are embarrassed, guilty, or humiliated to be associated with it.

Insecurities and fears tempt you to be ashamed of Jesus and the gospel, but Christians must confidently identify with Jesus and boldly proclaim the gospel truth. That is easily said, but how can you resist the temptation to be ashamed of the gospel? This passage teaches us three ways to fight against the temptation to be ashamed of the gospel.