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The Method in the Madness

The Method in the Madness

Words of Faith 3-7-19

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2019

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL

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1 Thessalonians 2

    [3] For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. [4] On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. [5] You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed, God is our witness. [6] We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.

 

       Having greeted the Thessalonian believers with encouragement about their own response to the Gospel and the fact that his visit among them was no a failure, Paul began to deal with some of the criticisms that had circulated regarding him and his team. 

       Some were apparently charging him with unworthy motives and improper conduct.  Preachers always have their critics.  Some criticisms are legitimate while others whisper in the shadows.  We don't know who these accusers were, but Paul was not there to defend himself.  He was banned from returning to Thessalonica, and he had to answer in some way.

      Fortunately, Paul’s actions spoke well for him.  He reminded his readers of his works among them and clarified his motives. He called them to remember the facts of his visit to them carefully. Thinking back, they would recall that Paul's actions demonstrated both his sincerity and his motives. 

      There were three allegations against Paul-- that his message was deceptive and false, that his motives were impure, and that his methods were "trickery.”  For any preacher, criticism is difficult, especially criticism that is behind the back, but these accusations were harsh.  They cut to the very heart of who Paul was. 

      Paul pointed out that he spoke out of the best motives, realizing that God had put his heart to the test. He and his companions spoke not to please men, but God. They had been "shown by testing to be genuine," and therefore God had entrusted them with the gospel.

      Paul and his fellow missionaries were not new to all this.  They were now veterans of the mission field.  They were toughened by hardship and opposition and yet their hearts were softened by the Gospel itself.  They had been tried and tested for years. They were obstinate in their passion for the Gospel.  God would not have blessed their work if their motivation had not been right.

       Paul saw himself as a steward entrusted by God to carry His message of salvation to lost men and women. Paul did not choose his work; instead, God selected him for the high calling of proclaiming the Gospel. This responsibility was the most important thing in his life!  He viewed himself as under God's constant scrutiny. So he would not dare serve with the wrong motives.

      Paul's preaching to the Thessalonians was not aimed at making a favorable impression on them.  Many preachers are enslaved to the reaction of the crowd, but not Paul.  He asked them to remember how he spoke. He never wore a false face or "acted" in a way to make an impression.  He never preached to gain something for himself. Because they could not know this, Paul appealed to God as the witness of his motives.

      These missionaries were not seeking the praise of any man but only the praise of God. Traveling philosophers and orators were common in the Roman Empire. They itinerated from place to place, entertaining and seeking a personal following for fame and fortune. Paul and his companions had nothing in common with such men! Rather than seeking something for themselves, they delighted in giving to others freely.

       What do we gain from this?  What is our devotional thought?  A couple of things are essential.

       One is that we ought to be careful about the way we criticize preachers and leaders in the Body of Christ.  No one is perfect, of course.  Should we have worries or concerns, we should take them to that leader.  But to accuse and allege behind the back of a leader is a destructive and painful thing.  To talk behind the back of a servant of God, alleging false teaching, wrong motives and deceptive methods is a sinister practice not at all in keeping with the teaching of Christ and the Gospel.  Nor should we give ear to such talk.

         Another consideration is to seek the careful scrutiny of God regarding our lives in Christ and our interactions with and for the Body of Christ.  This was the way that Paul lived life.  Self-examination is helpful. Am I clinging to the truth of the Gospel?  Am I seeking the approval of God alone?  Do I have motives that are not pure? Have I worn a religious mask?  Have I used flattery to get my way?  Am I looking for the praise of men?  We must confess daily before the Lord so that our focus may always remain upon Christ and His glory. 

 

        Father God, I want to serve You with the purest of hearts.  Forgive me for any time I have varied from Your truth.  Forgive me for moments when my motives have been selfish.  Forgive me the times when I have worn the mask of religion rather than the transparency of faith.  Forgive me any flattering words or efforts to seek the praise of men.  May I stand before You and your scrutiny alone, clothed in the righteousness of Jesus.  Amen.