Approval of God

The Apostle Paul writes to the Thessalonian church (and to us): 

For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain, but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition. For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts. For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness— nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority. But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us . . . walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.  (1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, 12, NASB)

Paul says that when he came to Thessalonica, it was after much turmoil.  God gave him the boldness to teach the Gospel to them.  He says that he taught the Truth to them, and with God’s full approval.  Paul & company were not seeking the approval of people, rather of God.  This is hard, else Paul would not have addressed it.  Many of us don’t want to be unpopular, so we go with the flow.  It’s hard to go against the flow and go with God.  

Paul says that they didn’t go to the Thessalonians with ulterior motives, or out of greed, but rather out of love.  This should be our motivation as well.  We’re to love our neighbors as ourselves.  Why, then, should we not share the Gospel?  

Paul compares the tenderness with which he taught them with a nursing mother to her child.  He says that he not only taught the Gospel, but devoted his life to them, such was his affection for them. Finally, Paul exhorts them to “walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”  Everything we do should be devoted to this! 

God calls us to love Him with all of our being, and to love our neighbors as much as we love ourselves.  We should share the Gospel with the same motives as Paul did.  To do so will make us worthy of God’s glory! 

Worship:  “Living Waters,” by Keith & Kristyn Getty