1 Thessalonians 2:3-4

1 Thessalonians 2:3-4

For our appeal is neither out of an error nor out of uncleanliness nor in deception.  But rather, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel thus we speak.  Not as while being pleasing to men but to the God who approves our hearts.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul reminds the Thessalonians that his appeal comes from God.  Paul wasn’t appointed by human beings to go out and perform this ministry.  Paul wasn’t commissioned by others to do this work.  Paul was anointed by God to go and do what he is doing.  This is crucial to any ministry.  If we are doing it by any other authority except by God, are we really doing ministry for the right reason?

For whom do you do ministry?  By whose authority do you do ministry?

Second Thought:

If we are in God’s authority, then we will not be in error or uncleanliness or deception.  The way to stay clear of ritual impurity is to be in God.  The way to be speaking into people’s lives in the honesty of God and not the selfishness of self-serving advice is to be in God.  When we are seeking our own glory and our own benefit, we will be in error.  But if our focus is in God’s authority, we can be safe.

When have you been guilty of being in error when people trusted you?  How can you avoid being in error and instead be in the purity of God?

Third Thought:

Having come this far, Paul leaves us with a very concrete point.  It isn’t just a matter of authority.  We don’t just act out of God’s authority.  We also seek God’s approval.  Or at least we should.  I know I sometimes am guilty of making decisions based on getting the approval of the people around me.  But that isn’t where I should be in perspective.  It is about acting under God’s authority so as to be likewise under God’s approval.

Whose approval are you seeking?  Do you find it easy or difficult to be content in God’s approval?

Passage for Tomorrow: 1 Thessalonians 2:5-8