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03 May ' 17:48
Part 3For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed — God is witness —Paul has already made it clear that biblical ministry must be approved by God. It is God who tests the hearts to reveal the true motives of each person. It is God who determines if a ministry is based on error, impurity or deceit or if the ministry is God-ordained. In verse 5 Paul continues to identify characteristics of a ministry that is not genuine. Paul makes it clear that his ministry, and that of his associates, was never presented with flattering speech. Contemplate the definition of “flattery” provided by D. M. Martin:
1 Thessalonians 2:5“ 'Flattery' (kolakeia) does not refer primarily to saying nice things about people as a modern reader might presume. It was the practice of tailoring truth to fit popular opinion.”1
Don’t we see this practiced today? It is sad to see so many churches avoid proclaiming the truths of Scripture because they fear offending people or losing people from the congregation. Our task as believers and ministers of the gospel is not to adjust the message of God’s Word to placate people. We are entrusted with a very specific message that we are responsible to pass on – just as it has been given.
In Paul’s last letter before his death he wrote:I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.2 Timothy 4:1-4
There is tremendous pressure on Christians today to adjust the message in order to avoid conflict. Our culture wants a message that is all inclusive. Professing Christians often want to hear about what they can get from God rather than how they can glorify Him.
As you serve the Lord this week, remember that our ministries must not be defined by pragmatism. Paul’s ministry demonstrated a personal commitment to the gospel message regardless of the reproach and shame he would face. We must do the same!Rocky
1Martin, D. M. (2001). Vol. 33: 1, 2 Thessalonians (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (74). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
2010-05-03Ministry Defined, Part 2, Rocky Wyatt, 2010-04-26
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