Gospel in Action
Hope and Holiness Part 5: 1 Thessalonians 2:5-8
“For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed-God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” 1 Thessalonians 2:5-8
I will never forget the first time I nearly fell victim to a scam. The words that were used to present the message were flattering and enticing. While there seemed to be many benefits associated with the proposal in front of me, the outcome was filled solely with greed and destructiveness.
Flattering words were also used to influence the Thessalonians into the practice of idol worship. Prior to following Christ, the Thessalonians had fallen into a form of idol worship. Thessalonica was a port city with many people passing through daily. Along with the people came false teachers. These false teachers brought the manner of false doctrine along with them. Essentially, these false teachers used words of flattery to draw in the Thessalonians. Thankfully, the church at Thessalonica had turned from the idol worship to follow Christ.
Unlike the false teachers in which the Thessalonians had once encountered, Paul used words filled with the truth of the gospel. In this passage, He gives the church at Thessalonica a clear example of the gospel by reminding them of the way he had once presented it to them. He didn’t come with words of flattery or seeking glory from others, but truly lived in community. We too can implement these same practices when sharing the gospel in our everyday life.
1. Never coming with words of flattery (vs. 5).
The book of Hebrews tells us that the message of the gospel is powerful, and the word is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). The spirit is at work in and through it. Therefore, there is no need for charming words to make it more effective. Romans 16:8 cautions the use of flattering words “for they deceive the hearts of the naïve.” Before ascending into Heaven, Jesus left the disciples with the command to “Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28.19) The Greek word used for “GO” essentially means to travel, and the Greek word used for “make disciples” essentially means to teach. Jesus instructed his disciples to teach others about him wherever they may go, and he longs for us to do the same. All the while being humble with our words, and staying true to the message of the gospel.
2. Not seeking glory from others (vs. 6)
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy did not come to the Thessalonians seeking to bring glory to themselves. Rather, they came to proclaim the name of the Lord and bring honor and glory to Him alone. The true message of the gospel will always seek to glorify Jesus and Jesus alone. 2 Corinthians 4:5 says “For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” Jesus desires to use us as His servants to take the message of the gospel out to the nations. Through our words, and by using the gifts and talents in which He has given us. However, the goal is not to seek the approval of other men, but to bring glory to Jesus alone (Galatians 1:10).
3. Living in community with one another
Sharing the gospel often comes with immersing ourselves into the community and everyday life of a group of people. Whether that be the people that live in the same neighborhood we live in, the individuals that make up a city or town that God has placed us in, or a people group overseas that God is sending us to. We are not only to speak the words of Jesus, but physically be his hands and feet. Demonstrating the gospel in action by meeting the needs of the people that God has placed around us. David Guzik states in the Blue Letter Bible Commentary that “the sacrifices Paul endured for the sake of ministry to the Thessalonians were not a burden. He was well pleased to do it because Paul was affectionately longing for the Thessalonians because they had become dear to Paul.” Paul truly cared about the people in Thessalonica and desired to be in community with them. Encouraging one another around the message of the gospel is essential. Hebrews 10:25 tells us to “encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” We need the encouragement of one another that we find in community as we walk through this world.
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy recognized that the ministry was not about themselves. They made it a point to speak “not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts (1Thessalonians 4.4).” As we “go and make disciples,” may our hearts desire to point people to Jesus. All while giving him all the honor, the glory, and the praise!
Father, thank you for Jesus and the message of the gospel. I pray that we would never take it for granted. Help us to share the hope of Jesus with everyone around us. Father, help us to always praise Jesus, and never attempt to bring glory to ourself. Thank you for forgiving us of our sin, and for the hope of heaven.
