The Pure Motives of the Apostle Paul
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1 Thessalonians 2:3-6
“For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of coveteousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.”
As we begin our walk with the Lord today, let’s look at a biblical strategy Paul used as he ministered in the church at Thessalonica. In 1 Thessalonians 2:3, Paul says, “For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile.” This verse refers to the purity of Paul’s motives.
Without a doubt, there were those who questioned the motives of Paul. 1 Thessalonians 2:2 states that “we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.” This means that there were people who were questioning him and slandering his name as He preached the Word of God. In the midst of this trial, Paul says, “For neither at any time used we flattering words….” It is to Paul’s credit that he was not deceitful in manipulating the Word of God, but pure in his motive of reaching others for Christ.
This passage also tells us that Paul’s ministry was not self-centered. In verse 6, we read, “Nor of men sought we glory….” Here is a man who was not trying to please others by using flattering words to gain their praise, he was simply preaching the Word of God and doing what God had called him to do.
Paul exemplified His Master by exhibiting the characteristics of a servant leader.
Philippians 2:5-7 states, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” Thank God that Jesus Christ “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant” and died on the cross for you and me. The Apostle Paul took the Lord Jesus Christ as his example. Instead of worrying about man’s opinion of him, he was concerned with pleasing his Heavenly Father.
In the twenty-first century, we need Christians who serve the Lord with pure motives. Whether we like it or not, we are under close scrutiny by those who don’t know the Saviour. Like the testimony of the Apostle Paul, may our lives reflect Jesus Christ today. I often say, “When the motives are pure, the vision is clear.” May our motives be pure, so that we can have a clear vision in sharing the Gospel with a lost and dying world.
by Dr. Paul Chappell
(Lancaster Baptist Church - California)
1 Thessalonians 2:3-6
“For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of coveteousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.”
As we begin our walk with the Lord today, let’s look at a biblical strategy Paul used as he ministered in the church at Thessalonica. In 1 Thessalonians 2:3, Paul says, “For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile.” This verse refers to the purity of Paul’s motives.
Without a doubt, there were those who questioned the motives of Paul. 1 Thessalonians 2:2 states that “we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.” This means that there were people who were questioning him and slandering his name as He preached the Word of God. In the midst of this trial, Paul says, “For neither at any time used we flattering words….” It is to Paul’s credit that he was not deceitful in manipulating the Word of God, but pure in his motive of reaching others for Christ.
This passage also tells us that Paul’s ministry was not self-centered. In verse 6, we read, “Nor of men sought we glory….” Here is a man who was not trying to please others by using flattering words to gain their praise, he was simply preaching the Word of God and doing what God had called him to do.
Paul exemplified His Master by exhibiting the characteristics of a servant leader.
Philippians 2:5-7 states, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” Thank God that Jesus Christ “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant” and died on the cross for you and me. The Apostle Paul took the Lord Jesus Christ as his example. Instead of worrying about man’s opinion of him, he was concerned with pleasing his Heavenly Father.
In the twenty-first century, we need Christians who serve the Lord with pure motives. Whether we like it or not, we are under close scrutiny by those who don’t know the Saviour. Like the testimony of the Apostle Paul, may our lives reflect Jesus Christ today. I often say, “When the motives are pure, the vision is clear.” May our motives be pure, so that we can have a clear vision in sharing the Gospel with a lost and dying world.
by Dr. Paul Chappell
(Lancaster Baptist Church - California)
posted by mS eLoVe | 10:37 PM
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