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.
-First Thessalonians 2:4 (King James Version)
For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.
-First Thessalonians 2:4 (New Living Translation)
Let me start out with a question: Who are you trying to please with your life? Common answers may be: employer, family, friends & coworkers. Who should we really be trying to please? I think the answer is found in First Thessalonians 2:4.
The past few weeks on Talkin' Scripture, we have been focusing our study on teachers. I stated that, whether we admit it or not, or whether we know it or not, each and every one of us is a teacher to others. We teach other about Jesus, and about God, through our way of life. In First Thessalonians 2:4, Paul reveals the importance of his calling, and the importance of the calling God has on each and every one of us. "For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News." We, you and me, are messengers of the Gospel message. We are to be sharing that message with others. Then, Paul says, "Our purpose is to please God, not people." Paul knew that the Gospel message was one that some people didn't want to hear. Paul knew that bringing the Gospel message to people who never heard of God would not be easy. Paul taught some tough doctrine to the churches he ministered to on his missionary journeys, and in the letters he sent to various churches. Yet, his aim was to please God. Would it have pleased God if he "candy coated" or "watered down" the message that he was entrusted with? If Paul decided that he would "tone down" his teaching, so as not to offend anyone, would God be pleased? Absolutely not! And, God is not pleased with us when we proclaim anything less than truth of the Gospel message. Paul writes in Second Timothy 4:3-4, "For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths." People, today, have rejected the truth, and have found themselves "teachers" who are aiming to please the people instead of pleasing God. God help the person who isn't preaching the truth!
So, again, I ask you: Who are you living your life to please?
-First Thessalonians 2:4 (King James Version)
For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.
-First Thessalonians 2:4 (New Living Translation)
Let me start out with a question: Who are you trying to please with your life? Common answers may be: employer, family, friends & coworkers. Who should we really be trying to please? I think the answer is found in First Thessalonians 2:4.
The past few weeks on Talkin' Scripture, we have been focusing our study on teachers. I stated that, whether we admit it or not, or whether we know it or not, each and every one of us is a teacher to others. We teach other about Jesus, and about God, through our way of life. In First Thessalonians 2:4, Paul reveals the importance of his calling, and the importance of the calling God has on each and every one of us. "For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News." We, you and me, are messengers of the Gospel message. We are to be sharing that message with others. Then, Paul says, "Our purpose is to please God, not people." Paul knew that the Gospel message was one that some people didn't want to hear. Paul knew that bringing the Gospel message to people who never heard of God would not be easy. Paul taught some tough doctrine to the churches he ministered to on his missionary journeys, and in the letters he sent to various churches. Yet, his aim was to please God. Would it have pleased God if he "candy coated" or "watered down" the message that he was entrusted with? If Paul decided that he would "tone down" his teaching, so as not to offend anyone, would God be pleased? Absolutely not! And, God is not pleased with us when we proclaim anything less than truth of the Gospel message. Paul writes in Second Timothy 4:3-4, "For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths." People, today, have rejected the truth, and have found themselves "teachers" who are aiming to please the people instead of pleasing God. God help the person who isn't preaching the truth!
So, again, I ask you: Who are you living your life to please?
~Think About It~
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