“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 cloak of covetousness; 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” (1 Thessalonians 2:4-6).
Introduction
In verse 2 Paul related to us three accusations that were levelled against him, now he seeks to prove that his ministry is above board. Unless a ministry pleases God it cannot accomplish great things for Him. “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).
Preaching to please God
Paul, and those who accompanied him on his missionary tours, had only one motive for preaching the gospel that was to please and honour God. This is in fact the only way for preachers to stay true to the word. With the advent of the so-called ‘Purpose-Driven Church’ we find that the business of the church is just that, business. The glory has departed from preaching so that it has become a means for religious salesmen to tout the latest novelty and to get more customers on seats. What is the use of an overflowing church if the people are there because of an impressive marketing technique rather than knowing that they need Christ as their Saviour?
Paul realised that it was a wonderful privilege and God-given gift to tell others about the Lord Jesus Christ. Ministering under the anointing of the Holy Spirit brings with it accountability. The evangelist, preacher and teacher is not accountable to any man but only to God. No wonder he wrote, “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5) and “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16).
Flattery is not preaching
Paul did not butter people up or crack silly jokes to get people to like him before he preached the word. If a congregation likes the preacher, not for his message but for the nice things he says about them, maybe a bigger collection will be taken. There have been many, and there is a whole species of preachers, that have only one thing on their mind, and that is money. “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you” (2 Peter 2:1-3). Instead of preaching flattering words to win the approval of men, we ought to speak the word in truth regardless of the cost. This was Paul’s view, “Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day” (1 Corinthians 4:13).
God honours faithful preaching
“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). More money, more power, more praise, but the glory of the Lord is no longer there. This is the sad fact with countless ministries today. While there is nothing wrong in knowing that what we do for the Lord is being well received, it is quite another thing to think that God cannot get the work done without us. There are many preachers who are simply orators with big heads. Scripture teaches us that “the labourer is worthy of his hire” (Luke 10:7), but that does not mean a preacher ought to think he deserves anything at all. Paul never became a burden to any church by demanding that he be honoured with gifts because he was an apostle of Christ. Where would such a motive end up any way? Those with impure motives end up claiming to be the voice of God and deem themselves worthy to be carried on a palette like the pope of Rome.
All the apostles preached so that God would get the glory when souls got saved. The very word ‘apostle’ means ‘one who is sent’ rather than someone who thinks he can lord it over God’s church. “For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ” (1 Corinthians 9:9-12). Apostleship was not meant to be a position of power but commission to preach.
Conclusion
We might despair when we read and hear about the new gimmicks being used to get people’s attention, but we can rest assured that God has never left Himself without a faithful witness. “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).
© 23/1/2008