1 Thessalonians 2:5-8 says...
Today's verses are 1 Thessalonians 2:5-8, which read,
v.5,6 - For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed--God is witness--nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority.
Paul gives the Thessalonians and us the warning signs of a false teacher. The first is "flattering speech," the second is "greed," and the third is "seek glory from men." These signs are still signs today. But let's take the opposite view. What are the characteristics of a true teacher? The true teacher does not use "flattering speech" but speaks the truth in love. The true teacher is not fueled by "greed" but is sacrificial and generous with what God has provided. The true teacher is not looking to "seek glory from men" but is kneeling daily at the feet of Jesus.
v.7,8 - But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you have become very dear to us.
What a contrasting image to the flattering speech, greedy, glory seeking false teacher. Along with a true teacher speaking the truth in love, being generous and sacrificial, and humble before God is the quality the true affection for others. The true teacher really cares about his/her listeners or students. They know their names. They have thought and prayed about how they are going to care for those in front of them. They are going to think of them more than they are going to think of themselves.
Paul gives us both sides of the equation of sharing the gospel. The world needs the gospel of God but the world also needs our lives. Our lives are an immediate example to them of the gospel and its transformational power because of Jesus. They hear the gospel of Jesus Christ but they also get to see the gospel of Jesus Christ through your life before them.
Jesus is the gospel but He also brought Himself, His life, to the world to see Himself as the gospel. We need to follow His example.
"Lord, may I be quick to see when something or some message is not square with Your word. Thank you for such clear instruction and warning so that I can direct myself to those who glorify You rather than themselves. May I have a true affection for those who You have placed around me to share You with. Amen."
Pastor Adam
v.5,6 - For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed--God is witness--nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority.
Paul gives the Thessalonians and us the warning signs of a false teacher. The first is "flattering speech," the second is "greed," and the third is "seek glory from men." These signs are still signs today. But let's take the opposite view. What are the characteristics of a true teacher? The true teacher does not use "flattering speech" but speaks the truth in love. The true teacher is not fueled by "greed" but is sacrificial and generous with what God has provided. The true teacher is not looking to "seek glory from men" but is kneeling daily at the feet of Jesus.
v.7,8 - But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you have become very dear to us.
What a contrasting image to the flattering speech, greedy, glory seeking false teacher. Along with a true teacher speaking the truth in love, being generous and sacrificial, and humble before God is the quality the true affection for others. The true teacher really cares about his/her listeners or students. They know their names. They have thought and prayed about how they are going to care for those in front of them. They are going to think of them more than they are going to think of themselves.
Paul gives us both sides of the equation of sharing the gospel. The world needs the gospel of God but the world also needs our lives. Our lives are an immediate example to them of the gospel and its transformational power because of Jesus. They hear the gospel of Jesus Christ but they also get to see the gospel of Jesus Christ through your life before them.
Jesus is the gospel but He also brought Himself, His life, to the world to see Himself as the gospel. We need to follow His example.
"Lord, may I be quick to see when something or some message is not square with Your word. Thank you for such clear instruction and warning so that I can direct myself to those who glorify You rather than themselves. May I have a true affection for those who You have placed around me to share You with. Amen."
Pastor Adam
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