Paul the
apostle knew he was “allowed of God to be put in trust with the
gospel”, and his purpose was not to “please men” “but
God, which tries our hearts”. He did not use “flattering
words” “nor a cloak of covetousness” when he shared the
“good news” of Jesus Christ, and he referred to “God”
as his “witness” of these
things. In chapter two and verse six, Paul shared how he did
not seek the “glory” “of men” even when he might have
been “burdensome” to them. We read:
when we
might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
The verse begins, “Nor of men
sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet
of others,...” Paul began with the words,
“Nor of men” which
refers to “human beings” “sought”
which means “to seek in order to find” “we
glory” or “judgment, opinion, view or
estimate” “neither of you” which
refers to “the Thessalonians” “nor yet
of others” or “any other person”. Paul
was not seeking the estimate or opinions of others, he was only
focused upon the evaluation of Christ Jesus.
The
verse goes on to say, “...when we might have been burdensome, as
the apostles of Christ.” Paul continued with the phrase, “when
we might” or “been able, had power whether by virtue of one's
own ability and resources, or of a state of mind, or through
favorable circumstances, or by permission of law or custom”
“have been” or “with or by” “burdensome” which
is the Greek phrase “en baros hos” and means “by heaviness,
weight, burden or trouble” “as the apostles” or “like
the delegates, messengers, ones sent forth and specifically applied
to the twelve apostles” “of Christ” which refers to “the
anointed one, the Messiah and Son of God”. Paul did not seek the
“glory” of men, and he was no trouble to the Thessalonians
because they served as “apostles of Christ”.
As
we think about Paul's words, we receive instruction as to the manner
we should be among people. Many times people seek the “glory”
or “opinion, view and estimate” of others rather than simply
pleasing the Lord. It is quite natural for us to desire approval and
worth from outside sources, the question is, “From where will that
glory come?” Also, we learn that the “gospel of Jesus Christ”
should not come as a “burden” to those with whom we share.
Demands, requirements and petitions for our convenience should never
once be named from those who share the “good news” of
Jesus Christ. and rather than being a “burden”, we should add to
those with whom we share. May the Lord help us to realize the best
source of “glory”, and may he help us know how to free
people from being laden with our care.
Next
time Paul writes about being “gentle as a nurse”,
so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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