As Paul the apostle
continued his discourse to the Thessalonians concerning the manner
and motives for sharing with them, he declared how he and his
companions were “allowed” to declare the gospel in such a
way that sought to “please God” and not men. In chapter
two and verse five of his letter, Paul went on to add that he used no
“flattering words” “nor a cloak of covetousness” when
he spoke with them. We read:
For neither at any time
used we flattering words, as you know,
The
verse begins, “For neither at any time used we flattering words,
as you know,...” Paul began with the word, “For”
which means “as, because, even, indeed, no doubt, seeing that and
verily” “neither at any time” or “not once formerly,
aforetime or at some time in the past” “used we” which
refers to Paul and his entourage using “flattering words”
which means “blandish and disparaging discourse” “as you
know” or “see, perceive, notice, discern and discover”.
Paul and his companions did not use words meant to take advantage of
their hearers, but rather words of truth and honesty to share with
the Thessalonicans.
The verse goes on to say, “nor a cloak of covetousness; God is
witness:” Paul continued with the phrase, “nor a cloak”
or “cover, screen or concealment” “of covetousness”
which means “greedy desire to have more and avarice”. Paul went
on to add, “God” which refers to “the Godhead and
trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the
Holy Spirit” “is witness” which is the Greek word
“martys” which means “one who is a spectator of anything such
as a contest”. Paul's desire was for the people to know Jesus
Christ as their Savior and Lord and not to gain a as a greedy person
who coveted personal gain for themselves.
When we
meditate upon Paul's words, we see him once again sharing the motive
for which he declared the gospel among the Thessalonians. Paul did
not use disparaging words or trickery to move the Thessalonians
toward a decision for Jesus Christ, and he was not motivated by greed
or his own special interest to convey his message. Paul's motives
were pure, and as “God” for his “witness”, he
had no hidden agenda in mind. When we declare the gospel with others,
we should exhibit this same spirit, and there should be no doubt even
by the “witness of God” that we desire anything other than our
hearers to begin a relationship with God the Father through Jesus
Christ His Son.
Next
time Paul shares about not “seeking glory of men”,
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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