Preaching the gospel is a sacred stewardship and Scripture sets a high standard for those who undertake this ministry. First Thessalonians 2 teaches that fruitfulness in ministry is directly proportional to the preacher’s character. Paul and Silas suffered physical torture in Philippi (Acts 16:22-24; 1 Thess. 2:2) before landing in Thessalonica. The enemies who chased them from Thessalonica were also engaged in undermining their character. To counter these false insinuations and gossip, it was necessary for Paul to defend both the integrity of their character and the transparency of their ministry. Let us consider eight principles which enable a steward of the gospel to be fruitful as well as a model servant bringing utmost glory to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Free of Error, Immorality and Deceit (v.3)
Paul begins by outrightly rejecting the accusation that his preaching came from error. The exhortation of Paul and his men was in genuine compliance with Scripture and stood in stark contrast to the delusional teachings of false teachers. The preaching of the gospel should never wander away from Holy Writ. Humanistic, liberal ideologies and worldly philosophies have no place whatsoever when it comes to the preaching of the gospel. Secondly, the apostle argues that their preaching did not stem from uncleanness. Sexual immorality was rampant at Corinth and Thessalonica, especially in religious services and temples. Scripture does not divorce doctrinal purity from moral purity. In fact, one who plays fast and loose with doctrine will soon find themselves crossing moral boundaries (2 Pet. 2:18). Paul disclaims any unclean motive behind his missionary activities in Thessalonica. Thirdly, the apostle says his exhortation did not come from deceit. The Greek word “dolos” means bait and its first ominous occurrence is in relation to the plotting to arrest Christ (Matt. 26:4). We would do well in light of the Judgment Seat of Christ to stay clear of using ministry opportunities as a bait to gain something for ourselves. Let our preaching be free of error, immorality and deceit.
Approved of God (v.4)
Paul could confidently say that he, his companions, and their ministry were approved by God. The perfect tense of the Greek “dedokimasmetha” involves not only the process of testing but also success and approval following the test. These missionaries were no novices. Paul was tested by God for some fourteen years in Damascus, Arabia, Jerusalem, his hometown of Tarsus, and Antioch before he was confirmed through the Holy Spirit by the Antioch church for his work among the Gentiles (Acts 13:1-3). Silas had already gained a considerable commendation from his brethren in Jerusalem for they called him a “chief man,” a leader (Acts 15:22). The Scriptures present young Timothy as someone who was in good standing with the saints in both Lystra and Iconium (Acts 16:2). In the end, the Judgment Seat of Christ is the ultimate court of appeal where all ministries will be weighed. The right question every preacher should ask is “will my preaching stand or burn up” at the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Cor. 3:15). We would do well to take a regular inventory to see if we are in pursuit of man’s approval or God’s approval when it comes to our ministry and lifestyle.
Free of Flattery and Greed (v.5)
Paul could confidently argue that his ministry was not tainted with flattery or covetousness. Flattery is deceitfully saying nice things to gain a following. A godly steward’s preaching must “comfort the afflicted and afflict the comforted” and should be exercised for the common good (1 Cor. 12:7, RSV). The goal of a preacher is not popularity but to convince, rebuke and exhort, instilling in his audience a high view of God and leading them to a place of worship. Furthermore, Paul did not need a pretentious cover for covetousness because his heart was free of greed. A desire to have more is an evil companion for a preacher. A preacher’s attitude towards money speaks volumes about his character.¹ Stay clear of flattery, greed, and selfish ambition (Phil. 2:3).
Seeking God’s Praise (v.6)
As a heat-seeking missile, Paul was in constant pursuit of God’s praise and approval. The Greek word for “glory” is “doxa” meaning dignity, preeminence. Here, the word “glory” probably indicates some kind of material gifts or stipend.² Paul refused to be put on a pedestal with its associated material gain, standing in stark contrast to Diotrephes who desired preeminence in the assembly (3 John 9). The Lord Jesus both taught and demonstrated to His disciples the attitude of humility and service (Luke 22:27; John 13:3-17). Therefore, His servants do not have any reason to seek after man’s praise. Let the stewards of the gospel seek after divine approval and, like Paul, glory in nothing but the cross of Christ (Gal. 6:14).
Gentleness (v.7)
Paul now moves on to talk about the manner of life they had practiced among the saints in Thessalonica. Paul and his helpers were gentle among them as a nursing mother. The word “epios” is used to portray the kindness that parents have toward children. Instead of making demands, they exercised the same gentleness which a nursing mother would show her child. This figure of a nursing mother, as opposed to a hired nurse, shows a special effort to provide earnest care even to the point of self-sacrifice. Do we have such a care toward the people to whom we preach?
A Shepherd’s Heart (v.8)
Paul had an affectionate desire for the saints at Thessalonica. It is only too easy to remain aloof when preaching. This was an alien concept to Paul’s heart. As a result of their intense longing for the saints, there came the continuous delight to share not only the gospel with them but also their very lives. Paul and his men were ready to “spend and be spent” for their converts (2 Cor. 12:15). The supreme example of Christ who laid down His life for the sheep, motivated these missionaries to do both the work of an evangelist as well as the work of a shepherd. May the Lord of the harvest raise up more preachers with a shepherd’s heart.
Sole Dependence Upon God (v.9)
Paul and his companions’ hands were also “lined and calloused by hard work.”³ Paul recalled their around-the-clock labor to support themselves so that they could present the gospel “free of charge” (1 Cor. 9:18). Part of the upbringing of a Jewish child involved learning a trade and Paul had been taught the trade of tentmaking (Acts 18:3). Paul would later tell the Ephesian elders that he not only worked hard to support himself but also the others who were with him (Acts 20:34). Whether the preacher supports himself with a secular job or is commended by the local assembly for full time work, they must solely look to God for their sustenance, avoiding unhealthy ties with organizations that could undermine their dependence upon the Lord alone.
Vertical and Horizontal Integrity (v.10)
Men can see our conduct but only God can see our motives.For this reason, Paul appeals to God and the Thessalonian saints as witnesses to his character and to that of his fellow-laborers. Their manner of life was an open book which could be read and inspected by anyone. The word “devoutly” speaks of one’s relationship and duties to God Himself; the word “justly” shows one’s transparent dealings with other men; the word “blamelessly” means no charge could be brought up and proved. Both vertical and horizontal witnesses to integrity are essential for a fruitful steward of the gospel.
The preacher is a favorite target of the enemy. Therefore, such men must take heed to both their private and public lives so that they might always be “bold in our God” to carry out what God has called them to do (v.2).
Endnotes:
¹T.E. Wilson, What The Bible Teaches, 1 Thessalonians (Kilmarnock, Scotland: John Ritchie Ltd., 1983), p.23
² W.E. Vine, The Collected Writings of W.E. Vine, Vol. 3 (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1996), p.32
³ Wilson, What The Bible Teaches, 1 Thessalonians, p.25