1 Thessalonians 2 - Preaching the Gospel Free of Charge!

1 Thessalonians 2 - NIV 

Key Themes in 1 Thessalonians 2

4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.

Effective evangelists, pastors, and preachers often take a lot of criticism from their churches or the world in general. They are sometimes accused of being in it for their own glory, or just looking for worldly accolades. Of course, a Christian leader is not immune to temptation, pride, and sin. But sometimes others who might be jealous take "pot shots" at Christian leaders rather than focusing on the good God is doing in and through them.

Paul was not immune from criticism from all the churches he started. Because he was only one man and could only be one place at time, some churches took offense that he could not visit them. They even accused of his as saying "yes' and "no" at the same time. Another biting criticism was because he was not one of the original 12 apostles, he wasn't a real apostle. Or, others apparently accused him for being in it for "the money", even though that was clearly not the case. So these words clarify Paul's motive for preaching the gospel, and show how he lived among them backed them up. 

1. Paul says, "We speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel". 

This perhaps the most important thing he says. Paul's authority didn't come from any man or church, but from God. Though we ministers do get called by churches and there is a process for that, a Christian leader's first call is from God. It is a daunting thing to be entrusted with the gospel, as the scripture says that those who teach have a greater degree of accountability than others. See James 3:1

2. Paul says, "They are not trying to please people, but God who tests our hearts." 

One of the things I have struggled with over many years of being a pastor is being a "people pleaser". It is part of my personality and comes from a good place, but can often can be a liability. As someone coined the term, "We have an audience of One!" If you are a leader and people are gossiping about you or saying hurtful things about you, remember it is only God who tests our hearts. We often put a lot of energy into getting the approval of others, but do we spend as much time wanting to please God. If we get this right in some ways it doesn't matter what others think of us. There is of course a balance here. There is nothing wrong with wanting to serve others and put their interests above your own. See Paul to the Philippians on this. See Philippians 2:3

3. Paul lived a life above reproach. In verses 8 and 9 he talks about how they did not only share the gospel but their lives as well. 1 Thessalonians 2:8-9 

Some preachers and evangelist may preach and then go on to another town, which isn't necessarily bad per se. But Paul demonstrated the gospel before their very eyes. Instead of requiring them to give to his ministry, he toiled night and day so he wouldn't be deprived of his right to share the gospel free of charge. 1 Corinthians 9:18 for another verse about this

How about you and the ministry God has called you to? Everyone is called to be a minister for Christ, though not all are called to be full or part time ministers of the gospel. Can you serve God without looking for the approval of others knowing that His approval is all that really matters?

If you are a people pleaser, how can this prevent you from saying and doing the things God might ask you to do?

Heavenly Father help us to put others interests above our own. Help us to serve you in humility making sure you get the credit. Help us to be faithful in sharing the gospel "free of charge" not expecting anything in return! In Jesus' name, Amen. 


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