“Our appeal to you is not based on error or impure motives, nor do we try to trick anyone. Instead, we always speak as God wants us to, because he has judged us worthy to be entrusted with the Good News. We do not try to please people, but to please God, who tests our motives” (1 Thessalonians 2:3-4 GNT).
This passage presents us with a timely message that is just as applicable today as it was in the New Testament era. You see, there were many so-called spiritual leaders in the days of the early church who were driven by motives that were less than honorable. For instance, consider the following message from Paul the Apostle regarding those who sought financial gain under the guise of religion…
“You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us” (2 Corinthians 2:17 NLT).
Then there were those who were motivated by jealousy and a desire for recognition…
“Some, of course, are preaching the Good News because they are jealous of the way God has used me. They want reputations as fearless preachers! But others have purer motives, preaching because they love me, for they know that the Lord has brought me here to use me to defend the Truth. And some preach to make me jealous, thinking that their success will add to my sorrows here in jail! But whatever their motive for doing it, the fact remains that the Good News about Christ is being preached, and I am glad” (Philippians 1:15-18 TLB).
Others were guided by a flawed value system…
“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8-9).
One commentator illustrates the contrast between Paul’s ministry and these others in the following manner…
“Paul used 3 distinctly different words to affirm the truthfulness of his ministry, each expressing a contrast with what was characteristic of false teachers. He first asserted that ‘his message’ was true and not erroneously false. His ‘manner of life’ was pure, not sexually wicked. His ‘method of ministry’ was authentic, not deceptive…” (1)
While some may be sophisticated in disguising their motivations, nothing is hidden from God. That reality was not lost upon Paul the Apostle who subjected his motives to “…God who tests our hearts” (ESV). As Hebrews 4:13 reminds us, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (NIV).
(1) MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (1 Th 2:3). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.