(1Th 2:5) “For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:”  In presenting the gospel, or even in the teaching of instruction to the saved, it’s purpose is not to build up the ‘old man” (flattery). The flesh, the old person that still is a part of us, is sinful and corrupt to its core. The lost need to comprehend this, forsake it, and turn to Jesus as their only means of forgiveness and righteousness in God. The Bible teaches the saved to render “the old man” dead and seek to allow the new nature in Christ to live and reign through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

(1Th 2:4)  “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.”   The Lord “trieth” our hearts. He knows the true motivations of why we do what we do. On the other hand, He knows the true reasons we don’t do certain things. We are to judge our own motives before Him and correct them in order to please Him. Ask Him to reveal to you where you fail Him! He wants to help you and guide you to live as He would have you live.

 (1Th 2:4)  “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.”  I had a living testimony from my own godly grandfather, a lay-minister, of taking a stand in church all alone. We do not seek to please man, but God. The context here is in giving the gospel, but surely it included standing for all the Word of God. Never lower the standard of God’s Word for anyone! We are to love the Lord above all others – period. God help us to do so!  

(1Th 2:4) “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak;…”  We who have been saved through the precious blood of the Lord Jesus, hold a sacred trust. That trust is that we will give that same message out to others. And when we do, that we will give it out fully and honestly. Have you and I been true to that trust?  

(1Th 2:3) “For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:….”   There is a tendency to “water down” the gospel to make it more inviting to the lost. We speak of the great love of God, which is indeed part of the gospel, yet do not mention the need of repentance (the desire to turn away from our sinful ways). Such a tendency is “guile” – deceit. It is not truth. We may get a “convert”, but are they truly converted? It is God that bestows the gift of salvation, responding to the heart of the lost. Salvation is not received by a prayer as if it were magic or automatic. It is a gift given by Almighty God. Be honest and sincere, giving a full gospel so that men and women, boys and girls can make a heart’s decision, a true and right response.

(1Th 2:3) “For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:….”  The context of the word “exhortation” – to build one up – is giving the gospel to the lost. Interesting, for they would hear the message, and their soul would say, “They are asking me to give up my life”. That is, give up their sinful lifestyle. From their point of view this is a negative. But the truth is, it is just the opposite. We are offering them a positive, a lifting up. In Jesus’ Own Words, “life, and that more abundantly”! 

(1Th 2:2) “But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.”  There will always be those who will resist the gospel. They love their sinful lives too much. The thought of “giving up” the things they love and desire is just too high a price. We are to be steadfast, unmovable in such situations, yet not contentious. We are to be bold in the Lord yet, (2Ti_2:25)  “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”   Such restraint and perseverance goes against our old nature. It can only be accomplished by our willingness to yield to the Spirit of God.

(1Th 2:1) “For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:”  We are always looking for “results” when we give out the gospel. What are the results we are seeking? Rightly we are seeking the salvation of souls. Yet, that is not the only result of giving forth the gospel. There is the blessing of obedience upon ourselves. There is also the witness into this world of what God has done: light shining in darkness. And there is the witness that shall be called forth at the Great White Throne Judgment against those who chose darkness over light. The Word of God is always true: (Isa_55:11) “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”   We may not be around to see a positive result later on. Remember, we are sowing. The reaping may be someone else’s privilege.

 (1Th 1:10)  “And to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”  There are two ways a person might find themselves looking at this verse.  One: “the wrath to come” referring to the judgment of hell for eternity or “the wrath to come” referring to the seven years of tribulation. Since we know this Book tells us the Son of God is coming to take us away, Rapture us away, then we know it is referring to the Tribulation Period. This Rapture could very well be within the lifetime of you who are reading this! Praise His Name!