3 For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit;
4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.
5 For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed -- God is witness -
6 nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority. (1 Thessalonians 2:3-6)

Paul and Silas had taken the gospel to Thessalonica. What they taught was true. Their goal was to bring men and women to Christ, and through Him to eternal life. He was the Savior. He was Lord of all. It was not about them, but it was all about Him. It was about His grace. It was His gospel and they had been entrusted with it.

Because of this high and noble goal, their methods were different from what they would have been had they merely been seeking the glory of men. They would encourage others to do what is right, and commend those who did, but not flatter with empty words merely to make a favorable impression. They did not desire that which belonged to others. They exalted Christ; not themselves. They were not the centers of the universe, the Lord was.

But it would be amiss to say that Paul and Silas did not seek glory at all. They did, and so should we. Paul is very specific when he said they did not seek the glory of men. But he does speak of attaining the glory of the Lord.

It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(2 Thessalonians 2:14).

We need to let this be enough – the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is all so much more than the glory of this realm. We of faith shall be satisfied with the final results.
 

By Jon W. Quinn
The Final Page
From Expository Files 17.7;  July 2010

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