A Pastoral Heart

A PASTORAL HEART.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-8.

Having favourably described the Thessalonians’ reception of the gospel message (1 Thessalonians 1:5-7), Paul now speaks of that first encounter from the point of view of the messengers.

1 Thessalonians 2:1. “For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming in unto you was not in vain.” It was not without purpose; it was not fruitless. The Apostle addresses them as “brethren”; and that they are “brethren” is a result of the missionaries’ entrance in unto them. So, no, it was “not in vain.”

1 Thessalonians 2:2. Not in vain “BUT,” he continues, making the contrast. “But also having before suffered and having been insulted, even as you (all) know, at Philippi.” Paul appeals to what they “know” (cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 2:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:5; 1 Thessalonians 2:11).

Despite all this, he says in effect, “we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.” The “boldness” required of preachers of the gospel is to be “bold in our God.” If we go forward with the gospel in a blasé manner, expecting results from our own efforts, we will surely fail. We need to pray for a HOLY boldness (cf. Acts 4:29-30). Take courage in God!

1 Thessalonians 2:3. As well as being bold in the Lord, we must mark, too, the integrity of His message. “For our exhortation was not of deceit (for it is true), nor of uncleanness (impure motives), nor in guile (as if we were trying to trick you).” Because our message is true, we must proclaim it with clean hearts and pure motives, and with honest application to the hearts of our hearers.

1 Thessalonians 2:4. “But even as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who proves our hearts.” In the first instance, God is the one who has tested the hearts of his missionaries and found them genuine.

Therefore, He has entrusted them with the gospel. As a result, they speak not to please men, but to please God, “who proves the hearts of us.” Appointed by God, approved by God, entrusted by God, and aiming to please God: God should be at the centre of all our ministries!

1 Thessalonians 2:5. “For neither at any time with words of flattery were we (with you), even as you (all) know.” This is another thing which they already “know.” This is the only time that the word translated “flattery” appears in the New Testament.

“Nor with a pretext of covetousness; God (is) witness.” A mask to cover up greed, seeking to be served rather than to serve. This is not only something which they knew, but of which God also was witness!

1 Thessalonians 2:6. “Nor of men sought we glory, neither from you nor from others.” No indeed, neither flattery, nor greed, nor self-glory should be either method or motive within the Christian ministry.

No, they would not do this, even though they had (literally) “power to be burdensome as apostles of Christ” (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8).

1 Thessalonians 2:7. “But we were gentle in your midst, even as a nurse would cherish her own children.” Gentleness is a mark of a true minister of Christ (cf. 2 Timothy 2:24). It is a mark of strength, not weakness.

1 Thessalonians 2:8. Paul continues with the mother metaphor. Thus (literally) “yearning over you, we were pleased to have imparted to you (all) not only the gospel of God, but also our own souls, because you have become beloved to us.” A true pastor will have the gentleness, love, and self-sacrifice of a mother.