Bible Study - I Thessalonians 2

S - But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts

1 Thessalonians 2:4 ESV

O - Commentary:

Paul said he spoke out of the best motives, realizing that God had put his heart to the test. He and his companions spoke not … to please men, but God. Having been found approved (dedokimasmetha, “shown by testing to be genuine”) by God, He entrusted them with the gospel... Paul did not choose his work; God selected him for the high calling of proclaiming the gospel. This responsibility was most significant to Paul, who viewed himself as under God’s constant scrutiny. So he would not dare serve with the wrong motives.

 Thomas L. Constable, “1 Thessalonians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 694.

A – God tests our hearts. Does that bother you? It shouldn't. God isn't testing us to trip us up. He tests us to prove what's real. The first test is the biggest one: Who do we say Jesus is? But the testing doesn't stop there. As we grow in knowing and serving Him, He keeps examining our hearts.

Here's what grabs me. Paul was still being tested after his ministry was a "success." He never got past it. Neither will we. And honestly, that's a comfort. God cares enough about us to keep refining us.

So, let's do the hard work. Examine your motives. Who are you really trying to please? People or God? Check your heart. Check your motives. Check your ministry. Do it regularly.

R – Heavenly Father, You are the one true God. Holy Spirit, show us where we aren't honoring You. Examine our hearts, our motives, and our ministry. When You reveal something, give us the courage to deal with it and grow. We want to pass Your test. In Jesus' name, amen.