Sincerity.1 Thessalonians 2:5-6.
Dear Family,
Paul continues with the defense of his motives and those of his companions. He probably has a person or two in mind, who has carried himself in the manner Paul describes. He wants the Thessalonians to see that some people are driven by;
Greed (v. 5).In order to disarm one, some people use flattery and all manner of platitudes. The aim is to gain one’s favor because they are driven by greed. Paul asserts that he and his companions were not like this at all and God himself is witness. Here again, Paul alludes to the fact that he is responsible to God for his actions and will not act in selfish interest.
Glory (v. 6). Paul and his companions also did not seek the praise of men. They did not seek it from the Thessalonians or from anyone else. They were on a mission to glorify Christ and make him known. It left no room for personal interest. This is not to say that the evangelists had no rights. Paul could have invoked his right as an apostle and demanded to be served and supplied. That he did not is a loud statement of his selflessness.It can be said of Paul that he was driven by the cause of Christ and the desire to make Christ known. What can be said of us?
Your Loving Pastor Chris.