"Put in Trust With the Gospel"

 

(Last line of picture should be: which trieth our hearts.)

1st.Thessalonians 2:1-4 "For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: 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. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 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."

     In this second chapter, Paul reminds the Thessalonians that hostility against the Gospel of GOD's redeeming grace is to be expected. The message of the Gospel was met "with much contention" (v.2), but that was no surprise because the way of grace has always been opposed by Satan ever since the garden. In our text, Paul explains that the Gospel he preached was attacked in a deceitful effort to discredit the messenger, so he deals with the accusation that questioned his motives and even the authenticity of the message itself. His concern was that the "brethren know" (v.1) the facts -- not for his own vindication but so that GOD's truth would not be maligned.

     The message was "the Gospel of GOD" (v.2) because GOD, not Paul, was the AUTHOR and BENEFACTOR of this free offer of redemption (Romans 3:21-24 pictured above). The fact that the Gospel was unpopular and abrasive to those who rejected it did not make it any less true. Both the Greeks and the Jews were offended by the cross of CHRIST (1st.Corinthians 1:23 pictured above). Something is terribly wrong with the watered-down evangelism of our day wherein "converts" heedlessly continue in their sin or remain unruffled in their apostate church or denomination. This pseudo-Christianity causes no offense and results in no change.

     The message Paul preached was completely true, free of any error ("not of deceit"); it was as pure and holy as the GOD WHO gave it ("not of uncleanness"); it was presented honestly ("not in guile"), that is, Paul did not try to trick the unwary into accepting the Gospel (v.3 pictured above). GOD has entrusted this message to HIS own. Do not be daunted by adverse reactions to your witness for CHRIST; it is GOD, not men, we are to please (v.4 pictured at top of post). DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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