In 1 Thessalonians 1:5-6, Paul shared with the Thessalonian church that he did not have unworthy motives when he and his team went to them and started the church. He did not have any unworthy motives of the Gospel of Christ. These are applicable not only to those who serve in some form of Christian leadership but also to any Christian that is involved in service. Paul was clear that these were not their motives that he nor his team had when they started the church in Thessalonaica.
There are four types of behavior that Paul mentions that are contrary to the Gospel. The Gospel flatly rejects this type of behavior.
1. He didn’t use flattering words to win the favor of others v. 5a
The Thessalonians did not hear from Paul words to win their favor. They did not use soft and pleasant words with the intention of earning their favor. This was something they knew Paul hadn’t done. The purpose of using these words would be win their favor to get from them personal gain. This is a kind of shrewd deception.
How many leaders today do this, both in and out of the church. They use words to win people’s favor so they can then make a profit from people.
2. He was not looking for financial gain (being greedy) v. 5b
Paul could not be accused of deceiving the Thessalonians in search of financial gain (greed). There were some who were accusing Paul of this. So serious was this accusation that Paul says “God is a witness.” At this time there were many people who came to Thessalonaica as traveling preachers teaching all kinds of ideas and philosophies to make money out of people.
Today it’s similar and you can watch “Servants of God” on TV looking for money from people who watch their programs.
I remember once visiting a church where a student of mine was attending. During the offering, there was a call asking for money based on denominations starting from lower denominations up to $100 bills. The man in front promised something tangible in return for this. I thought how ridiculous this was!
Certainly, the church must sustain its ministry, but being greedy seeking financial gain is contrary to God’s truth. The ministry of the church must be transparent in such a way that everything it receives as an offering must be well documented.
3. He did not seek the flattery of men v. 6a
Paul also did not seek flattery from the people in Thessalonaica or elsewhere to seek recognition or personal fame/glory. To seek personal fame/glory would be to rob God of what belongs only to Him. Paul did not seek to be the “Great Apostle Paul” and build his megachurch. Paul did not seek to be the center of attention of the ministry entrusted to him by God.
It’s something that seems to be a pandemic in the United States. Leaders are looking to be famous and recognized. Many are and their followers treat them as if they were Christ’s replacement. Paul rejected this.
This kind of attention does not mean that there is no respect for pastors. There must be. And that’s the other side we abuse too. God’s servant is respected for his calling, position, and character but not flattered to the point of being idolized. I remember when we were young we visited a church. At the time of preaching the pastor entered from the back of the stage and at that moment the church applauded him. He didn’t do anything special. I thought that was weird and honestly, I could sense the pastor’s arrogance.
4. He did not seek to be an economic burden for anyone v. 6b
Paul, as an Apostle of Christ, was worthy to be financially supported by the churches he planted (1 Cor. 9). According to Scripture in 1 Timothy 5:17-18, this right also applies to every pastor who serves full time in the ministry. However, Paul’s custom was not to receive financial help from the church he planted. He didn’t want to be an economic burden on them, and he didn’t want this to be a distraction to share the gospel.
Whatever role we have, we should stay away from flattery, material/financial greed, seeking personal fame/glory and being careful that nothing distracts us from serving and sharing the Gospel of Christ.
