2.2 A FAITHFUL MINISTER IN CONTRAST WITH FALSE MESSENGERS (1 Thessalonians 2:3)

The true messenger of Christ will always stand out in vivid contrast to the false teacher or false prophet.

1 Thessalonians 2:3 "For our exhortation did not come from deceit."

"The Greek word is 'paraklesis' - the act of calling towards or hither to help, begging, and also of exhortation, encouragement toward virtue. The entire Scripture is actually a 'paraklesis' an exhortation or admonition or encouragement, for the purpose of strengthening and establishing the believer's possession of redemption (See Romans 15:4 and Philippians 2:1, Hebrews 12:5 and 13:22 , the purpose which is to strengthen faith). Paul speaks of his preaching of the gospel as 'paraklesis' in 1 Thessalonians 2:2-3." Lexicon aids to N.T. Spiros Zodhiates

Exhortation and consolation and comfort are ministered through the prophetic gift of prophesying (1 Corinthians 14:3 ). Both Paul and Silas were prophets and spoke messages by Holy Spirit utterance. Much of their preaching would be of that kind. There is great need for more of Holy Spirit 'paraklesis' in preaching today.

He affirmed the message was not error. The gospel preached was not a delusion. We are not guilty of deceiving because we were deceived, or misdirecting because misdirected. No, he preached Jesus the Truth and the Way. Therefore the message came with the force of truth and the fervour of truth - the application of truth by faith saved his hearers.

1 Thessalonians 2:3 "For our message did not come from ... uncleanness."

The word "uncleanness" may be taken in its use here in the sense of impure motives, teaching for love of personal gain. Elymas the sorcerer was of that type.

Acts 13:8-11 "But Elymas the sorcerer ...withstood them,... Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, "O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord?... You shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time."

It may also be applied to those who, unclean in their hearts under a pretence of spiritual motive, lead others into sinful practices. Others have an outer semblance of godliness. They take advantage of "gullible women loaded with sins" (2 Timothy 3:5-7 ). Therefore so changeable of mind that they easily accept wrong teaching that fits their sinful practices. We are told to turn away from such false teachers. The true messenger of God seeks the glory of Christ (2 Corinthians 8:23 ), emphasises a life of purity (1 Corinthians 6:18). He is out to win the lost (1 Corinthians 9:19-22 )., and defends the truth of the gospel (Philippians 1:16, Jude 3 ).

1 Thessalonians 2:3 "Nor was it in guile."

The message was communicated without attempts to adjust it to the views and opinions of men. It confronted head on the prevailing dogmas of the age, whether Jewish or Gentile, with no attempt at cunning craftiness - no manoeuvres to avoid the issues. The testimony of the faithful minister is

2 Corinthians 4:2 "But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God."

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Do you think there are those who minister from impure motives today, as in Paul's day?
   • What are the pure motives of a true messenger?
   • What motivates your service?