Paul’s Conduct Was Never Questionable
July 18, 2021
Commentary
From what Paul says he was evidently being charged with having questionable conduct (v. 3). In this verse he denies three allegations:
His message was not deceptive – “Not of deceit.” Since the beginning of Christianity there have been false teachers and this is still true today. Examples of this would be Christian Science (which is neither Christian nor Science), Mormonism, the Watchtower society (Jehovah Witness), the Moonies etc. Paul received this Gospel from God and not from man. His motivation was not impure, but clean – “Not of Uncleanness." It is possible to preach the right message with the wrong motives (Philippians 1:14-19). There have been well known Christian leaders today who have been exposed for various types of sensuality and sexual sin. On the surface they appear to be speaking out against sin while it is an only smoke screen to cover up their own sin. Paul’s motives were pure.His method did not use trickery – “Not in guile.” Paul did not trap people into some kind of religious system. Salvation does not come through some clever argument or subtle presentation. It is the result of God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit (1:5).In trying to persuade people we may be tempted to alter our position just enough to make our message more palatable. Paul never changed his message to make it more acceptable. He was not looking for the praise of men (v. 4). If he had been seeking self-glorification, there would certainly have been better ways to obtain it than the life endangering things he went through.
Application
What are some safeguards I can take to keep my message clear, my motivations pure and my methods above reproach?
1 Thessalonians 2:3– 4 (NET)
3 For the appeal we make does not come from error or impurity or with deceit, 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we declare it, not to please people but God, who examines our hearts.
Illustration: Scripture Used in Marriage Proposal
From Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Rev. David Thomas Wright courted and won Frances Elliott, of Kansas City, by cabling the verse numbers of Biblical passages. He proposed with Genesis 12:1. She accepted with Ruth 1:16. He confirmed the proposal with Ruth 1:17.And Miss Elliott bought her ticket for Port Elizabeth. (Encyclopedia of Illustrations – #1960).