Tested and Approved

Introduction. (1 Thessalonians 2:1-6) Paul describes his first coming to Thessalonica. We know some about what he means in verse two that he was “spitefully treated at Philippi” (Acts 16:16-40)—he was imprisoned and beaten. This didn’t stop him from preaching, instead he was bold. I’d like for us this morning to focus on verse four. We’ll note five things about it that can teach us this morning.

I. “We have been approved by God” (4a).

A.      Paul, as an apostle was “approved” in a special way, but all Christians should strive to be approved by God.

1.      We might think that this is something we cannot influence one way or another—either we are approved, or we are not approved—right? Not exactly. Being approved is a state determined by God but how does this state come about?

2.      Note the meaning of the word—“Approved” dokimazo “to test, examine, prove, scrutinize (to see whether a thing is genuine or not)” (Thayer).

3.      This is not self-approval or the approval of men—it is whom the Lord “commends” or “approves” (2 Corinthians 10:17-18).

B.      We can live in such a way that we are approved by God.

1.      We must “be diligent” to present ourselves “approved to God” (2 Timothy 2:15). Part of this involves knowledge of God’s word. But also application of God’s word.

2.      We apply it in resisting temptation (James 1:12). This presents us “approved” that we might receive the “crown of life.”

II. “To be entrusted with the gospel” (4b). Specifically, Paul was approved to be “entrusted with the gospel.”

A.      Paul’s duty to preach the gospel was a “stewardship” with which he had been entrusted (1 Corinthians 9:16-17).

1.      It was a “necessity” but he did not resent it—this “stewardship” is what prevented him from being able to boast that he had chosen it—he had figured it out—he had come up with the gospel himself.

2.      It was the wisdom and mercy of God that conceived of the wonder of the gospel.

B.      We too must see the gospel as a treasure entrusted to us.

1.      Paul called it “the glorious gospel” (1 Timothy 1:11).

2.      John speaks of it as “the everlasting gospel” (Revelation 14:6).

3.      In the gospel “life” and “immortality” are “brought to light” (2 Timothy 1:10).

4.      In the gospel “the power of God” unto “salvation” is revealed (Romans 1:16).

5.      If we know these things it is a trust we are given of a treasure that we must share with others.

III. “Even so we speak” (4c). Notice (what might seem obvious)—Paul spoke the gospel. We usually think of this a little different—we more commonly speak of spreading the gospel by “preaching.”

A.      Preaching is just a form of speaking.

1.      Jesus “began to preach and to say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’” (Matthew 4:17).

2.      He commanded “preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

B.      What is the difference?

1.      Preaching is a more formal and public announcement. Kerusso “to be a herald, to officiate as a herald” (Thayer).

2.      Women cannot preach in the church (1 Corinthians 14:34-35), or over men (1 Timothy 2:12).

3.      But all Christians are to speak the gospel—Priscilla with Aquila spoke to Apollos “the way of God” (cf. Acts 18:26).

•         If we treasure the gospel we will talk about it.

•         If we recognize that we are entrusted with this treasure we will talk about it.

IV. “Not as pleasing men” (4d).

A.      It is foolish to seek favor before men.

1.      Some don’t follow Christ because of this (John 12:42-43).

2.      It is the judgment of God that matters (1 Cor. 4:1-5).

B.      We should work “what is well pleasing in His sight” (Hebrews 13:21).

1.      Paul made it his aim to be “well pleasing to Him” (2 Cor. 5:9).

2.      Children who obey their parents act in a way that is “well pleasing to the Lord” (Colossians 3:20).

3.      Christians should not offer partial service—we must be “fully pleasing” to Him (Colossians 1:10).

V. “But God who tests our hearts” (4e).

A.      God does not tempt man to sin (James 1:13-15).

B.      He does test the hearts and lives of men

1.      The restrictions about gathering manna were given—“that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not” (Exod. 16:4).

2.      The Israelites were to wander in the wilderness—“to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not” (Deut. 8:2).

3.      He did this, “that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end” (Deut. 8:16).

4.      Some nations remained in Canaan—“that He might test Israel by them, to know whether they would obey the commandments of the LORD, which He had commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses” (Judges 3:4).

C.      We may grow discouraged by this testing at times.

1.      Job felt as if God tested him “every moment” (Job 7:17-20).

2.      God tests His people out of love for them (Psalm 11:4-7).

3.      His tests determine our judgment (Jeremiah 17:10).

Conclusion. Are you approved by God? Do you speak and live in accordance with the gospel? Are you concerned with pleasing God or men? How are you doing on the test of life? The final exam is coming—are you ready?