Approved by God (part 1)

1 Thessalonians 2:1-16

This was the revealed Word by the apostle to the people.

The Gospel is the greatest help we can give someone.

If people know Jesus Christ, our nation will change.  Nothing else can save except Jesus Christ.  Romans 1:16  Tell people about Jesus.  

The Thessalonians heard the message and accepted it the Word of God.  He asks the believers how they conducted themselves when they heard the message.

Qualities/standard of those who brought the message of Jesus:

1.  They were committed to Jesus Christ and God's people. (Acts 16 - they bore the results of what happened in Philippi). Do we truly believe in the Gospel?
2.  They were approved by God as opposed to being approved by man.  They were not self appointed servants  /workers.  This was evident by the way they came.  God can defend the Gospel.  We are to presentthe Gospel.   God is big enough to defend the Gospel.   We are to be honest.  They came simply with the message they believed.   They were conscious of the responsibility they had.  Some people use the gispel for their own ends.  It is shameful to do so.  It is not for our gain to present message of Jesus Christ.  True servants of God recognize their responsibility.

We are God's sincere messengers.  Numbers are important but attitude is more important.   Present the message God will take care of numbers. 

Sometimes people want to be man pleasers.  If you set out to please man you will please some people some of the time but not all the time.

The apostles did not use their authority to hinder people from hearing the gospel.  Their position as entrusted by God to present gospel was not used for personal gain.

Christ who is center of gospel.  We want people to put their faith in Jesus Christ.

Jeremiah 23:16-22 - woe to those who speak on their own authority.  We are to be approved by God.

God appoints the leaders and its his message.