“But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel,
even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.”
(1 Thessalonians 2:4)
As a consequence of the Fall, the fellowship man enjoyed with God in the Garden was severed. But our Creator did not leave us without remedy. Instead, He provided the means of reconciliation through the ministry of the Gospel, appointing men to speak on His behalf. And as we see in this passage in 1 Thessalonians, these God-appointed ministers are entrusted to deliver what they have received.[1]
Moreover, their task is not to please men, but to teach faithfully before God, for the message of the gospel is not shaped by human preference nor softened to avoid offense. Rather, it is delivered under divine authority which means that its acceptance or rejection carries eternal consequence.
Still, the human heart often resists these truths, preferring messages that affirm rather than confront, that comfort rather than convict. This preference primarily shows a desire for human approval over divine truth. And when the heart seeks to be pleased rather than corrected, it is a form of rebellion.
The same tendency can be seen in the treatment of those who bring the message. The office of the ministry, though established by Christ, is often disregarded or despised. So to receive the messenger is to acknowledge the One who sent him, and to reject him is to reject the message and the authority behind it.
This resistance extends inwardly as well. Even when the Word is heard, the heart may seek to adjust it, interpret it selectively, or apply it in a way that avoids personal conviction. In other words, the conscience can be stirred while the will resists change. This desire to maintain control over one’s life conflicts with the call to submit fully to God.
As believers, we are called to submit to the Word as it is given, to receive it with reverence, and to apply it with sincerity. This requires a heart that is willing to be examined and corrected by actively engaging with the truths of Scripture. As God alone sees and judges rightly, we must submit to His authority so that we are found to be faithfully pleasing God instead of men.
Contemplations:
- Confession of Pleasing Others. Lord, I confess that I have often sought the approval of men more than Your approval. I have shaped my words and actions to avoid discomfort rather than to uphold truth. Forgive me for this misplaced priority, and teach me to live before Your face, seeking only to please You.
- Neglect of the Word. Gracious God, I confess that I have not always received Your Word with the seriousness it deserves. I have heard it with divided loyalty, applied it selectively, and resisted its correction. This is a failure to honor Your authority. Grant me a heart that receives Your instruction humbly and responds in obedience.
- Resistance to Correction. Lord, I confess that when confronted with truth, I have been slow to change and quick to justify myself. This hardens my heart and distances me from You. Forgive me, and ready my heart to receive Your correction.
- Failure in Sincerity. Father, I realize that my outward actions have not always reflected a sincere heart. I have appeared faithful in duties while holding onto divided motives within. But You see beyond appearances and judge the heart. Cleanse me from this hypocrisy and replace it with integrity before You.
Prayer (Confession)
Most holy and searching God, You entrusted the gospel to be declared in truth, yet I have often approached it with a divided mind. I sought comfort where I should have sought correction, and approval where I should have sought obedience. This reveals that my heart has not been fully submitted to You.
I have allowed myself to be influenced by the opinions of others more than by Your truth. I have feared rejection and avoided speaking or acting in ways that might make me uncomfortable. But in doing so I have placed the judgment of men above Your authority. Forgive me for this sin, and teach me to live with a greater awareness of Your presence.
Lord, I often take lightly the message delivered through Your Word, and at times have disregarded those who bring it faithfully. This is not only a neglect of the messenger but a rejection of the message itself. Forgive me for this failure, and grant me a renewed respect for Your truth.
And though I know You try the heart, I often avoid honest self-reflection. I have justified my actions and excused my motives, rather than submitting them to Your judgment. This has allowed sin to remain and grow. Forgive this resistance, and grant me the courage to face the truth about myself.
Lord, I also confess the insincerity that has marked my life. My outward actions have not always matched the condition of my heart. I have spoken rightly while thinking wrongly, acted as I should while feeling otherwise. Cleanse me from this hypocrisy, and establish me in integrity.
I know that I cannot correct these things by my own strength. I need Your grace to change my heart and align my desires with Your will. Apply the work of Christ to my soul, that I may be forgiven and renewed.
Grant me a heart that seeks to please You above all else. Let me receive Your Word with reverence, respond to it with obedience, and live in a way that reflects Your truth. Remove every competing desire that draws me away from You, and fix my heart upon Your will.
Receive my confession, Lord, and deal with me according to Your mercy.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Further Scripture References for 1 Thessalonians 2:4:
Galatians 1:10; Romans 8:27; Psalm 17:3; Jeremiah 17:10
[1] John Flavel, The Method of Grace, (London: M. White, for Francis Tyton .., 1681), 47-50.
