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But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 NKJV
Paul commended the Christians of Thessalonica because when they received the Gospel he'd preached to them, they'd accepted it not merely as a human message but as the powerful Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Paul explained, "My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power" (1 Corinthians 2:4 KJV).
Paul kept his message simple and unadorned. He had a broad and deep knowledge of scripture, as well as of Greek and Jewish cultures, but he said, "I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified" (v2 KJV). He didn't need to resort to fancy oratory, flattery, or trickery to win his listeners over (1 Thessalonians 2:3, 5).
When you share about Christ, let it be not just words but "in demonstration of the Spirit and of power"--by the profound changes God has made in you by the power of the Holy Spirit, by the simple wisdom with which you speak, by the love that permeates your life. Then trust God that your simple, uncomplicated message will speak to your listeners' hearts.
Prayer: God, please help me to keep things simple--to not try to impress people with knowledge or speaking skills, but to trust Your Spirit to convince them.
Paul commended the Christians of Thessalonica because when they received the Gospel he'd preached to them, they'd accepted it not merely as a human message but as the powerful Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Paul explained, "My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power" (1 Corinthians 2:4 KJV).
Paul kept his message simple and unadorned. He had a broad and deep knowledge of scripture, as well as of Greek and Jewish cultures, but he said, "I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified" (v2 KJV). He didn't need to resort to fancy oratory, flattery, or trickery to win his listeners over (1 Thessalonians 2:3, 5).
When you share about Christ, let it be not just words but "in demonstration of the Spirit and of power"--by the profound changes God has made in you by the power of the Holy Spirit, by the simple wisdom with which you speak, by the love that permeates your life. Then trust God that your simple, uncomplicated message will speak to your listeners' hearts.
Prayer: God, please help me to keep things simple--to not try to impress people with knowledge or speaking skills, but to trust Your Spirit to convince them.
