Men of God Should Not Flatter

1 Thessalonians 2:3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
4 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.
5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

The Devil works through flattery, but God works through truth. For this reason, the apostle Paul clearly articulated that he did not use words of flattery or operate with a motive of covetousness. God’s men were not assigned the task of pleasing others, rather they were assigned the task of preaching the unadulterated truth of God. Today, men of God are not called to say things that please men, but those things that please the Master who called them into the ministry. Using the pulpit to express flattery cheapens the authority of the preaching and clouds the minds of the hearers. In a day when seminary students are more schooled on the finer arts of secular humanism than biblical doctrines, the church desperately needs a remnant of men standing in the pulpits unapologetically preaching the truth.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children): Four hundred false prophets told king Ahab what he wanted to hear – that the Lord would help him win an upcoming battle. However, Micaiah, a true man of God, was urged by all to agree with them. Even though Micaiah knew Ahab hated him, he spoke the truth. He told them that Ahab would die in battle and his army would be defeated.

(For everyone): Have you ever heard a preacher seek to flatter his audience? How does this harm those who hear his preaching? Do you think people seek preachers who will flatter them? How does this harm the preacher and the hearers?

(For everyone): Why is it so important that our pulpits be filled with preaching of the truth? When was the last time you prayed that God would give your preacher boldness?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Pray for boldness for the men of God.

Ask God to help you despise flattery from the pulpit.

SONG

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