For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. 3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. 11 For you know how, like a father with his children, 12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Test everything; hold fast what is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21) The word often overlooked in this passage is “everything.” The specific context refers to the proper use of the gift of prophecy. To get the context let’s look at the entire thought.

 Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. 

1 Thessalonians 5:19-21

The Thessalonian church struggled with how to use the gift of prophecy. Some folks there would have preferred to avoid the gift, much like cessationists today. In contrast, others were enthusiastic about the gift of prophecy, much like the out-of-control charismatics today. I don’t mean to imply all charismatics are “out of control.” In fact, that is a misperception many cessationists have, assuming all charismatics/Pentecostals are out of control. So, this passage about testing everything refers to the discerning operation of the gift of prophecy.

I want to broaden the application of the principle since Paul said to test everything. Today’s passage of Scripture, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12, describes what Paul did and did not do in his ministry at Thessalonica. There are some excellent lessons here for ministers and those who choose to submit to this ministry or that one.

Paul identifies three accusations that were not the springboard for his ministry.

  • Error
  •  Impurity, or
  •  Deceit

Then he lists another three motives that did not apply to him.

  • Words of flattery to gain favor
  •  Greed
  •  Glory from man

Those are all negative characteristics.

Next, Paul identifies three positive attributes that he did demonstrate to the Thessalonians.

  • Holy
  •  Righteous
  •  Blameless

Apparently, Paul’s adversaries were putting out misinformation, claiming he was in error, lived an impure life, and was deceitful in his teaching. He was also accused of puffery to win their favor; his motive was to get money or other financial advantage and finally to manifest a narcissistic tendency to gain approval from the Thessalonians. In other words, it was all about Paul, according to his detractors.

Those in leadership positions, whether in the church or not, should take good stock of the first six characteristics and ask yourselves whether you are manifesting any of those negative characteristics. If you see any of these in yourself, it would be a good time to practice repentance.

These characteristics are standards against which we “congregants” are to test our church leadership. We are to test everything and hold on to what is good. Does your Pastor meet the standard of holiness, righteousness, and blamelessness? Let me be real; I don’t mean utter perfection; otherwise, we would all be without a Pastor. Is the primary thrust of his life toward holiness, righteousness, and blamelessness? If not, “Houston, we have a problem.”.

We all know of “ministers” who have a manifestly greedy character. They do what they do to get more people into their ministry, exuding generosity that will ultimately benefit the minister. The ones who have to drive the finest luxury automobile, fly their own private jets, wear the latest designer clothing, and live in a mansion in a gated community or private estate. That kind of lifestyle doesn’t reflect the values manifested by Paul. In fact, Paul made it a point to not demonstrate that kind of greed.

If you are following a person’s ministry manifesting significant error, impurity, deceit, flattery, greed, or need of glory from man (any of these characteristics, not all of them), you should consider separating yourself from that ministry. There are lots of them. This kind of leadership will bring destruction eventually. I not only know this from Biblical wisdom but also from decades of observation.

When you discover a minister/ministry that exudes holiness, righteousness, and blamelessness, hold on to what is good. There are also lots of these kinds of ministers and ministries.

Be discerning and choose wisely. It will impact the rest of your life and that of your family.