My God and My Country

Word of God

Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God

Matthew 4:4

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians 2:4

Study notes by Doktor Riktor Von Zhades

4 But as we were allowed of God, that the Gospel should be committed unto us, so we speak, not as they that please men, but God, which approveth our hearts

Brethren:

There is much to be said about the above verse. In the Aramaic translation we read the following; “ as we have been examined by God”. Let that sink in friends. All of us have had our hearts examined by Him. He is indeed the One that knows all the thoughts of men. Knows their emotions, their passions, good or bad. Make note also friends that the Word has been committed unto them to be spread throughout the known world at that time. Now, Webster’s dictionary (Ed 1828), defines the word committed as; Delivered in trust; given in charge [of]. In other words God revealed to them, gave them charge to speak these words, and trusted in them to do the job with much assurance of success.

Now one may speculate, in particular secular scholars that this could be interpreted figuratively. That is to say, well all people are subject to basically the same emotions, and thought processes. It is at face value a reasonable argument. However, God, through His word examines each of us individually. It convicts us of sin, but there is good news, through this exam, the great Physician also heals us of it. There is no place so dark in the minds and hearts of men that the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ cannot penetrate and shine. We read in the old testament that our Creator has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but instead wishes all come to repentance. (Read Ezekiel 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9)

Moving forward we see that Paul and his companions are bold in their speech. They’re unconcerned with speaking to please men, but are indeed concerned with speaking that is pleasing God. They had studied to show themselves approved (Read Romans 14:17-19; 2 Timothy 2:15) and worthy of spreading, (which at that time was considered a radical doctrine), the Gospel.

In summation friends, let us henceforth go forward using these men as examples of courage and boldness. Speaking the Word of the Gospel in order that all men receive the light of it.