Resisting Fear
Resisting Fear "Did Paul cleverly deceive us"? That might have been the question that kept hounding the Thessalonians. The first chapter of Paul's letter to the Thessalonians was meant to encourage and praise their pursuit of God . But there is a hint of defensiveness in Paul's words. For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with with much contention. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 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. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of yo...