but even as
we have been approved of God to be intrusted with the gospel, so
we speak; not as pleasing men, but God who proveth our hearts. (ASV)
But even as the good news was given to us by the approval of
God, so we give it out; not as pleasing men, but God by whom our
hearts are tested (BBE)
God's
entrusting depends on His approval by His testing.
The apostles were first tested and approved by God and then were
entrusted by Him with the gospel. Hence, their speaking, the
preaching of the gospel, was not of themselves to please men, but
was of God to please Him.
He proves, examines, and tests their hearts all the time (Ps 26:2;
139:23-24). The word "approved" in 1Th.2:4 implies being
tested. God tested the apostles before He approved them. Based
upon this approvedness, God entrusted them with the gospel. God
did this in a careful way, for He knows our hearts.
According to our opinion, since God already knows everything, it
is not necessary for Him to test us. Yes, before we were born, He
already knew what kind of person we would be. Why, then, does God
test us? God's testing is not mainly for Himself; it is primarily
for us.
God knows us, but we do not know ourselves. Because we do not know
ourselves adequately, we may think that we are upright, honest,
and faithful. However, when we are put to the test, we shall see
what we really are and discover that in ourselves we are not
honest, faithful, or trustworthy. God's testing, therefore, proves
us to ourselves. Only after God proves us in this way shall we
have approvedness.
God cannot entrust anything to us until we have the approvedness
that comes from His testing. God's entrusting is based on our
approvedness. But we cannot approve ourselves. Only after God has
tested us will He grant us approvedness. Then He will entrust
something to us and begin to use us.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me that I need to be tested
because I really don’t know myself. When I see my failures and
weaknesses, may I not become disappointed, but rather turn to You
and gain approvedness.
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