1 Thessalonians 2:4
“.…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.”
Paul writes, beginning with verse two, “As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God. 3 For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery.....BUT...."
Once again, we note the phrase “not to please man, but to please God”. Paul wrote to the Galatians, “If were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” A strong reminder for all who handle the preaching of His word.
Lets us consider several words from our verse in Thessalonians;
approved,
entrusted
and test.
First please note the English words, approved and test are the same Greek word.
From Helps word Study we learn ~
1381 dokimázō (from 1384/dókimos, "approved") – properly, to try (test) something to show it is acceptable (real, approved); put to the test to reveal what is good (genuine). See 1384 (dókimos).
1381/dokimazō ("to approve by testing") demonstrates what is good, i.e. passes the necessary test. 1381 (dokimazō) does not focus on disproving something (i.e. to show it is bad).
1381 (dokimazō) is commonly used in antiquity for testing metals (see also Prov 8:10, 17:3), i.e. "to test, try (prove)" – like when a precious metal is "proven" genuine (fit).
In sum, 1381 (dokimázō) refers to confirming ("proving") something is genuine, i.e. not overtly to disprove it. It shows something passes the necessary test (scrutiny, examination) – "to prove with a view to approve" (Vine, Unger, White, NT, 22). The Lord often tests people for the purpose of revealing what He approves, as He did with Job (Job 1,2). The Lord does this to make us . . . not break us!
The Father’s examining of our hearts is the testing that approves (or not) every motivation and qualifies us (or not) to be the aroma that speaks “out of God, before God, in Christ.” (2 Cor. 2:14-15)
We know and believe that God’s word is living but does that mean that every word spoken by us is? I am suggesting God’s approval is seen in a tangible way. “This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.” Hebrews 2:4
Entrusted is ~ 4100 pisteúō (from 4102/pístis, "faith," derived from 3982/peíthō, "persuade, be persuaded") – believe (affirm, have confidence).
Entrusting is what comes on the heels of His approval. Having been tested (it is the trying of your faith that produces…) and found faithful you are then found approved and entrusted with speaking His word, on His behalf, in Christ.
Once again, we are faced with our heart’s motivation. I remember years ago being given a list of directives to check before I ministered, not solely on the what but with emphasis on the why. What was the motivation of my heart for those I was standing before? Who did I want to please? I wish I could say it was always the Lord, but from times of insecurity and or fear, the focus was at times on me or others. This is why testing and approving will always be with us. We know God searches our hearts and minds, with the aligning work as unto His approval.
Perfection is never the issue with God, but heart motivation always is. Entrusted with little yet found faithful brings increase. Testing, approving, entrusting is the way of God for His child. Opportunities given begin the approving, testing process and entrusting is further grace given, according to each man’s ability.
If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:11