A pretext for greed…

We can’t ignore it because sadly, there are those who preach the gospel of Jesus for their own ends. Many Christians have seen and learnt through first hand experiences, that the sad truth is that there are those who preach the gospel under a pretext of greed and exploit people for money who are desperately in need and seeking answers. Preying on the vulnerable.

This is also not a new thing as there is teaching by Jesus and in the New Testament letters to the churches to warn us about those who will show themselves to be wolves in sheep’s clothing.

So how do we protect ourselves and not get drawn into their wrong influence and under their ministry. What about if we are already drawn in but haven’t yet recognised the signs that something is not right.

Below are some behaviours highlighted by the Apostle Paul which warn us of the type of behaviour to be expected from such people whose true intention is not to preach the gospel.

This is what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians: emphasis below is mine.

For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not intending to please people, but to please God, who examines our hearts. For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is our witness— nor did we seek honor from people, either from you or from others, though we could have asserted our authority as apostles of Christ.
1Thess 2.3-6/NASB

There are some clear warning signs from Paul of contrary behaviours to look out for and some questions we can ask ourselves:

1. Flattery..the act of praising someone in an insincere way because you want something from them. Flattery is the smokescreen to someone’s true intentions. Is the person a flatterer? Do they come across as genuine or insincere in what they say.
2. Greed….Flattery can be the smokescreen to greed. Is there an unhealthy focus on material blessings and wealth. Is there a flaunting of wealth which births greed in others. Are they constantly asking you for money. Do they make you feel guilty or worried if you don’t give to the ministry or that your prayers won’t be answered if you don’t give or buy something.
3. Top Dog..is there evidence of wanting to be highly regarded, important and seeking recognition from others. Is there ego and superiority in evidence. Is there boastful behaviour in evidence. How do they describe themselves or hold themselves out to be…is it a self-appointment or a God appointment. Would you describe the person as humble?
4. People pleasers…is the teaching just tickling the ears of the listeners, entertaining, full of the speaker’s “spiritual” experiences rather than deep biblical truths. Is there a one-dimensional focus on one aspect of the gospel or on one characteristic of God. Is there teaching on the realities or being a follower of a Jesus which will lead to persecution, suffering, hardship and what is expected as a disciple of Jesus.
5. Error…is the teaching biblically sound and the doctrine correct. Is the Word of God presented accurately or is there a manipulation of scripture to suit the speaker’s purposes. Is reading the Bible for yourself and weighing and testing encouraged or is there a culture of fear and betrayal in daring to challenge or raising concerns. Is the expression “Don’t touch God’s anointed” being abused. Are you expected to accept everything taught as being true without testing.
6. Impurity and Deceit…is there evidence they are living a Godly life. Is what is being presented as their lifestyle in keeping with how believers are called to live their lives. Is there evidence of hypocrisy.

The Apostle Paul goes on to say: emphasis mine.

“For you recall, brothers and sisters, our labor and hardship: it was by working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, that we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how devoutly and rightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
1 Thessalonians 2. 9-12

My last question is this..how does your leader look after you as one of his flock. Do they act like a spiritual parent to you in the way Paul describes or are you just a means to an end to satisfy their own greed and desires.