Living for God's Glory, Not Human Approval

In our exploration of 1 Thessalonians 2:5-8, we delve into the profound temptation of seeking glory from people, a challenge that is pervasive and persistent in every culture and era. This temptation is even more common than the pursuit of wealth, as it is a daily struggle for anyone who interacts with others. The desire to be seen in a favorable light, to be praised, and to be approved by others is a powerful force that can lead us away from our true purpose. Paul, in his ministry, utterly renounces this pursuit of human glory, emphasizing that the only commendation worth seeking is from God. The words "Well done, good and faithful servant" from God are the ultimate affirmation, far surpassing any human praise.

Jesus warns against practicing righteousness for the sake of being seen by others, as this leads to a reward that is purely human and fleeting. The true reward comes from God, and it is only when we focus on pleasing Him that we find genuine fulfillment. The danger of seeking human glory is that it can make faith impossible. When we are consumed by the desire for human approval, we cannot fully believe in a Christ who lives solely for the glory of God. This self-centered pursuit blinds us to the truth and makes us untrustworthy.

Paul's approach in Thessalonica was not to seek glory from people but to be gentle and nurturing, like a nursing mother caring for her children. This attitude of burden-lifting rather than burden-adding is a direct result of living for God's glory rather than human praise. It is a call to all of us, especially those in leadership, to examine our motives and ensure that our actions are driven by a desire to honor God and serve others selflessly.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The temptation to seek glory from people is a universal struggle, more common than the pursuit of wealth. It is a daily challenge to resist the desire for human approval and instead focus on seeking commendation from God. [00:43]
• 2. Jesus warns against practicing righteousness to be seen by others, as this leads to a reward that is purely human and temporary. True fulfillment comes from seeking God's approval and living for His glory. [03:25]
• 3. Seeking human glory makes faith impossible. When we are consumed by the desire for human approval, we cannot fully believe in a Christ who lives solely for the glory of God. This self-centered pursuit blinds us to the truth. [07:10]
• 4. Paul exemplifies a life free from the pursuit of human glory, focusing instead on being gentle and nurturing, like a nursing mother. This attitude of burden-lifting is a result of living for God's glory. [11:21]
• 5. Living to be seen by others leads to adding burdens to others rather than lifting them. When we are wrapped up in ourselves, we become a burden to others, rather than a source of support and encouragement. [10:32]
  ** [10:32]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:16] - The Temptation of Glory Seeking
• [01:27] - Paul's Example of Integrity
• [02:23] - Prayer for Freedom from Human Praise
• [02:57] - Commendation from God
• [03:25] - Jesus' Warning on Righteousness
• [04:24] - Giving Without Seeking Praise
• [05:13] - The Danger of Human Reward
• [05:42] - The Love of God and Glory
• [06:12] - Self-Exaltation vs. God's Glory
• [06:54] - Faith and Human Glory
• [07:41] - Authority and Glory
• [08:26] - Truth and Selflessness
• [09:45] - Burden Lifting vs. Burden Adding
• [11:04] - Paul's Gentle Approach

1. 1 Thessalonians 2:5-8
2. Matthew 6:1
3. John 5:44

1. What does Paul emphasize about his approach to ministry in 1 Thessalonians 2:5-8, and how does he contrast it with seeking glory from people? [01:27]
2. According to the sermon, why is the temptation to seek human approval considered more common than the pursuit of wealth? [00:43]
3. How does Jesus' warning in Matthew 6:1 relate to the theme of seeking human glory discussed in the sermon? [03:25]
4. What example does Paul use to describe his nurturing approach in Thessalonica, and how does this relate to living for God's glory? [11:21]

1. How does the desire for human approval impact one's ability to fully believe in Christ, according to the sermon? [07:10]
2. In what ways does seeking human glory make faith impossible, as discussed in the sermon? [07:10]
3. How does Paul's example of being gentle and nurturing serve as a model for leaders in the church today? [11:21]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between self-centered pursuits and the truth of the gospel? [08:42]

1. Reflect on a time when you sought approval from others. How did it affect your relationship with God, and what steps can you take to seek His commendation instead? [02:43]
2. Jesus warns against practicing righteousness to be seen by others. How can you ensure your motives are aligned with seeking God's glory in your daily actions? [03:25]
3. Consider the areas in your life where you might be adding burdens to others rather than lifting them. What changes can you make to be more supportive and encouraging? [10:32]
4. Identify a situation where you were tempted to seek human praise. How can you redirect your focus to living for God's glory in similar situations in the future? [05:13]
5. How can you cultivate an attitude of gentleness and nurturing in your interactions with others, following Paul's example in Thessalonica? [11:21]
6. Reflect on the concept of having an "audience of one" as mentioned in the sermon. How can this mindset transform your approach to work, relationships, and ministry? [05:26]
7. What practical steps can you take this week to break free from the bondage of seeking human praise, especially in areas where you publicly represent Christ? [02:43]