There is one verse of scripture that I often read before praying, studying and preaching. Paul said in 1 Thessalonians, chapter 2, verse 4, “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.” It is always very sobering to me as a preacher of the gospel, to know that the glorious “Gospel of Christ” has been “allowed” (approved) of God to be put in trust with me.” Preaching the Gospel is the greatest honor and privilege that could be bestowed upon a man. Hearing the Gospel is equally such a “PRIVILEGE.” To be “put in trust with the gospel” (entrusted) with the Word of God, is a wonderful honor and a privilege, a gift given unto us by God.
Recently someone who knows me well asked me to do something one evening and then upon quickly realizing that it was Wednesday said, “O I forgot that you HAVE to go to church tonight.” I replied, “No, I don’t have to go. I GET to go, for it is a great privilege to go.” The word “privilege” is defined as a “specific right and freedom granted only to a specific, particular person or group of people.” A privilege is “something regarded as a rare opportunity of bringing a particular pleasure.” Surely preaching and hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified are all those things. Do you count hearing the Gospel a glorious privilege that God has approved and entrusted you with? Or can you take it or leave it? Your answer will reveal a great deal concerning your heart!
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