1 Thessalonians 2:2 — "But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict."

To be confident in God is to rely on him and his word. It is not to trust in self at all. This confidence is born by the faithfulness and character of God! He will do all that he says. He will save the elect, and he will use his word and Spirit. Reliance on him is safe, because it's the only hope that we have.

We cannot trust ourselves! We have no ability to make God act. He works because of Jesus Christ, and by faith. Galatians 3:2, 14 - "Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? ... so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith." As we rely on Christ for why God will work, and trust him for it confidently, then he does work! The Spirit comes with power and awakens the dead. Ezekiel 37:10 - "So I prophesied as he commanded me; the breath entered them, and they came to life and stood on their feet, a vast army." There's nothing we can do, but God can work mightily. Charm means nothing, and imitating the Spirit is devilish. If we will be useful and not squander our lives, then we'll rely on God for our salvation and the salvation of others.

Man cannot stop this power, and neither can Satan. We are delighted to be on the winning side with him who has all sufficiency. With his finger, Christ casts out Satan, because all power is his! Luke 11:20 - "But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." Delight yourself in confidence and boldness! Go into the pulpit unafraid. Go absolutely certain that God will use his word for Christ's sake, then speak all of it. Hold back nothing. Say it in love.

Secondly, God looks at the heart. 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." This is the place of sincerity. If we are absolutely confident in God, then it will show.

We will not serve ourselves, nor seek fame and treasure. 1 Thessalonians 2:3, 5-6 - "For our exhortation didn't come from error or impurity or an intent to deceive. ... For we never used flattering speech, as you know, or had greedy motives -- God is our witness -- and we didn't seek glory from people, either from you or from others." We will not manipulate people. Faith purifies our motive, and God sees. Sincerity gets the blessing. The pure in heart see God.

What is your confidence? God will save for his own glory. If so, then seek his glory, and not your own. You are not trying to be a great preacher. You are glorifying a great God. You are not seeking a name. You're manifesting God's name, so that others might be saved. Your reward is from him who sees the heart, and it is thrilling! The reward is peace, and doing good. It is seeing God minister to others, and marveling at their salvation. It is joy in other people's inheritance.

This blessing is freely given. Its root is faith, and its fruit is love. It's pure in motive and clean in its deeds. It's the work of God's Holy Spirit.

Do we have it? Are we driven by faith? Let each one of us examine his heart. Am I trusting Christ, or me? Is making him known my focus, or am I using his name for me?

Thirdly, pure motives make us love people! 1 Thessalonians 2:8 — "So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."

This is the miracle of grace: He transforms self-seeking and self-confident people into God-confident and God-glorifying people who love others. He gives us a heart of concern.

No one can stir this up. No human can produce it. You can't learn this, unless you are bold in Christ and cleansed within. This is generated by faith and its natural product, which is love. Trust yourself, and it is gone. Rely on any other tactic, and it is fake. God makes us love by the confidence that salvation is of the Lord. He strips us of selfishness as we rely on him. We're generous as we trust Christ to supply our needs, knowing that peace and usefulness come from no other place.

Throw away your carnal tactics. Be done with glory seeking. Go to the pulpit and RELY ON GOD. Love will flow from you. This confidence is gentle to others. 1 Thessalonians 2:7 - "Although we could have been a burden as Christ's apostles, instead we were gentle among you, as a nurse nurtures her own children." You will bear good fruit.