1. MMCC Pasig Region Sunday Lesson “Deep Convictions” Series APPROVED BY GOD (BASED ON 1 THESS 2:4)

2. 1Thess 2:4 On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. The word “approved” is literally, “tested”. THE APOSTLES AS “APPROVED”

3. 1Thess 2:4-6 ESV …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. For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed- -God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ APPROVED, SO…

4.  The apostles were could have been corrupted. They could have compromised the gospel. But they did not.  Why? They wanted to please God.  Being approved by God is about pleasing God (not men) who tests our hearts.

5. 2Tim 2:20-21 CEV In a large house some dishes are made of gold or silver, while others are made of wood or clay. Some of these are special, and others are not. That's also how it is with people. The ones who stop doing evil and make themselves pure will become special (dedicated). Their lives will be holy and pleasing to their Master, and they will be able to do all kinds of good deeds. PLEASING TO GOD  USEFUL TO GOD

6.  At work, when everybody’s gossiping or when someone cracks a green joke, how do you respond?  What do you do when your boss asks you to lie?  What if a friend or co-worker offers you a shady deal?  In the fellowship, do you mean it when you say “I’ll pray for you”? CASE STUDIES: TESTED AND APPROVED?

7.  Do you strive to be open with temptations and sin even when it’s hard?  In marriage, when you have to be honest with your spouse, do you speak the truth?  In parenting, when your child does something bad in public, are you more concerned of what people will think?  When your in-laws disapprove of discipline, what do you do?  In your finances, do you follow the worldly patterns, or keep in mind spiritual investments? CASE STUDIES: TESTED AND APPROVED?

8.  When we seek God’s approval, we allow him to test us.  When we please God, the more he will use us! I’ve seen this all over the ICOC.  May be LORD BE WITH US as we strive to do this.

9. MMCC Pasig Region Sunday Lesson “Deep Convictions” Series APPROVED BY GOD (BASED ON 1 THESS 2:4)