“But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts“
But as we have been approved by God
The word “approved” means to test with a view to approving, to assay. The Greeks used this term for testing metals to see if they meet the standards. Paul uses the word for approving after distinguishing and discerning.
“…that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ…” (Philippians 1:10).
Principle:
God tests believers to approve their handling of the gospel.
Application:
God tests us to see if He can trust us with the gospel. He scrutinizes what we do with the gospel to find out whether we are genuine. He uses people who are credible with the gospel. What a high honor for God to trust us with the gospel!!
