If you have accepted. Christ as your Savior then you have been entrusted with something very special: the Gospel.
The "gospel" means "good news"
The "good news" we are to share is the story of the Savior, Jesus, and how he saves us from eternal separation from God.
Psalm 96:2-4 Sing to the LORD; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods.
Paul took this entrusted mission very seriously and was always mindful that his ultimate goal was to honor God:
“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.” (v4)
In this chapter, Paul discloses some of the attributes and values he embraced when sharing the gospel with others.
1. He considered his time invested in others to be valuable and worth risk and hardship.
“For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 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.” ( v1-2)
2. He valued honesty and truth.
“For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive,” (v3)
3. He did not seek personal attention or gain.
“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.. (v5-6)
4. He showed those he discipled parental guidance and affection.
“But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children." (v7)
“For you know how, like a father with his children we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” (v 11-12)
5. He realized that his most valuable earthly accomplishment would be represented by each lost soul who gained eternal life.
“For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.” (v19-20)
Like Paul, our earthly mission is to share the gospel, investing our time and talents in others to glorify God. Ask God to give you a passionate, affectionate, loving heart that truly cares about the eternal well being of others.