Topical Bible: Flattery: Ministers should not Use

◄ Flattery: Ministers should not Use ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Flattery, in the context of Christian ministry, is the act of giving excessive and insincere praise, often to further one's own interests. The Bible provides clear guidance on the use of flattery, particularly emphasizing that ministers and leaders within the church should avoid it. Flattery is seen as deceitful and contrary to the truth of the Gospel, which calls for sincerity and integrity in all interactions.

Biblical Warnings Against Flattery

The Scriptures consistently warn against the use of flattery, highlighting its potential to deceive and lead people astray. Proverbs 26:28 states, "A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin." This verse underscores the destructive nature of flattery, equating it with falsehood and harm.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul provides a model for Christian ministry that eschews flattery. In 1 Thessalonians 2:5 , Paul writes, "As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness." Here, Paul emphasizes that his ministry was marked by honesty and transparency, free from manipulative speech.

The Dangers of Flattery in Ministry

Flattery can be particularly dangerous in a ministry context because it can lead to the distortion of the Gospel message. Ministers who use flattery may prioritize pleasing people over speaking the truth, which can result in a compromised message. Galatians 1:10 warns against seeking the approval of people rather than God: "Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."

Furthermore, flattery can create an environment where individuals are more concerned with their own status and influence rather than serving others in humility. This is contrary to the example set by Jesus, who taught His disciples to serve one another selflessly (Mark 10:43-45).

Integrity and Truth in Ministry

Ministers are called to uphold the truth of the Gospel with integrity, avoiding any form of deceit, including flattery. Ephesians 4:15 encourages believers to "speak the truth in love," which involves being honest and sincere in all communication. This approach fosters genuine relationships and builds up the body of Christ.

The Apostle Peter also exhorts leaders to shepherd the flock willingly and eagerly, not for personal gain or through manipulative means (1 Peter 5:2-3). This instruction aligns with the broader biblical mandate for leaders to be examples of godly character and to lead with humility and sincerity.

In summary, the Bible clearly instructs ministers to avoid flattery, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness and integrity in all aspects of ministry. By adhering to these principles, ministers can faithfully represent the Gospel and foster a community built on trust and genuine love.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Thessalonians 2:5
For neither at any time used we flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

the Use of Humiliation
... in complimenting, and skilled in flattery above the ... preacheth self-denial and
mortification should practice these ... the Master's use.' But ministers are doubly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 - the use.htm

Of the Discipline of the Church, and Its Principal Use in Censures ...
... anything in their courts but mere flattery, the more ... apostles afterwards, when they
appointed ministers to churches ... and confess their humility, why should we in ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 12 of the discipline.htm

The Making of the King James Version; Its
... Andrew Melville, one of the Scotch ministers, had plucked ... James, with its absurd
and fulsome flattery, shows what ... version of the Scripture we should know what ...
/.../mcafee/study of the king james bible/lecture ii the making of.htm

Chapter twenty-six
... Is it then such a tremendous event that two Christian ministers should be not ... that
two such men, so prominent in the ministry, should leave their ... "Flattery! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twenty-six.htm

The Temptation of Christ
... And supposing Satan should be permitted to ... of Christ's people and ministers been
continued and ... by corruption, bribery, extortion, cringing, flattery, or bowing ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the temptation of christ.htm

Laboring under Difficulties
... He desired to teach young ministers that by working ... limited experience may be spoiled
by flattery, and by ... extension of the work of God should not be consumed ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 33 laboring under difficulties.htm

Friends, or Quakers.
... of the heathen, originated in their flattery or superstition ... to themselves, called
meetings of ministers and elders ... if the exercise of discipline should in some ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/friends or quakers.htm

Who is the Rich Man that Shall be Saved?
... as the gifts of God; and ministers from them ... without fear, without hypocrisy, without
flattery, without pretence. ... If one should escape the superfluity of riches ...
/.../clement/who is the rich man that shall be saved/who is the rich man.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii.
... priest dread most of all his neighbours and fellow-ministers. ... And if he should ever
happen to visit more ... stigmatized with a character for fawning and flattery. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 3.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... Flattery, beauty of pretended religion, false witnessing and ... Verse 8 speaks sadly
against ministers that withdraw from ... Should they not then far less employ them ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm