I appreciate his words along that line, when so many teachers today are appealing to our egos, to the macho instinct in us. They seem to be bold and uncompromising in their approach, but they manifest every indication of sheer ego, and they disguise it by appearing to be simple teachers of the Word. What they are teaching has a degree of truth to it, but it is mixed with a great deal of error. Tragically, many succumb to that kind of appeal. Fourth, Paul did not promise prosperity in exchange for discipleship.
Some leaders entice followers with the offer of a formula for success and wealth.
This was not Paul's method. He would have nothing to do with these types of appeal. As we will see, he refused even to accept financial support from the Thessalonians, earning his own way as a tentmaker. Finally, Paul did not come to seek fame or status in the eyes of man. He could have taken advantage of his position as an authorized spokesman for Jesus, but he did not want anything for himself.