1 Thessalonians 1:4-6 NAS, “Knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit.”
The gospel is beautiful. The message of Jesus Christ is more than spoken words. When we hear the word “gospel” most of us think of a verbal communication or even the Scriptures themselves. The gospel of Jesus Christ goes beyond the Word of God in Scripture, and represents God interacting with the human condition through the power of the holy spirit. We can say this with confidence because Paul did. He tells us right here in 1 Thessalonians 1:5 that “the gospel did not come to you in word only.” This statement informs us that there is more to the gospel than words. The gospel in its true light is the power of God unto salvation to those who believe (Romans 1:16).
The message in 1 Thessalonians 1:4-6 is often used to show what genuine “ministering” or a genuine “minister” looks like. Take a look at verse 4 one more time. If we read directly into verse 5 from the idea there of being “chosen by God,” we quickly realize that these verses are talking about what it looks like when God chooses people, calling them to Himself. When the gospel is spoken, bringing power with it, when the holy spirit and much conviction are present, we see God choosing people for Himself in a most remarkable fashion. When the gospel comes forward in all its power there is joy amidst affliction through the holy spirit.
Take some time to pray and listen to what God has to say to you. How can we bring the gospel of Jesus Christ deeper into our communities and neighborhoods? What new idea can we initiate to show “Jesus to the World”? Consider the simple video below and get your imagination stoked. Talk amongst your friends who also follow Jesus and see if they have a fresh vision in their hearts. Working in community under a new revelation to make Jesus Christ known can be the starting point for some of the most exciting times of our lives.