Power of the Gospel

1 Thessalonians 1:4-5

“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.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5NASB 95

The first law of motion is that everything is at rest and stays at rest until something compels it to change. People often speak of the need for change. Changes in government, education, and societal issues are the most common areas. The question that must be considered is whether there is anything that can cause true, lasting change. The apostle Paul indicated to the Thessalonians that the gospel could produce this type of change. What made him say this?

Paul believed that the gospel of Jesus Christ had the transformative power to make true change in people's lives who believed in it. In 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5, Paul indicated that he was certain that the believers were the elect of God. How could he be so sure? When Paul visited Thessalonica, he did not use “simply” words when presenting the gospel. The apostle Paul stated that the gospel came in great power (dynamei), which refers to the inward power the Lord had given them. 

“If the truth spoken is not accompanied by the power of God, it accomplishes nothing. But when empowered by God as it enters the prepared soul, the gospel truth saves.”[1] 

It is important to remember that Paul knew that he was weak and that God’s power made him strong. On his own, he would not be able to accomplish what the Lord had for him. Years later, Paul still held firm to the understanding of the gospel power as described in Romans 1:16.

“This gospel had been preached with words, yet not merely by words but with the power, in the inherent, supernatural power of the gospel as energized by the Holy Spirit.”[2]

The church often looks to use worldly methods and strategies to produce true, lasting change. Paul reminds us that the gospel has a divine power behind it to cause true change. It is not just words, but the power of the Holy Spirit that brings about change that cannot be produced otherwise. How has the gospel changed you?

 Lord, thank you that the gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to change others. Help my words to be led by the Holy Spirit when I share Christ with others. Thank you for the transformative power of the gospel in my own life. Amen.

[1]The MacArthur New Testament Commentary. 1 & 2 Thessalonians, pg. 22.

[2]The Moody Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians, pg. 1880.

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