The church at Thessalonica was a very successful church plant of the apostle Paul.
He bragged to other churches of the patience and faith they displayed when going through trials and persecutions (2 Thessalonians 1:4). In 1 Thessalonians 1:7 he declares that their faithfulness to the Lord in the midst of persecution and their diligence in giving out the Gospel was an example for believers all throughout Macedonia and Achaia.
In verse 1 Thessalonians 1:5 he gives us some insight as to how He and his team brought the Gospel to the city of Thessalonica and why they had such great results.
("For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.")
They Articulated the Gospel. "...not in word only..." Although Paul did not just speak the Gospel, he did speak the Gospel. Of course our lives must display the reality of Christ's presence in the life of the believer and the power of the Gospel to, not just save our soul, but to make us new creatures. However, the facts of the Gospel must be communicated for a person to be saved (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). People must clearly understand that Jesus died for their sins, was buried, and rose again according to the Scriptures to be saved. The Devil would have us be silent concerning the Gospel, however, we will not see people saved and lives changed if we do not articulate the Gospel. (Act 4:20, "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.")
The Gave the Gospel Authoritatively. "...but also in power," Paul declared the Gospel with Divine authority and it had a powerful affect on those who heard it. In Acts 14:1 we're told that the disciples "so spake" that a great multitude of Jews and Greeks believed. They spoke with authority. We need to be tactful with the Gospel, but never timid when declaring the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Keep in mind, authoritative preaching is not the same as arrogant preaching. Confident compassion when declaring the Gospel with authority has a powerful effect on those who hear. Our declaration of the Gospel must be with earnestness, confidence, authority, and in the power of God. In Mark 1:22 we're told that Jesus "...taught them as one that had authority..."
They Gave the Gospel with Much Assurance. "..in much assurance..." There was no doubt in Paul's mind as to the truth of the Gospel. He was absolutely convinced that the Gospel was true and would save anyone who believed. There was no doubt in Paul's mind as to the reality and assurance of his own salvation. This was a settled fact. There was no doubt in Paul's mind as to the power of the Gospel to save even the hardest of hearts and the worst of sinners. There was no doubt in Paul's mind as to the tragedy of rejecting the Gospel. Death, Heaven, and Hell were realities the must be faced honestly.
Their Delivery of the Gospel was Authentic. "...as ye know what manner of men we were among you..." Paul continually appealed to the miraculous change in his own lifestyle and behavior to authenticate the truth and power of the Gospel. His life clearly displayed the effect of the Gospel in the life of one who believes it and receives it.
Let's commit ourselves as believers in Jesus Christ to follow Paul's example and give out the Gospel of Jesus Christ boldly and sincerely at home and around the world.
