"For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake." 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5
Question 7: How can we know that the Thessalonians had been chosen by God?
Do you see it? It was the message of the gospel that came “not only in word” but it also came “in power” and in the “Holy Spirit” and with “full conviction.” Friend, the message of the cross is not a weak insurance policy to “keep you from God’s wrath” or to “get you into heaven.” NO! It is power that comes to radically change the human heart. This was the first message the Holy Spirit spoke through Peter.
Look now with me to see the results of what happened to the Thessalonians upon hearing the message of the gospel.
"And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere so that we need not say anything." 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8
Friend, the Thessalonians became “imitators” of those who shared the gospel message, and of the Lord Himself! They received the message in much affliction and yet with joy in the Holy Spirit. This is what happens to those who hear and believe the message of the cross. Their lives are changed from serving idols to imitating the messengers, so much so that they themselves have “became examples” to ALL the believers in Macedonia and Achaia!
Wow! Are you seeing the gospel’s power to change? And finally, in verse 8, we see that the Thessalonians' faith has gone forth everywhere! Oh, friend, this is the hope and power of the gospel that changes the life and direction of those who receive the message, “for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit.”
"For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come." 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
Question 8: When the gospel came in the power of the Spirit, what were the results when the Thessalonians received the word in verse 9?
Do you want to know how to become free from the idols of impurity, gluttony, laziness, depression, and more? The gospel is so powerful when preached and taught that it “turns us to God” and “from idols.”
For additional thoughts and information on this lesson, watch this video of Erick Hurt and Mike Cleveland discussing this lesson.