“For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance” “…Your faith toward God has gone out,” “how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” (I Thess1:1-10).
Testimony
What a testimony! Their testimony began with individual Christians. If you profess you have been born again, know you have eternal life and you expect Christ to return, then you will be a testimony! If your life has not changed, then it is time to examine your profession of faith!!
Jesus changes the life! The change will be seen by those we live with, worship with and work with each week. The love of Jesus will be not only experienced but expressed in and through you.
If there is no “change” in your life you’re fooling yourself. Don’t be deceived by the enemy. When you are converted, Christ lives in you. God changes you!
Service
Are you serving God? Some call it works. It is spiritual service. Salvation comes first, the service comes next because you love the Lord God (James 2:14-26).
Many feel they will be saved by their “works” but Jesus Christ said: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). (Eph. 2:9-10). If you are born again, you will be expressing your faith in the Living God. So, who are you? Are you born again? Do you know that you are a child of God? Are you expecting Christ?
The Thessalonians worshiped idols. Paul shared the word of God with them and the Holy Spirit in His power revealed the true and Living God to them. They changed!
“And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,” (v.6). They became “examples to all” (v.7).
They heard the Word! Believed the Word! Their life changed! Then they lived the Word!
“For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything” (v.8).
They “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (v.9b). This is the picture of one, who is lost, but someone witnesses to them and they turn from unbelief, to the Living God. Jesus Christ makes the difference! He changes you!
Back to our personal life! Christian, you too accepted Christ. Has your faith gone out from you to your family, friends, co-workers and neighbors? Are you a witness to other believers? Is your faith active? Are you expressing your faith by your works?
They loved God and began “to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” (v.10).
Are you expecting Christ to return? Do you really believe He will return? This should bring a revival!
If we truly believe He has saved us and that He is coming again, then we too must live by faith, being “examples to all.” We must witness to all and pray that they will be saved. We must also encourage one another.
They were an enthusiastic local church. Let us “sound forth the word!”
Does your family know Jesus Christ? Do your co-workers know you profess Christ? Are you faithful in service? Do you truly love God? We have a mission (Matthew 28:18-20). The Church must be faithful!
If you are expecting Christ to return you will be busy expressing your faith in Him. You will be enthusiastic!
Has Your faith toward God gone out?
Unbeliever
Jesus invites you to repent of sin and place your faith in Him today… not tomorrow! God loves you and desires to save you. Jesus died in your place. He seeks to save all, don’t be one who rejects Him and ends up in “the wrath to come” (v.10).
Be changed!
