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 1:5
The gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, is powerful; for it is borne along by the Holy Spirit as He minister through two witnesses. The first witness is the proclamation of its truth in the Word of God. Faith, as we know, comes by hearing of that Word; but the words by themselves must have the Spirit’s power— in the one sharing or preaching, as well as upon the one hearing or receiving. Moreover, that proclaimed word, whether shared, preached or merely confessed, is intimately coupled with the second witness, the changed life of the one who shares or preaches the gospel. Paul says, You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. These two witnesses work together. In the power of the Spirit, both the proclaimed word and our pious behavior are full of conviction in the gospel. Gospel conviction ministers to us to live the gospel in both deed and word. You don’t have to be a preacher like Paul to see this truth in your life. We are to speak “as one who speaks the oracles of God” (1 Pet 4:11). In other words, our daily conversations, in public or private, should reflect the truth that our lives have been changed by a fully convicted gospel. The genuine Christian is not one who is perfect in word and deed. Christ alone was perfect. His followers, however, are those who rely on the power of the Spirit to live out the gospel in word and deed… and when we sin, because the gospel so fully convicts us, we confess our sin and Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 Jn 1:9).
The gospel’s not by word alone, But joined to our behavior: For grace transforms us to conform Our lives to please our Savior.
If you don’t have one, get a free PDF copy of Robert Murray M’Cheyne’s “Daily Bread” Bible Reading Calendar by Clicking Here.
=======
Jon Cardwell writes devotional thoughts like the one above & sends them via email daily (except Sunday). Go to www.calvarybaptistninilchik.com/devotionals.html or click the optional weblink below.
Older
Top
