1.2 HERE IS PRESENTED A TESTIFYING CHURCH (1 Thessalonians 1:5-8)

The church at Thessalonica testified to the power of the gospel and to the pattern of the gospel preached to them. We should be living testimonies of the power of the gospel preached.

1 Thessalonians 1:5 "For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake."

"Our gospel," that is, the good news we share. It must be heard by the hearing of faith to be effective in the individual's life. For saving faith to take place, the Word only is not enough - it must be preached in the power of the Holy Spirit who convicts and convinces and brings New Birth in response to believing with the heart and confession of the mouth. Then those who become saved live like the saved and become testimonies of the power of the gospel.

Here we have emphasised what the Thessalonians were a testimony to:-

• That the gospel came to them in power
• That the gospel was preached in Holy Spirit power.
• That they were selected to demonstrate the power and the purposes of the gospel.
• That the gospel was ministered in much assurance.

• That the gospel received with joy of the Holy Spirit can overcome affliction (1 Thessalonians 1:6 ).

The gospel does not prevent affliction and opposition; but in the Holy Spirit joy the persecuted become overcomers. Do our lives and joy in the Holy Spirit testify to the power of the gospel preached by us?

1 Thessalonians 1:6 "And you became followers of us and of the Lord."

What the Thessalonians received, they consistently lived out before the world, and they had then faithfully imparted to others.

They Became Followers

i.e. "imitators" (1 Thessalonians 1:6 ).The Thessalonians endeavoured to give an accurate reproduction of what they saw in Paul, Silas and Timothy in their imitation of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 11:1 ). They had eyes only for the Lord in their lives, so their following was the Lord and this resulted in lives shaped to the Lord's example. Can new converts safely follow your pattern of life, and in doing so actually be following the Lord?

They Became Examples

Literally, "types".

1 Thessalonians 1:7 "So that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe."

They Became Patterns

For all the Greek christians, as Macedonia and Achaia were the two provinces of Ancient Greece into which the Romans divided it. Everywhere they were talking about their faith and convictions. They had the image of Christ stamped on them, and they now impressed it on others. If we press into the lives of others will we leave the imprint of Jesus? Will we bring the imprint of New Testament life , its freedom - its beauty - its fulness of Holy Spirit zeal - its abounding love?

They Became Trumpeters

i.e. "Sounded Forth".

1 Thessalonians 1:8 "From you the word of the Lord has sounded forth".

This is a fine expression "sounded forth" - for proclamation of the good news. It points to the sound having been widespread, far and wide. It indicates powerful presentation in fulness and richness, and speaking it out so as to command attention.

This teaches us how to sound forth the Word:

• Sound forth the gospel as the message from God to men.
• Sound forth with the clarity of trumpet notes so that the message can be understood.
• Sound forth to all people for all have the right to hear the message at least once.
• Sound forth so that the message will be heard above all other conflicting sounds.

A true church becomes a veritable broadcasting station of the good news.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Are you a testimony of the power of the gospel preached to you?
   • What do you understand by the gospel being preached in Holy Spirit power?
   • Would you say that as a believer you are selected by God to demonstrate the power and purposes of the gospel?
   • What can the joy of the holy Spirit do for those who are persecuted for the gospel?