November 7, 2015
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:4-6
4For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
Questions for Reflection:
Paul says that he knows that God has the believers at Thessalonica. What evidence did Paul have that they were chosen? (Hint: look at verses 5 and 6.) How did Paul, Silas and Timothy communicate the message to the church at Thessalonica? It wasn’t the mere use of words that resulted in life change. There was power that came from Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.
What’s most powerful is not mere rhetoric, but the demonstration of conviction and action. One of the highlights each year at our One Life locations is Baptism Sundays. What makes baptisms so powerful is not the mere act, but it is the combination of story of transformation, the humility of being baptized, and the demonstration of the gospel in someone’s life. How we respond to the gospel message has a powerful effect on our lives and others. Paul and his team lived out their faith in a manner that imitated Jesus’ life. Does your life follow that same pattern? If not, what needs to change in order to better align with their example?