November 8, 2015
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:7-10
7And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
Questions for Reflection:
The church at Thessalonica was changed by the gospel. Through their change, they became witnesses throughout the city. However, it didn’t stop there. Where does Paul say that their faith was known? Their life had been changed. Their beliefs had been changed. Paul says that they “turned to God from idols ot serve the living and true God.” It wasn’t their words that told people that they had been changed; it was their lives.
John Stott wrote, “No church can spread the gospel with any degree of integrity, let alone credibility, unless it has been visibly changed by the gospel it preaches.” How has the gospel changed your life? How has the grace that you have been given through Jesus Christ changed how you relate to others? Are you more forgiving with others? How have your priorities changed? Have others seen a difference in your life before Christ and now? Our words are important but our lives are more important. If we are going to be effective witnesses to the life transforming power of the gospel, we have to lead transformed lives.
Spend time today in prayer asking God to fuel your life by the gospel. Spend time today in worship celebrating a redemptive God who reached out into human history to show His love to you. Share with others how God is working in your life.