The Impact of the Gospel

 ⁴For we know, brothers 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 with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. - 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5

Paul had only been with the church for a couple days but they already had faith, hope, love, and endurance in Jesus Christ. Paul explained to them why it was that he was so certain about their eternal position in the Lord.

V4 The believers were chosen by God: Jesus loves us and His love doesn’t end. It continues day by day. The love of God is irrevocable. Under that perfect and fathomable love, he has chosen us. He chose us out of a divine election because of his love; Deuteronomy 7:6-8. He predestined the day that we would receive the gospel of Jesus Christ. He chose us before we were even born.

V5 The believers had power to preach: Paul was sure of the election from God of the church of Thessalonica because they had come to know Jesus Christ through the sharing of His word. They were chosen by God because when the gospel came to them, they ran with it. They didn’t receive the gospel merely with words, but with the power of the Holy Spirit. When the spirit moves, empowers, and anoints, the words we preach are not only words. We need Spirit lead preaching that only comes to us through prayer. When this happens, the word becomes power.

The Word of God is power. Let it speak for itself. Let the message be significant and the messenger be insignificant. We should preach the Gospel with passion and conviction. When we do, it is not words; it is the Holy Spirit speaking.