The Power of the Gospel

As I mentioned in a previous post, I've been reading through the Bible one book at a time.  I've been taking notes and doing more highlighting so I can have a better understanding of the purpose of each book and how it fits in with the meta-narrative of God.  Last week I read through 1 and 2 Thessalonians, which are two letters Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica (a city in Greece.)  Though short, these books pack a powerful punch dealing with the power of the gospel and warnings against false teachings within the church.

One thing that struck me about 1 Thessalonians was Paul's focus on the fact that there is power in the gospel message.  1 Thess 1:4-5 says, "For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction."  The gospel of Christ is hard to hear because in order to be transformed by it we must first come to terms with the fact that we are sinners in need of a savior.  No one honestly wants to own up to the fact that they are flawed or that they are incapable of saving themselves, but without this kind of introspection, we cannot be saved.  The realization of sin in our lives is painful and most want to avoid it.  However, when we realize our need for Christ, the Holy Spirit comes upon us with power to transform a life of sin into a life of grace.

1Thess 2:13 says, "When you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe." Christianity is not a man-made religion as some think it to be.  The word of God is just that, God's actual word to his people, and through that word there is transformative power.  God doesn't save our souls then leave us to flounder on our own.  He breathes life into us through the Holy Spirit and gives his word to us to show us the way of sanctification.

One of my favorite verses of all time is 1Thess 5:16-18 which encourages us to, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  This kind of joy and thanksgiving can only come through the power of the gospel.  It's no easy task to be joyful and thankful in every circumstance of life, but the grace of God gives us power to see the world with an eternal perspective; to see that this life is not all there is, but we are destined for eternity.  Only through the lens of the gospel do we find strength to give thanks even in our weakest moments.  In closing his letter Paul reminds his readers to live holy and blameless lives, and that, "The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it."  It is not by our power that we are sanctified but by the power of Christ Jesus!  Amen!