The Power of the Gospel

1 Thessalonians 1:4-8 – The Power of the Gospel

The gospel is more than words. Yes, it is the good news of God’s love and grace that offers salvation to ALL who believe that Jesus died for our sins and rose on the third day. Paul talks about our “election by God….” Scary words to lots of Baptists – especially to Baptists who do not understand the concept. The Bible does not contradict itself. God’s word tells us whosoever calls on the name of Jesus shall be saved and that God loves the WORLD that He sent His only Son. 

Do you remember God’s choice of Israel? He chose them not because they were good or mighty but because He loved them. Remember Abraham? It started with him. God chose Abraham and promised to bless him but only if Abraham would obey the covenant. And he did. “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (Ro. 4:3). That is the power of the gospel.

In Paul’s day, that power was evidenced in spectacular ways just as it is today. The power of the gospel is transformed lives. That’s what Paul is talking about. The Thessalonians saw what kind of men Paul and his brothers were, and they chose to follow Jesus. Then these new converts’ lives were changed, and the Macedonians and Achaians saw the transformation, and they, too, believed in Jesus.

Yes, the gospel is the power of God unto salvation, and salvation is about changed lives testifying to the grace of God. It is about joy in the midst of affliction because the Holy Spirit has come to live in these believers and give them the strength, courage, and wisdom to live for Jesus. What does that mean? These new disciples were so changed that they were willing to risk everything to make more disciples. They were so changed that everyone knew it. That is the power of the gospel!