“For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, […]” (1 Thess 1:5a)

At the start of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonian believers, Paul was full of gratitude and praise for their good example of faith which had positively influenced other churches, and perhaps even unbelievers, in other places (1 Thess 1:7-8).  

Their exemplary faith proved that the gospel did not come to them in word only, but also in power. The Thessalonian believers did not stop at hearing the gospel – they acted on what they heard, thereby letting the gospel and the Holy Spirit transform their lives, such that they became the stellar believers described by Paul in his epistle. 

In what ways were the Thessalonian believers exemplary? 

1. Faith accompanied by works

For example: 

“Your work of faith, labour of love” (1 Thess 1:3) – their acts of love 🩷. 

“For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, […] Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.” (1 Thess 1:8) – their acts of evangelism, both in word and deed 🕊️.  

“How you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thess 1:9) – their act of repentance ✨.  

Thrice in James 2:14-26, it is mentioned: “Faith without works is dead.” As Christians, our faith should not stop at our comfort zones where we only enjoy the blessings of God and being in His church, without bearing any fruits of repentance, service and sacrifice. Faith is not just an emotional conviction of our heart – it is meant to transform our lives, from the inside out.  

So, a food for thought: after believing in the gospel, have I allowed the gospel to transform me?               

2. Patience of hope

Besides 1 Thess 1:3, this is also seen in: 

“Having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit” (1 Thess 1:6) – their ability to receive and obey God’s words joyfully, despite suffering hardship (e.g. persecution) 💪🏻.  

“And to wait for His Son from heaven” (1 Thess 1:10) – their looking forward to Christ’s second coming, amidst their hardship ⛅. 

True faith is the ability to hope for the unseen and wait for it eagerly with perseverance (Rom 8:25). If we have true faith, we will endure all trials and temptations until we receive the salvation of our souls at the end (1 Pet 1:9).

So, another food for thought: after believing in the gospel, is my faith an enduring one – one that endures the tests of time and circumstance?       

May we follow the good example of the Thessalonian believers… 👣

Knowing that our exemplary faith will not only benefit the people around us but also be noted by our heavenly Father (1 Thess 1:3b – “in the sight of our God and Father”). 

May the gospel transform us into the believers He wants us to be. 😇