DAY 3: THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10.
No one can deny the power of the gospel to save. We can try arguing and debating peripheral issues, but in the end it comes down to one’s relationship with God through Christ. The power of the gospel comes through the work of the Holy Spirit, not by our own strength, but by His. The gospel has the power to save, and it brings forth a change in the life of the believer. A willingness to live for Christ accompanies salvation. Debating and arguing has its place, but only if an individual is willing to make a change.
Reading the passage from 1Thessalonians, what was the evidence of their salvation? (i.e. what gave Paul the assurance that they’re salvation was real?)
v. 6 ______________________________________________
v. 7 ______________________________________________
v. 8 ______________________________________________
v. 9 ______________________________________________
As an aside, notice also from verses 9-10, the same elements of the gospel found in yesterday’s passage, and the subsequent life of the believer:
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God has given us to the gospel in order to live a life pleasing to Him both now and for eternity. He has given us the power to live a changed life.
To Consider
The gospel changes lives. The Thessalonians had come a long way since their pagan days. How has the gospel changed your life? In what ways is it similar to that of the Thessalonians?
