1 Thessalonians 1:5-7 "For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. (6) And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: (7) So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia."
I think for most of us, there are times when we sit and listen to the message
and it sounds good but does not really stir our hearts and minds. Then there
are other times when we sit, listening to the words spoken and suddenly, our
hearts begin to stir. At that moment, I not only hear the words but I realize
that message is intended "just for me". I understand those
words to be spoken into my heart by the Holy Spirit and it impacts me with
power whether it be the power of conviction, the power of conversion, or the
power of encouragement. There are times the Lord begins to speak to my
heart and I come to the realization of freedom in the work of Christ Jesus that
nothing else could give to me. Have you ever come away from a worship
service with the intention of walking closer to the Lord than you were when you
entered the building that day? That is the power of the Holy Ghost (Holy
Spirit) working in your heart.
Paul is commending the saints in the Church of the Thessalonians for the manner
in which they have been steadfast in their service unto the Lord. They received
the Word of God in such a way that transformed them from a life of idolatry to
a conviction of serving the Lord. They received that "word in much
affliction" and yet also "with joy of the Holy Ghost."
When we look at the book of Acts, we see the affliction that was endured
by these people. There had been some of the Thessalonians who believed the Word
of God as Paul had preached to them. "But the Jews which believed
not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort,
and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the
house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people." (Acts
17:5) There were many who took it upon themselves to try to stop this
"new way" that had been brought into their city. They were
determined to drive it away.
Paul is acknowledging in the introduction of this letter that they were
diligent and in spite of the affliction, they "became followers of us, and
of the Lord." Then he brings out a point that is very important. Quite
honestly, it seems to me that we live in a time when the next point is more
important than at any other time in my life. He commended them because
"... ye were ensamples to all that believe..." They became
examples to others concerning their consistency of faith in the Lord
Jesus. In other words, they "lived their belief." They
not only confessed with their mouths, they lived according to their belief in
Christ. The popular saying a few years ago was, "you have to walk
the walk as well as talk the talk." They were examples unto others.
May the Word of God be so impactful upon my life that I also "walk the
walk" of faith.