Not in "word" only....

I Thessalonians 1:5 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

In my personal devotions, I'm doing a study of the first epistle to the Thessalonians. Perhaps I will post some observations as I survey the book in the coming days...we'll see. This book has a strong emphasis on the character of those who carry the gospel and those who name the name of Christ. In other words, there is a strong emphasis on practical holiness and obedience. Much discussion revolving around the Pauline epistles deals with grace and justification by faith, but this epistle deals largely with the issue of sanctification. With that in mind, let me post a few introductory thoughts today about this epistle.

Paul tells this group of believers that they can know of their election by God because of their response to the message preached to them. The message they heard and saw was not in word only. I fear that in our modern age of expository preaching and teaching, we don't see the need for a visible manifestation of God's power. Cessationism (the theory that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit ceased to operate in the church after the closing of the canon) has firmly entrenched itself in the hearts and pulpits of the post-modern church. Paul warned Timothy in the last days, that men would have a form of godliness, but denying its power (II Tim 3:5).

We read in Mark 16:20 that the apostles went everywhere preaching the Word after the resurrection, and the Lord confirmed the Word with "signs following." In this same sense, Paul is communicating this idea to the Thessalonians. There is a danger in following signs and neglecting the Word. But there is also a danger in denying the power of God and insisting on "words" only. Paul told the Corinthians (who obviously loved knowledge, wisdom, and fair speeches) that his preaching was not with "enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and power (I Cor 2:4)."

Paul was confident that his message had been received with deep conviction (the KJV translates as "much assurance") and that their manner of lifestyle was clearly evident. What we really need today, is powerful preaching of the Word of God, accompanied by a powerful anointing of the Holy Spirit, producing deep conviction, and backed-up by a lifestyle consistant with what we are preaching. Later on in the letter, Paul calls God as a witness to the lifestyle of holiness and obedience that he lived....there is no doubt in my mind that he had the goods. He sure set the bar high didn't he?

Until next time....

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