Daily Devotions
1 Thessalonians
"From you the word of the Lord has sounded forth..."
Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:8
AN IMPRESSIVE TESTIMONY
The Thessalonian church had an impressive testimony to bear for the Lord. They had very little apostolic teaching since Paul was with them for only three Sabbaths. Nevertheless they became followers and carefully sought to imitate the example of Paul and the Lord Jesus Christ! Their efforts bore significant fruit!
“For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth,
not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place.
Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not
need to say anything.”
1 Thessalonians 1:8
1. “For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth”
a) The Thessalonian Christians first carefully followed the examples set by Paul.
b) They went on to become good examples to others.
c) What was even more impressive was that they were sharing their faith well.
i) The word of the Lord must have been shared effectively.
ii) They knew the Scriptures well enough to share it with others.
2. “To all in Macedonia and Achaia”
a) The two regions were mentioned in the previous verse.
b) They are mentioned again in this verse.
c) The Thessalonians were making a regional impact.
3. “But also in every place”
a) Their testimony of faith in the Lord had far-reaching results.
b) Their ministry spread to many other places besides Macedonia and Achaia.
c) A young and fledgling church had become an inspiring example.
4. “Your faith toward God has gone out”
a) The faith of the Thessalonian Christians had stood out significantly.
b) Many had heard of their faith, despite the affliction they suffered.
5. “So that we do not need to say anything”
a) There was no need for Paul to share about the faith of the Thessalonians.
b) Their testimony of faith in God was so outstanding that there was no need to speak on their behalf.
THE POWER OF GOD AT WORK
The example of the Thessalonian church illustrates the power of God at work. The gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers can make a tremendous difference. Let us be challenged to seek that power of God in our church and in our individual lives.