The Significance Of The Gospel (Part 1) Series

The Significance of the Gospel (Part 1)

1 Thessalonians 1: 5-10

In our last study Paul greeted the Thessalonian church, encouraging them in the Lord. He reminded them of their position, revealed his prayer for them, and acknowledged their labor of love. Now his attention is turned toward the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is literally the “glad tidings or good news.” It is the message of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ the Lord. Paul well understood the significance of the gospel and he was very passionate about it. Rom.1:16 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 1 Cor.1:18 – For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1 Cor.9:16 – For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

This is a powerful portion of Scripture. Through it, Paul speaks of the relevance and significance of the gospel in every society and throughout every generation. We are far removed from the time when Paul penned these words, but the power of the gospel remains. The message of Christ is as needful and relevant today as it was then. I want to begin our study on the unchanging truths regarding: The Significance of the Gospel.

I. The Authority of the Gospel (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. Here Paul revealed what separates the gospel from the humanistic teachings of men. The gospel has an authority that no other message can claim. Notice:

A. The Presentation – For our gospel came not unto you in word only. Now let me say, Paul is not claiming absolute ownership or a divine claim to the gospel himself; he is referring to the gospel he received, the one he is sharing with all who will hear. Paul is claiming the gospel he preaches is not in word only; it is not something he merely speaks about, but a message that profoundly transformed his life.

Also, he was not depending solely upon his ability to articulate the gospel in such a way that it would impact the hearer. Paul knew the gospel was more than words to hear; it was the means of salvation. (1 Cor.2:1-5)

We would do well to embrace this fundamental truth. Reaching those about us with the gospel cannot be achieved with simply head knowledge of salvation. Our words do not possess the ability to persuade men to come to Christ. We need the help of the Spirit in association with practicing what we preach! Understanding the gospel in our head must be accompanied by faith in the heart.

B. The Power – The gospel came not in word only, but also in power. That is an interesting statement. Most of us have no problem embracing the power of the gospel, having experienced that power first-hand in salvation. It is translated from the Greek word dunamis from which we get our word dynamite. It is a word that speaks of awesome, unlimited power. It reveals power that exists because of the virtue in the nature of its source. The power of the gospel exists due to the nature of the God who gives it! Paul knew that the gospel had power beyond the persuasion of words spoken from the human tongue. It possesses the power of God; power that has the ability to work within the heart to stir, convict, draw, and transform!

Many today would have us believe that we are preaching a message that is somehow outdated and archaic. They contend that we need something more modern. I would submit that the gospel has not lost its power. The message of Christ is not obsolete; in fact, it remains absolute! There is power in the message of Jesus Christ. It can transform a cold, dead heart into one that is alive and assured of eternity. Heb.4:12 – For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

C. The Person – Paul was also assured of the superintendence of the Holy Spirit. His message had the power of God and the working of the Spirit. The message he proclaimed was directed of the Spirit and that same Spirit carried it deep within the hearts of those who heard. The Spirit works in conviction through the Word and convincing of the Word.