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Daily Devotions

It Is Written

It Is Written 
Day 
Day 5

"Our gospel did not come to you in word only..."

Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:5

THE POWER OF THE WORD OF GOD

All the Apostles had a correct regard for the Word of God that they proclaimed. It was their high regard for the Word they proclaimed that gave them such an impetus in their ministry.

“For our gospel did not come to you in word only,
but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance,
as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.”
1 Thessalonians 1:5

1. Not in word only

a) This an important observation.
b) The preaching of the gospel would of course involve human words.
c) But there was much more to the gospel than just its verbal presentation.

2. “But also in power”

a) Paul was of course making a reference to the power of God.
b) The gospel will never lack the power of God backing it up.
c) The preaching of the gospel led many to salvation because of the power of God at work.

3. “And in the Holy Spirit”

a) The Spirit of God is closely involved too.
b) He is the Person who brings about regeneration through the preaching of the gospel.
c) The word of God is the means by which the Holy Spirit works in the hearts of people.

4. “And in much assurance”

a) Those who hear the Word of God humbly will be convicted in their hearts of sin.
b) They will find regeneration of their souls through salvation.
c) They will find much assurance in their new-found faith in the Lord.

5. “What kind of men we were among you for your sake”

a) Paul is making reference to the fact that he and Silas were but ordinary men when they ministered in Thessalonica.
b) They were persecuted for their preaching of the Lord’s word.
c) They were escorted out of Thessalonica or they might have been killed.

HOW DO WE REGARD THE WORD OF GOD?

This is an important question that must be answered honestly. Our faith, our assurance, indeed our very life would be affected by how we regard the word of God. Let us have only the highest regard for the Word of God, whether is it preached or in its written form!