Daily Devotional Details

Date

You know how we lived among you for your sake. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (NIV)

The Apostle Paul’s convictions about the gospel were expressed not just in what he said but also in how he lived.

The message about Christ who gave His life for others was credible because Paul spent his life serving others. The message about Christ bringing hope was credible because Paul kept pressing on in ministry and simply would not give up!

The energy of this man, the extent of his vision, his work rate, and the depth of his passion did not prove that his message was true, but they opened the door to the possibility that he had discovered something truly remarkable.

When the gospel is communicated with clarity and conviction, expect the Holy Spirit to be at work so that lives will be changed. That’s what happened in Thessalonica: “Our gospel came to you, not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.”

God works through believers as we communicate the gospel. This is not to say that the proclamation of the Word doesn’t matter. It does. But our lives must also match our proclamation in the eyes of a watching world.

Though none of us live perfect lives, how has your lifestyle been a testament to the gospel? If you have failed in some way, how can you begin today to live a life worthy of your calling?