Scripture Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:3-10
because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.
1 Thessalonians 1:5-7
During the New Testament times when people saw our Lord Jesus Christ, it is impossible for them not to witness His miracles and holiness. Some were awed by this and others were threatened and would like to eliminate our Lord.
For those who met and experienced Christ in their own peculiar ways, there is a metamorphosis. In whatever manner they are living their lives before, this was changed through the illumination of the Holy Spirit, through the Gospel of Christ which is the power of God for salvation.
Every converted believer experienced transformation when they came to know Christ through the Gospel and it can be a drastic change or a gradual change yet one thing for sure: both of these Christians are being transformed in the image of Christ everyday and will be able to stand the test of time with the faith that was given by God.
Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians as a part of His second missionary journey as Christ's witness. He preached and was truly impressed by their faithfulness in the face of trials and persecutions, reminding himself that these people were faithful because of the faith that was given to them by Christ.
These people who have heard the Gospel from Paul not only by ear, but by heart through the Holy Spirit, were converted and are able to hold on to the promises of God even though they were tested by fire, knowing that everything is worth a sacrifice if it is for Christ.
The Word of God, without the power and conviction by the Holy Spirit, will never be comprehended by man, and these people are the evidence that God's Word is alive inside the heart of those whom He called. These people are living their lives and will joyfully lose it for Christ.
In present time, we are expected to be the light of this world as they were during their times. A true Christian will never be able to hide and will never hide the light that they have in Christ. It will gleam through the darkest corners of the earth as people see that the glory of Christ shines through you, manifesting His will and word in your life which sets an example not only to our beloved brethren, but to the blinded world.
We were once part of the dark world serving our own gods but we are now living our lives according to our perception of what is right. Christ redeemed us from this world and from our sins into His marvelous light. We were adopted by God through His firstborn Son, Jesus Christ, the only hope of the believers whom we are patiently waiting as we live through this world.
Reflect
1. Are you still grateful and are living according to how Christ saved you from this world and from your own sin?
2. Is your life joyfully enduring this world and not compromising for ephemeral convenience?
3. Can you see how far God has taken you away from your old self from the time that the Holy Spirit convicted you?
Remember
We are expected to joyfully endure and willfully live out the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ regardless of the consequences from this world. Saving us from our sins is more than enough reason for us to walk in a manner worthy of God.
Read
Matthew 5:14-16; Romans 5:9-10; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9
Pray
We pray to you, our merciful Father, hear our prayer as we live in this world. Let not our light glow dimly as we walk through this world. Give us the strength to be faithful in whatever that You have entrusted to us as we wait for Your glorious coming. In our Lord Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
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