power-preaching
"We thank God constantly that in receiving His message from us you took it, not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God." —1 Thessalonians 2:13
The preaching of Paul and Silas at Thessalonica was taken "not as the word of men, but...the word of God" (1 Thes 2:13). Paul said: "Our preaching of the gospel proved not a mere matter of words for you but one of power; it was carried on in the Holy Spirit and out of complete conviction" (1 Thes 1:5). The Thessalonians' faith in God was celebrated throughout every region since they "turned to God from idols, to serve Him Who is the living and true God and to await from heaven the Son He raised from the dead — Jesus" (1 Thes 1:9-10).
What made the preaching of Paul and Silas at Thessalonica so powerful?
- They preached for free and worked second jobs to pay their expenses (1 Thes 2:9).
- They preached what they practiced. Their conduct was "upright, just, and irreproachable" (1 Thes 2:10).
- They related to those who heard their preaching as loving fathers relate to their children (1 Thes 2:11).
When we preach God's word in an atmosphere of self-sacrifice, holiness, and Christian community, we will see the power of the gospel result in many life-changing conversions and a renewed Church.
Prayer: Father, may my life give power to the words You speak through me.
Promise: "If I take the wings of the dawn, if I settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there Your hand shall guide me, and Your right hand hold me fast." —Ps 139:9-10
Praise: Ron's conversion to the Lord was due, in part, to the example of a priest who lived simply and embraced poverty.
Reference: (Be a Bible teacher. For encouragement, order our tapes on the Bible Teachers Series. Our six-tape audio series starts with AV 117-1. Our three-part video series starts with V-117.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 11, 2009
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