September 14, 2010, I Thessalonians 1

Key Verse:

"For we know that he has chosen you because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction."

(I Thessalonians 1:4)


Central Truth:

The power of the Holy Spirit lives in us.


UNLEASH THE POWER
Smooth talkers are everywhere, and many of them are quite good at deceiving us. Trying to determine whether someone's intentions are good or devious can sometimes be a challenge. If we are completely honest with ourselves and follow our instincts though, I think we can normally tell when the wool is begin pulled over our eyes. Our little voice senses something less than sincere in their message.
The church at Thessalonica was a new church in 51 A.D. when Paul's letter was written to them. Paul, Silas and Timothy had only recently introduced the Thessalonians to the message of Jesus Christ. As the three men lived among them and taught them Christ's message, the people could sense their complete honesty and true conviction about what they were saying. They were not blowing smoke, they were passionate about what they were teaching the Thessalonians, and it worked. While there were some doubters, most of the people felt the sincerity of Paul, Silas and Timothy and were led to form the church at Thessalonica. Think about how passionate those three men must have been to lead to life-altering change among so many people. The Holy Spirit was working through them.
The power of the Holy Spirit exists in us too, and it is just waiting for us to allow it to be unleashed. If we can muster the courage to allow Christ to use us as vessels for Him, I think we will be amazed at the results. We have the power. We just need to let it work.