JMA Missions Mid-Month April 2025
The Great Commission in 1&2 Thessalonians
The Apostolic Gospel of the Great Commission
1 Thessalonians 1:5, "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."
2 Thessalonians 2:14, "to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."
The repeated phrase 'our gospel' is the focus of this month. In Mark 16:15, Jesus said "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." It can be said with little dispute that Paul was the 1st century apostolic missionary model, and the leading new covenant theologian, like probably ever. So, let's look at two things here: what was Paul's gospel, and what do the descriptive terms used in 1Thessalonians 1:5 mean in real life, and then apply when we find to our heart and mind.
A. The word 'gospel' means good news, which we are all familiar with. Jesus died for your sins so you can be forgiven and can have a relationship with Him. Which is true. But what we find in the Pauline letters goes deeper than that.
For example, in Romans Paul gives us 7 pillars of the apostolic gospel. Look up these verses to confirm the context! The Gospel is:
1. Romans 1:16, "...the power of God to salvation...”
2. Romans 1:17, "...the righteousness of God is revealed...""
3. Romans 1:18, "...the wrath of God is revealed...."
4. Romans 1:19, "...(the knowledge of) God is manifest...."
5. Romans 2:4, "....the goodness of God leads you..."
6. Romans 2:5, "....the righteous judgment of God (is coming)..."
7. Romans 3:27, "...the law of faith (not the law of Moses)."
These are the main components of Paul's apostolic gospel, which I believe can be confirmed in the majority of Paul's letters.
B. The application of the Apostle's Gospel in 1 Thessalonians 1:5.
1 Thessalonians 1:5, "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. "Not in word only, but also in power". The word for power here is dunamis, the same word found in Romans 1:16, "it is the power of God unto salvation". The power of God is demonstrated in the born-again experience describing a personal encounter with Jesus, transforming the life, the heart, and the mind. This word is also commonly used in describing healing and miracles throughout the New Testament. (Especially see 1 Corinthians 2:4)
2. "And in the Holy Spirit", this is a very interesting phrase, as though any part of the gospel can be effective without Holy Spirit, Paul makes this distinction. To my reading, this reference is to the overarching personal presence of Holy Spirit in all aspects of the ministry outreach, in conviction by His touch on the hearts of the people, and including the transformation of the inner man that takes place after salvation, aka discipleship. Holy Spirit works in us, confirming the realities of the gospel, and providing the assurances of our salvation and inheritance.
3. "As you know what kind of men we were among you." It is probably impossible to stress how important it is to be known. The Thessalonians had three gospel distinctives provided to them: the power of God, the presence of Holy Spirit, and the personal character of the messenger. They knew Paul and his team. They saw how they lived. They interacted with them daily. They talked, and prayed together. The Thessalonians could see that this faith was real in Paul, and the team. This cannot be overemphasized. I'm not saying crusades don't work. I'm saying crusades cannot be the primary tool of missions outreach. We go to people's homes, and take meals with them, and they see how we are.
The genuineness of your faith is revealed in your character, in what kind of man you are. And, just as much, it is revealed in your willingness to be transparent with others in real relationships, and in everyday life. Missionary life is everyday life, living out loud.
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