“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 Thessalonians 1:5).
The word “gospel” is a word that is well-known but not necessarily well-defined. You see, the word “gospel” finds it’s origin in the ancient Greek word euaggelion, a word that refers to “glad tidings” or “good news.” Over time, this word began to be associated with the “good news” that human beings can escape eternal separation from God and enter a relationship with their Creator through grace by faith in Christ.
This means “the gospel” is more than just an abstract idea, a style of music, or a distinctive form of preaching. Instead, the gospel is something to accept and act upon. Consider the following quote from the famous 19th century preacher Charles Spurgeon…
“Do not let any one among us look back to a certain day and say, ‘On that occasion I was regenerated and converted, and that is enough.’ I fear that some of you get into a very bad condition by saying, ‘If I can prove that I was converted on such a day that will do.’ This is altogether unjustifiable talk. Conversion is a turning into the right road; the next thing is to walk in it… To start in the race is nothing, many have done that who have failed; but to hold out till you reach the winning post is the great point of the matter.” (1)
For their part, Paul the Apostle and his traveling companions made certain to ensure their conduct reflected well upon the gospel of Christ. Their example reminds us that people often judge Christ and the God of the Scriptures by those who claim to represent Him. Like them, our God-honoring conduct can help secure the right to be taken seriously as we engage in spiritual discussions with others.
Paul will go on to document a few of those Godly characteristics in the next chapter of 1 Thessalonians. But for now, Paul’s exhortation to the church at Philippi serves to remind us of the need to exhibit God-honoring character in our relationships with others…
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27 NIV).
(1) Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Life’s Need and Maintenance Sermon No. 1300 Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Volume 22, Jun 18, 1876 https://www.spurgeon.org/resource-library/sermons/lifes-need-and-maintenance#flipbook/