Subject: Witnesses for Christ
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8
Sermon notes
They became witnesses, v7-8. This is an important aspect of their siding with the gospel and Paul’s preaching of it. Silent support is not possible! Cp Acts 4:20. There is a very public, obvious stand with gospel truth. This is a vital part of the evidence of God’s electing/saving purpose being worked out in their lives.
- They became living evidences of the saving grace of God in the gospel, v7. In fact, they became role models for other believers. They set a pattern to live by. This indicates rapid advance in grace to a position of maturity and influence! The degree to which the gospel impacts your life will affect other believers for good or ill. Cp 1 Tim 4:12, Titus 2:7, Gal 2:11-14.
- Evangelistic endeavour, v8. The child of God has a calling to be a missionary for Christ. They communicated the word of the Lord. They took up the message of Christ that had saved them and spread it far and wide. Sounded forth = echoed (Gk = compound of ηχεο). An echo is simply a reflection of the original sound.
- A widespread influence, v8. In neighbouring Grecian provinces and throughout the entire church. Thessalonica was in Macedonia. Achaia was to the south. An area of hundreds of miles west and south is in view. Such an area was affected in a very short time indeed. Literally within weeks!
- No additional testimony/explanation necessary, v8. What a testimony these believers had! Paul didn’t have to say a thing! There was a completeness to their gospel life. Often we have to add qualifications to the witness of Christians. Here was the evidence of the effect of Paul’s gospel ministry.