A missionary to Cameroon shared these points some time ago, which I will seek to summarize.
The Thessalonians
Through the preaching of the apostle Paul, a church was formed in Thessalonica that was an example. Through much oppression, the people there had taken unto themselves God’s Word with the joy of the Holy Spirit (1 Th. 1:5-6). At that time, the spreading of the gospel was no easier than today – or have you ever been tortured in public or thrown into prison because you were talking about the Lord Jesus? No, in many respects and for most of our readers, things were more difficult for Christians then than for us.
When they accepted the Word, they followed the apostle’s doctrine. This was despite the fact that Paul had only been with them for about three weeks. In comparison, the Corinthians also accepted the good teaching, but how conceited they became and how many sad things we read in the letter to the Corinthians!
The Thessalonians, in contrast, accepted the Word in much oppression and with joy from the Holy Spirit. In this way, they became an example far beyond the town, namely “to all that believe in Macedonia and in Achaia” (1 Th. 1:7 JND). This was an area stretching about 370 miles from north to south and 120 miles from east to west. It was a vast area, and it went even further, for people heard about them everywhere (v.8).
Evangelism Through Word And Deed
What did people hear from these Christians? They heard that the Christians were different from those around them, had converted from idols to God, and were willing to serve God. In addition, the believers were waiting for the Lord Jesus from heaven (vv.9-10). Likewise, are you willing to serve God? This is certainly not cheap; it may cost you something to pass on the gospel of the Lord Jesus! The Lord wants to reach the people around you, and He wants to use you!
Do you not see it like this? Then read Romans 10:12-17. We find there that faith comes through hearing. How will people believe in Him of whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher? Then we read: “How shall they preach unless they have been sent?” (v.15). You will perhaps say to yourself, “I need a special calling, but I do not have one.” You are right: to preach the gospel, you need the calling of the Lord.
As the redeemed we are all His disciples, and as such also His witnesses. No one needs any special, additional calling to testify to the Lord Jesus or to speak about His love with the people around. In this context, every disciple of the Lord is sent out to spread the gospel. And everyone, both old and young, both brother and sister, has the task of testifying to the Lord and His gospel.
First Thessalonians 1 can still be made a reality today. What is needed is dedication and perseverance in prayer. The Lord answers prayer to the extent that we believe. Are you praying for one conversion or are you praying for many? The extent of our faith will determine our behavior. Do you have the goal of reaching one person or of reaching many people? Can the Lord take you to one person or to many? If we have the courage to believe that the Lord can perform miracles, then the Lord will not leave this unanswered.
Christians Help Christians
As Christians we do not only want to address unbelievers so they repent and come to faith. It goes even further. We also want to reach believing people to help them to grow in the truth. All believers, it does not matter how and where they are gathered together, are members of the one body of Christ. We are all united with one another, that the whole body grows together and grows up internally in the truth (see Eph. 2:19-22). Are you willing to contribute to this?
By T. Attendorn; adapted from “Serving The Lord At A Young Age”; published in The Netherlands.