“The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it … .” -1 Thessalonians 1:8
“On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.” -1 Thessalonians 2:4
“Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” -1 Thessalonians 2:8b
“Indeed, you are our glory and joy.” -1 Thessalonians 2:20
Can’t you just hear the deep love Paul had for the people of God in this letter to the Thessalonians? It rings throughout his writings—all 13 letters—affirming the believers in Christ, for whom he had poured out his very life. He went from persecuting and imprisoning God’s people to loving them and giving his life for them. The transformation of the gospel in Paul’s own life deposited a deep longing and love for those who were yet to know Christ and those newly established in Jesus.
I found myself, with my small team of five, stuck in a warzone most recently. We were scheduled to share the next day with 20,000 people from 100 different tribal villages. Upon receiving a call from our security department, we had to divert and head back to the main city, canceling the gathering of 20,000 people due to the escalation of the war. I found myself weeping before the Lord that 20,000 were eager to hear about salvation in Christ, and I was running for cover. Here was the reality: I have known the grace and mercy of God for 46 years, but these people have not known it for one hour, let alone a single day. How could I self-preserve when sharing the gospel with these desperate ones was worthy of my life? I wrestled before the Lord, knowing that in that moment, my heart was being marked with a love for a people I had not known. It was a profound encounter with Jesus and one that I will never forget. Even writing this to you brings tears to my eyes.
I am convinced that the more we become transformed by love, we cannot help but lay our lives down for those who do not know our Jesus.
“Everybody asked, ‘Why, what has happened to these Thessalonians? These people have broken their idols: they worship the one God; they trust in Jesus. They are no longer drunken, dishonest, impure, contentious.’ Everybody talked of what had taken place among these converted people. Oh, for conversions, plentiful, clear, singular, and manifest; that so the word of God may sound out! Our converts are our best advertisements and arguments.” -Charles Spurgeon
I could write pages of testimony of those who live lives that are clear, singular, and manifest for the glory of God; those who have given up wealth and status for lives laid down for the gospel; those who live so counter-cultural in their pursuit of Christ and not the American dream. I can picture a few I know who would dare to die for the gospel. They are my modern-day heroes of the faith, and it’s in their going to the world that Heaven will one day be filled with every tribe, tongue, and nation. So, upon the aforementioned Scriptures, I want to challenge you this morning to ask the Lord: Is my life on target with the gospel and Your global purposes for me, written before the foundation of the world?
I bring to you four of Paul’s challenges based on our four Scriptures this morning:
Let the Gospel Ring Out From You
Will you pray to live a life so saturated with the gospel that it echoes beyond your community? Refuse to compartmentalize your faith; make your belief in Jesus impossible to ignore. Let your words, your generosity, your hospitality, and your courage make the gospel visible and audible in every sphere of your influence, and in doing so, impact the nations.
Seek the Approval of God Alone
Will you pray to live with the unwavering conviction that God alone is your audience? Reject the temptation to water down truth or live for applause. Embrace your calling as one entrusted with the most precious message on Earth—the gospel of Jesus—and speak it with boldness, humility, and clarity, no matter the cost.
Share Not Just the Gospel But Your Life
Will you pray to break free from transactional or surface-level Christianity? Let your mission to reach others with the gospel also lead you into deep relationships, sacrificial giving, and shared suffering. Open your life, not just your mouth. Be willing to love people all the way to Jesus—through your time, tears, and presence.
Make Disciples Your Joy and Crown
Will you pray to let your deepest joys be found in eternal fruit? Prioritize people over platforms. Pour your life into making disciples who will shine forever. Set your sights on the lost, knowing that the souls you help bring into the Kingdom will be your reward and rejoicing in the presence of Christ.
It is in this that you will find your greatest glory and joy; I promise!
Join the Arise Movement
Women who are equipped to live boldly for the gospel are a key to unlocking movements of the gospel in the world’s spiritually darkest places. Through Arise, East-West helps women take action and follow the Holy Spirit to be bold and reach the lost. Understand your role in the Great Commission and be equipped to boldly bring the world an encounter with Jesus.
