June 11 Devotion: It Takes More

1 Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

         This verse begins by saying it takes more than just words to accomplish the work of God, even though they are the words of the gospel. There must also be “power” from on high. There must be the moving of “the Holy Ghost”. There must be an “assurance” of the effectiveness of the gospel; a confidence (sincerity of faith) in the life changing truth. It also must take a believable testimony of the one declaring the truth to cause the listener to want to listen. (A condescending, mean spirited witness is a rejected witness.)  You see, we do not change people. Only God can do what he can do, and I believe that is the point of the above verse. Some put their faith in their presentation and convincing salesmanship. If they go through a checklist of things to do, then they believe that is enough. Just getting someone to repeat a prayer after you is not salvation. It takes more than words. It takes the drawing of the Father. (John 6:44) It takes the conviction of the Spirit. (John 16:7-11) It also takes our witness to the truth of the gospel that is declared through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 1:8) If you think it is simply a rehearsed Roman’s Road memorized presentation, then you have missed what 1 Thessalonians has said. Living for the Lord is not a legalistic checklist, nor is true witnessing a legalistic checklist. We have a part, but it is not the whole part. It takes more than we can do. We can plant and water, but only God can bring the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:6) Let us be faithful in our part, but don’t think you can do God’s part. Again, grasp what the verse is saying, it takes more than we can do.

In Christ’s Service,

Bro. Adrian Moore

2 Cor. 4:5