Sounded Out the Word of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 1:8)

2022-08-06

For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. (1 Thessalonians 1:8)

In Thessalonica, the church there knew something about proclaiming the Word of the Lord. The surrounding areas knew this church’s allegiance to Christ as they withstood tribulation and evangelized the lost. They were examples “to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia” (1 Thessalonians 1:7). This group of former idol worshippers had been changed, and the world knew it.

Many praised God for this church, “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father” (1 Thessalonians 1:3). See the faith-hope-charity (or love) formula as seen in the famous 1 Corinthians 13 passage. They had faith in Christ; therefore, they worked to make Him known. They had love for others; therefore, they labored in service within and without (1 Thessalonians 3:12). They had the hope of Christ’s return; therefore, they patiently waited for Him.

In these times, sound out the Word of the Lord, for it changes lives. Tell others of the hope that is in you. Figure out how you can tangibly help someone. Be ready to withstand those that oppose Jesus Christ.