Growing Giants Pt.1

Growing Giants | Equipping People Through 1st Thessalonians

The Power of the Gospel

1 Thessalonians 1:5-6 (TPT) – For our gospel came to you not merely in the form of words but in mighty power infused with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. Surely you remember how we lived our lives transparently before you to encourage you. And you became followers of my example and the Lord’s when you received the word with the joy of the Holy Spirit, even though it resulted in tremendous trials and persecution.

1. What is the Gospel?

The four G’s

a) Good – Genesis 1:31 b) Guilt – Romans 3:23 c) Grace – Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16 d) Gratitude – Romans 12:1, Ephesians 2:10

2. Understand the power of the Gospel.

You + Gospel + Holy Spirit = Power

Romans 1:16 (NKJV)– For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

“When the gospel is preached God is there and God is working. The gospel is power....” – Leon Morris

“The Word of God faithfully proclaimed is the most powerful force in the world.” – Lloyd Ogilvie

3. Experience the Power of the Gospel in you.

1 Thessalonians 1:5a (NKJV)– For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance.

The difference between having questions and doubting.

“We can have deep and settled convictions about the truth of the gospel without needing to have all the answers.” – Lloyd Ogilvie

The danger of the Gospel in you! Remember it’s not about you.

4. Experience the Power of the Gospel through you.

1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 (MSG) – It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special. When the Message we preached came to you, it wasn’t just words. Something happened in you. The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions.

“You can’t teach beyond where you are” is a myth!

“While I take seriously my responsibility to live an exemplary life, I’ve become aware that I must preach beyond my experience, because I preach Jesus, not me. Jesus is always beyond where I am.” – Lloyd Ogilvie

1 Thessalonians 1:5b (NKJV) – You know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

It’s not about me.

Look at me as I look at Jesus.

Sure even in the face of persecution, to the point of experiencing joy in the midst of those difficult circumstances!

Key verse to memorize: 1 Thessalonians 1:5a (TPT)– For our gospel came to you not merely in the form of words but in mighty power infused with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.

Questions for discussion/reflection:

1. Explain how you would share the gospel with someone who might not know anything about

the Bible? 2. Share your personal experience(s) of the power of the gospel? (hearing the gospel,

salvation, witnessing, etc.) 3. Share your personal journey (if different from above) into assurance of your salvation? 4. Do you believe that in your sharing of the gospel there is power released through the Holy

Spirit? 5. Share about any feelings you have ever had concerning being inadequate to share the

gospel with someone? 6. Share any type of experience of persecution connected with your faith you may have

walked through? 7. Have you ever experienced joy in the midst of persecution of some form? 8. What can change in your life this week to demonstrate living for those who do not yet know

Jesus?