Examples. 1st Thessalonians 1:7-8 Being models of the truth we preach in everyday life is the best way to prepare for Gospel work. The internal effect of the joy of the Holy Ghost makes the words we speak influence those who hear them. Afflictions are the outward sign showing how the Gospel truth works in daily life. The message of salvation brings both joy and suffering because those who live "godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
People in other places the Thessalonians had reached out to, who had become believers in Christ, imitated those who brought them the Gospel. The Thessalonians imitated those who brought them the Gospel, and they had also imitated the believers in Judea. Paul imitated Christ in his life before those to whom he preached. Anyone whom God saves by His grace is to be an imitator of God in love, grace, truth, and righteousness of life.
New believers are motivated to share the word of God with as many people and in as many places as possible. This is one of the greatest sources of our joy because we understand what it means to be saved from hell and the consequences of sin. The spread of the Gospel largely depends on how those who preach present themselves and the message. Turning to God occurs when people realize something is missing in their lives and their main interest's idolatry does not satisfy them. Servants of God have a new Master and are engaged in new services with new goals. Idolaters do not worship a "living God." Serving the "true God" involves an active interest in the things of God's kingdom.
Thessalonica was a port city situated on a major, well-traveled road. From this strategic location, the news of the Gospel spread in many directions as the changed lives and committed faith of the believers in Christ testified to the power of the Gospel. The riot in the city didn’t prevent their assembly testimony from influencing those who observed their lives and heard their public witness to the grace of God, which was happening in that city and reaching another place.
A spirit of faith in Christians influences others because of their optimistic outlook on the future and a life dedicated to God. They recognize that “what He (God) has done for others, He will do for you.” Facial expressions, tone of voice, use of time, words in conversation, attendance at church meetings, and a positive attitude, even during dark times, positively impact those who know Christians, their beliefs, and why they promote the Gospel.
Complaints about all the evil and hypocrisy around us do not make the truth we believe and practice very attractive. The blessings of forgiveness of sin, a meaningful and purposeful life, sure hope for the future, and peace with God now are all very appealing to people who are fed up with their current circumstances. Warnings supported by scripture references are very important. Still, the love and grace of God toward lost sinners, revealed in the sacrifice of Christ for our sins when He was on the cross, will lead sinners to seek relief, forgiveness, and the salvation Christ offers. “When He was on the cross, I was on His mind” has a strong impact on those who have faced their guilt.
The personal testimony of God’s grace to us often strongly appeals to those we speak with. They will observe to see if our words and actions match. An enthusiastic attitude toward the Gospel, the assembly, and the Lord’s people has a powerful impact on those living in sin who see no hope for the future. Faith in God cannot be hidden and becomes evident when it aligns with the word of God, and living daily by biblical principles is not concealed because of professing Christians who try to conform to worldly ways.