I Thessalonians 2

Paul and his friends:
Spoke the gospel with boldness amid opposition.
They did not allow error, impurity, or deceit; pleasing God, not man, in presenting the Truth.
They did not come with flattery or greed.
They did not seek glory for themselves, not did they assert their authority.
They worked day and night, so they would not burden the people.
They were "gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children." 
They "were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children."
They were devout, upright, and blameless towards the new believers.

Paul's one desire was to see the new Christians "walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory." ( v12)

The believers in Thessalonica:
Accepted the Word of God.
Were transformed by the word of God which "performs its work in you who believe." (v13)
They became imitators of the churches in Judea.
They endured suffering at the hands of their own countrymen.
Were Paul's "glory and joy". 

The work of the Word of God - the "energeo" - active, efficient, effectual, operative, powerful Word - transforms the believer, the one who has accepted the Word as God's message and not the word of men. Paul spoke the gospel, he proclaimed the gospel, he imparted the gospel..he was entrusted with the gospel... and he lived according to the gospel in every way.  The Word of God was active, effectual and powerful in his life and ministry.

Matthew 4:17 says that Jesus "began to preach and say, 'Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand'" Then in verse 23 we read that He went about "teaching in their synagogues , and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom..."   The gospel, the good news from God is this - His Kingdom is here!
When we hear this and believe - this is faith.  Hebrews 4:2 "For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard."  It is those who hear the Word and believe it that enter into His "rest", His kingdom.  This is the good news, the gospel that Jesus preached and that Paul taught.

Father, bless Your holy Name!  You are wonderful beyond description.  Your grace and mercy towards us is overwhelming. Thank You for bringing Your kingdom here. Thank You for providing rest through Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son.  Thank You, Jesus, for suffering death for us, that we might have life in the Kingdom of God.  Fill me again with Your Spirit, Who gives wisdom and righteousness, through the Word of God. Transform my life that I may always walk in a manner worthy of the One who has called me into His Kingdom.  In Jesus' name I ask this Father, amen.