1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.
This letter is probably one of the most positive letters by Paul in the New Testament: He likes what he sees in and hears about this church. He hears the Word being spoken and He sees the power of the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of believers living out their faith. It makes sense, because indeed both are activities of the Holy Spirit - He has breathed out His Word, and He influences us, sanctifying us into Christlikeness. Whenever we find ourselves ignoring or overemphasizing one over the other, we are creating a tension that does not exist. May we be consistent Christ-followers in Word and Spirit.
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