and that our Gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind of men we showed ourselves to be among you for your sake.
Until the gospel is incorporated into a person’s character and conduct, it is nothing more than mere words. The blessings of the gospel come only to those who are "doers of the word and not hearers only" (James 1:22). Every such person may legitimately claim, "The gospel is mine."