I Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe
In the previous post, I spoke about the fact that Paul said God was a witness (as were the Thessalonians) to the holy conduct of him and his fellow-workers. This is truly an amazing and a humbling statement. One that should cause each one of us to examine our own testimony and conduct/conversation before God and man. This is purely my opinion here, but I believe there is a cause and effect relationship here between this and the previous verses. The Thessalonians received the Word as it was (and is) in Truth- the Word of God. I believe that the things we have mentioned earlier (the fact that the gospel came not in "word" only, but in power, in the Holy Spirit and much assurance- the fact that it produced a radical transformation in their lives, turning from idols to serve God- and the fact that the men who brought this gospel behaved and conducted themselves in a godly manner- all helped the Thessalonians to receive the message as the very Words of God- which they are!
Something I really like about this passage is that it shows the Word not only produces initial repentance and conversion, but it continues to work in those who believe! The Scriptures teach that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. We never get to a place in life where we don't need the Word. And why would we want to live without it anyway? This passage teaches us that God's Word is active and alive and working in us. The book of Hebrews says that Scripture is "quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword." The Word of God has everything we need to live an abundant Christian life. It is not merely a collection of writings by religious men, but it is God Himself communicating with His Creation. Many people in this world are seemingly on a quest to "find God." They are searching for something deep and meaningful, and a way to connect with a "higher power". How awesome it is that God has revealed Himself to us in ways we can understand. Truly we cannot comprehend the vastness and the greatness of God with our human senses and faculties. But, by looking at the pages of Scripture, we can know exactly the attributes of God that He wants to communicate to us. If you want to know what God is like- look at Jesus. After all, He made this claim Himself:
John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
So remember, when you live in the Word and continue in it- it is working in you!
Until next time...
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