April 21, 2016

1 Thessalonians 2:13 (2) - "For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe."

Commentary - Second One

Another important point from this verse is Paul's statement about the "effective works" of the word of God in people who believe.  God's Word is Powerful - Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is living and powerful..."  God made sure that His word had the ability to do what Hebrews 4:12 also says, it "is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."  When God's Word goes forth, the hearts of men and women, and children too, are impacted.  That impact can come in the form of  conviction from God to change one's life (John 16:7-8), or nourishment for their hearts to grow (1 Peter 2:2), or truth that will set them free (John 8:32), etc. etc. 

Now, another point is extremely important!  Note the words,"...in you who believe."  If you believe what God says, and understand that it is meant to change your life, you can count on His Word doing just that!  Whether you hear it preached or you read it yourself, God's Word is going to make a lasting impression on you!  Trouble is, even Christians don't approach their reading of God's Word or their listening to God's Word being preached with the conviction that God wants to change their lives through His Word!!  Oh yes, they say they believe it, but that usually means they believe it is truth.  The kind of belief Paul spoke of was the belief that God's Word is meant for them to apply to their lives!!  If that Word is not applied, guess what Christian?  You're deceiving yourself if you just listen, even if you say, "Wow!  What a great message!"  God is not impressed with what we think of the sermon!  He's impressed how we APPLY that sermon to our lives.

Now, one thing I need to remember and I would want any preacher to think on:  Preach the Word!  (2 Timothy 4:20).  Though stories and illustrations can be so helpful to explain God's Word, nothing will impact people more than the written Word of God!  Read it out loud to your congregation, or quote it "word for word" to them!  Encourage them to read it themselves.  Remember Psalm 119:130, "The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple."