1 Thessalonians 2:1-20
The brethren at Thessalonica received the word of God, as they heard it from Paul and Silas. They "welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God." That word "effectively works." 1 Thessalonians 2:13. What does it do?
First, it makes us wise to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. That was the experience of Timothy from an early age. Even children can understand the way of salvation. See 2 Timothy 3:15. Are you saved? How do you know that you are saved? The answer is simple. God has promised eternal life to those who believe in His Son. We welcomed and received His word. Our salvation is as sure as the promises of God.
Second, we have been born again by the word. Peter writes about "being born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever." 1 Peter 1:23. See also James 1:18.
Third, the word of God makes us clean. The psalmist asks, "How can a young man cleanse his way?" He also answers, "By taking heed according to Your word." Psalm 119:9. Jesus said to His disciples, "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you." John 15:3.
Fourth, it makes us strong. "So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." Acts 20:32. The holy Scriptures are like food for the soul. The strong Christian is well fed. See Hebrews 5:12-14. Job treasured the words of His mouth more than his necessary food. Job 23:12.
Fifth, the word of God produces fruit in the lives of those who meditate upon it. That person "shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." Psalm 1:3. See also Joshua 1:8.
Sixth, it shows us His way in our daily walk with the Lord. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Jesus put it this way, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:4.
Here we have the word of God effectively at work. Listed above we see what it does. But how does it work?
It works by faith. "The word of God...effectively works in you who believe." It isn't enough to know the word, or just study the word. The Lord wants us to believe Him, and live by faith. Then the word does its work in us.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth of Your word. We know that faith comes by the hearing of the word. Lord, continue to show us Your way and Your will in all that we do. In Jesus' name. Amen!
