1 Thessalonians 2:13 – “…we constantly thank God that when you received the word of God … you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God.”
The Apostle Paul was deeply concerned about the faith of the Christians in Thessalonica before writing this letter to them. The Apostle had only gotten to be with the new Christians he had converted for three weeks before persecution broke out and he had to flee town. In his short time with the new Christian converts, Paul had been warning them they would likely suffer affliction for their newfound faith in Christ (1 Thess. 3:4). The Apostle was relieved to find out from his co-worker Timothy, that while persecution had broken out against Christians in Thessalonica, they had not abandoned their faith in Jesus Christ. What was it that kept the Christians steadfast in their faith while suffering affliction for it? I believe that one clear key was that the Holy Spirit worked in their hearts to receive the Word that Paul had preached as the very Word of God.
Do you approach the Bible as a Word inspired by God himself or a word from mere men? Our actions tell the truth. We pay careful attention to that which we feel carries great authority and consequence to our lives. Do you listen as intently to a sermon or a Bible study as you would a doctor prescribing steps for your physical well-being? Are you serious about putting the Bible into practice?
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word. Thank you for preachers and teachers and evangelists that you have given to equip Christians for right living in your sight. Help me to hide your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.