The Apostle Paul commended the Thessalonian believers for their reception of his ministry among them. In fact, he was particularly given to rejoicing 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” (I Thessalonians 2:13). Paul understood that there is a real distinction, one of genuine consequence, between words of men and the very word of God. Many preachers today have little appreciation for the word of God and, consequently, offer sermons of their own inventions that have no real power to change lives. How infinitely superior is the life-giving and life-changing word of the living God!
Much could be said about God’s word, more than time or space allows. But a few thoughts are worthy of consideration. First, God’s word is simply that – His word. Paul reminded Timothy that “all scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16). The word “inspiration” means “breathed out”. God breathed out his word to holy men who wrote the scriptures. Consequently, it bears the very character of all that God is – holy, righteous, true, and much more. For example, God is infallible; therefore, his word is infallible. God is trustworthy; therefore, his word is trustworthy. God’s word cannot be separated from who he is and the attributes he bears.
This fact, that God’s word is “breathed out” from God makes his word living. It is this particular truth that Paul observed among the Thessalonians. They received God’s word and his word effectually worked in them. His word gave them life and changed their lives! Peter writes of the life-giving power of God’s word as the agent of the new birth. He reminds us that we are “born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever” (I Peter 1:23).
Christ during his earthly ministry encountered a time when “many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” When Christ asked the twelve if they would also turn back, Peter answered “to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:66-68). The word of God gives life, but it also changes lives. David wrote “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9). It is by the word of God that we put away sin in our lives and practice righteousness.
Have you received the word of God as those first century Thessalonian believers, as it is in truth, the word of God? Have you experienced its life-giving power through the gospel of Jesus Christ? As Peter wrote, “And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” (I Peter 1:25). Whose words are you giving heed to – God’s or men’s?
From the Chaplain 