1 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.”
This sermon from American Pastor J.D. Montieth explores Paul’s epistles to the Thessalonians in a series titled The Word of the Lord. This sermon, the sixth in the series, 1 Thessalonians 2:13-18, primarily highlights why the Thessalonians were such a model of faith: “There is no verse so instructive as to why the Thessalonians were such a model of faith, than this one. Why their faith grew into love, and their love into hope, why they became examples to all other believers throughout Macedonia and Achaia, and why from them sounded out the Word of the Lord, that Word which proclaims Jesus as Lord—it was because they received the Word spoken to them, not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God. It is this principle of how men receive the Word, which shall ultimately determine whether men believe the gospel or not, and also whether it is given opportunity enough to save their souls. It is impossible for men to gain true faith, and receive salvation from It, if they do not believe the gospel preached to them, has God as Its source. He then, who does not believe the truth, to be of God, cannot be saved by it.
“The Thessalonians, because of their astute spiritual perception, realized that the gospel that Paul and his companions brought to them, had its origin not in man, but in God. Knowing that the gospel was from above, and sent from God, is what prompted them to believe upon Jesus Christ. Because the Thessalonians believed that the Word preached to them had Its source in God, they heartily and with great joy received Its message. At the base then of all true belief, lies the internal confidence that the Word of God can be trusted, because of both Its spiritual nature and divine source. This is what made the Thessalonians’ faith so unique, and it is also what separates out and distinguishes those called by Christ today. Jesus’ sheep hear His voice, know that it comes from Christ, and upon hearing, will seek to obey Christ’s commands.
“Jesus said, which is true concerning the entirety of the gospel He brought, that His words were both Spirit and life. (John 6:63b) “…the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” By this it is meant that the words of Christ, contain the life and presence of God. Just as God’s breathing into Adam’s nostrils brought life to his organic body, so also has God’s breath brought life and holiness to the scriptures. It is for this reason that the
Bible is so vastly different from any other secular book ever written. Since It has Its origin in God, God’s spiritual life remains present in it. In truth, the Word of God is supernatural in every respect. Because It is given to us by God’s own person, and because it contains God’s presence, It has accompanying with It, God’s spiritual power.
“The way then that God’s Word will prove Itself as God’s Word is by Its ability to practically, albeit supernaturally, move things from one point to another. This will include the conversion of sinners, the healing of diseased bodies, bringing peace to a troubled soul, or anything else whereby God’s power changes things. This teaches us that there is no such thing as blind faith to those who believe, simply because through belief, the spiritual power of the Word of God, will be experienced.”
Broadcast live on 05/15/2022