Twin City church of Christ Blog
“Feb 1, 2024 - How to Receive God's Word”
Categories: 2024 Reading DevotionalsHow to Receive God’s Word
Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-16
Paul continues to recount his initial visit to Thessalonica. He stresses that when he and Silas came, “we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you”(1 Thess 2:9), a thought that will become important later in the letter. He also reminds them “how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers” and how he appealed to them “like a father with his children”(1 Thess 2:10, 11). Paul is not bragging; he is emphasizing that all his instruction comes from sincere concern.
What is impressive is the way the Thessalonians responded to the message. “And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers”(1 Thess 2:13). When they heard Paul’s message, they did not consider it his words. They listened for the God behind the message. They acted as if God were directly speaking to them. And that word began to “work in you believers” because it is not merely human. They continued to believe in it even as they suffered persecution from their countrymen. Paul expresses frustration about the unbelieving Jews who have rejected God at every turn: killing Jesus and the prophets, opposing Paul and his ministry to Gentiles, and displeasing God. Yet he also celebrates that despite their opposition, there are still those who receive God’s word well in the midst of hardship (1 Thess 2:14).
Receiving God’s word well means that we evaluate the message, not merely the messenger. We can always find fault with people—they are mere “jars of clay”(2 Cor 4:7)—yet they can still carry God’s word to us. Meanwhile, it is also tempting to merely follow the prevailing winds of our culture: if others dismiss the message, perhaps we should too. The Thessalonians are an example to us because they discern God’s word and resolve to follow it despite human opposition.
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One Thing to Think About: What might hinder me from receiving God’s word well?
One Thing to Pray For: Comfort and strength for my brothers the world over who face opposition for their faith
