Verse of the Day 6/13

 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NIV1984)  And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
 

We recently considered James call for us to be "doers of the Word and not hearers only".  Today's verse in Paul's first letter to the church at Thessalonica reveals that he has heard of their faith and their works.  Believers hear God's Word but it doesn't come in one ear and out the other.

Believers receive the Word.  We are to "take the ball and run with it".  That is what distinguishes true believers and unbelievers.

 

We receive God's Word and His Word works in us to accomplish His purposes.  In his commentary on this verse, John MacArthur notes some of the ways that God's Word effectually works in us.  It includes "saving,teaching and training,guiding, counseling, nourishing,reviving, restoring, rewarding, judging, sanctifying, freeing and making us wise."

 

Read through that list again.  Which of these do you find or find lacking in your life?  Let God's Word work in your life, pray with a heart like David's in Psalm 51 for a willing spirit to do what He's called you to do. 

 

Psalm 51:12(ESV)   Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
    and uphold me with a willing spirit.

 

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

 

1 Thessalonians 2:13-14  English Standard Version (ESV)

¹³ 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. ¹⁴ For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea.