Accept God's Word As God's Word

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Accept God's Word As God's Word

Date: Feb. 21, 2017

Passage

1 Thessalonians 2:13-20 (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. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind 16 by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!

17 But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, 18 because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 2:13

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.

1. God's work at work in you (13-16)

The gospel does not originate in man but in God. The apostles taught God's word, not their own ideas. Their teaching came with divine power and the Holy Spirit. The Thessalonians received the message as God's word. God's word changed them and continued to work in them. The evidence was in their suffering. They were severely persecuted for their faith, like the believers in Judea and like the apostles themselves. Believing God's word as it is will bring trouble from unbelievers. But unbelievers face something even worse - God's wrath. How we view the gospel shapes our life and lifestyle.

2. You are our glory and joy (17-20)

Paul really wanted to visit the Thessalonians after being forced out. This would put him at risk but he loved the Thessalonians. However, Satan blocked the way. The apostles' glory and joy was in the Thessalonians' transformed lives.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your powerful word which is at work in us. Help us to teach your word as it is.

One Word: Accept and teach God's word as it is

Pride and Foolishness Are Cousins

1 Chronicles 19:1-19

Key Verse: 19:2

And David said, “I will deal kindly with Hanun the son of Nahash, for his father dealt kindly with me.” So David sent messengers to console him concerning his father. And David’s servants came to the land of the Ammonites to Hanun to console him.

Today's Question

What are the sacraments of the New Testament?

See answer and references