Notes of Faith January 2, 2025
The Book That Works
For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
When we welcome the Word into our lives, it goes to work. It effectively works inside of us—inside our brains and bodies, inside our souls and spirits, inside our personalities and homes. It’s a living book, and when we receive it, it rolls up its sleeves.
The Bible works on our attitudes, giving us less bitterness and impatience, more love and happiness. It works on our conversation, helping us speak more wisely and confidently. It works on our minds, removing the filth and focusing our thoughts on what is true and noble. It works on our habits, forming us increasingly into the image of Christ.
The Bible does a supernatural work in our hearts. That’s why in addition to reading it daily, we want to memorize its verses, meditate on its truths, and share its message with others. Let the Bible go to work within you!
Never live on memories; let the Word of God always be living and active in you.
Oswald Chambers
Hebrews 4:12
12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
The Word of God is supernatural. He provided it, sustains it, and uses it for His glory. Those who are willing to live by it will never be forsaken, abandoned, or ashamed. We will live lives pleasing to God and welcomed into His eternal home prepared for us before the foundation of the world.
Thessalonians 2:13-20
English Standard Version
13 And we also thank God constantly[a] for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men[b] 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,[c] 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![d]
Paul's Longing to See Them Again
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.
Pastor Dale