They Received the Word

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

They Received the Word

Date: Feb. 18, 2022

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.

Paul was thankful that the Thessalonians accepted the gospel as the word of God, not a human idea. When they believed in Jesus, God worked in them, and they were changed. They imitated the church in Judea as their model. Their changed beliefs and lifestyle created suspicion among polytheists. But the real persecution came when Jewish believers stood firm on the gospel that Jesus is the Messiah. Then, the Jews, who crucified Jesus, intensely persecuted them. By faith, the believers endured.

The devil doesn’t want anyone to believe in Jesus as the Messiah or live a gospel lifestyle. He tempts us not to receive the word: You can believe in God -- but not Jesus as God. You can read the Bible -- but don’t repent and trust Jesus as your Savior. You can go to church -- but don’t surrender your life to Jesus to obey his world mission command. Persecution is the evidence that we received the word, believed in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and he is working in us.

Paul expected that they were being persecuted, and twice he tried to visit them, but was blocked. Paul loves them so much because of their simple faith to receive the word, that he views them highly as his crown and joy when Christ will appear! Who is your crown and joy when Jesus comes?

Prayer: Prayer: Father, thank you for your life-saving work through the Word to lead others to Christ.

One Word: One Word: Lead others to receive the Word

Repent of Compromise with the World

Revelation 2:12-29

Key Verse: 2:16

Today's Question

What are the reasons for the second commandment?

See answer and references