Articles
The Power of God’s Word - 1 Thess. 2
The Power of God’s Word - 1 Thess. 2
The pen is mightier than the sword, especially if the pen is in the hand of God! This word of God was revealed through the apostles and prophets and delivered unto sinners who needed to be saved. It is instructive to see how Paul conducted himself as a bearer of this inspired word.
His speech and conduct were free from error, impurity, and deceit (vs. 3). His preaching did not come with flattering speech or a pretext for greed. Instead of preaching for money, he worked night and day so as not to be a burden to those who were hearing (vs. 9). He did not seek glory from men. Even with all the authority of an Apostle, he proved gentle, tender, and caring. They could see how “devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly” they lived (vs. 10). Those that heard him preach could observe his godly life as he was willing to impart to them not only the gospel of God but his own life (vs. 8). With such a lifestyle as a backdrop to his preaching, he exhorted, encouraged, and implored them (vs. 11).
Seeing the gospel lived out in the life of Paul, and hearing the message of Christ and Him crucified, Paul was thankful saying: when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.
Thus, Paul exhorted THEM to “walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (vs. 12). While they were holding for the Word of God, they were to “walk and please God” by following the teaching that the apostles delivered to them (4:1-2). In living this way, they would let their light shine before men in such a way that they would see their good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven (see Matt. 5:16).
The power of a changed life lived in the presence of those who knew us previously is a powerful testimony to the truth of the gospel. Are you letting your light shine?
Hugh DeLong
