Receiving God's Word
- Pastor Steven
- Feb 3
- 2 min read
“For this reason we also constantly thank God that 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.”
1 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB95
How do people view the Bible today? According to a Gallup poll, fewer people than ever believe the Bible is the literal Word of God. For example, “a record-low 20% of Americans now say the Bible is the literal word of God. Meanwhile, a new high of 29% say the Bible is a collection of "fables, legends, history and moral precepts recorded by man."[1] But this is nothing new. Throughout history, the authority of God's Word has been challenged. The real question for us is, how do we receive God’s Word?
The Thessalonians serve as a powerful example of what it means to truly embrace God’s Word. Despite their culture and circumstances, they welcomed the message of the gospel, recognizing it not as human wisdom but as divine truth. When Paul arrived in Thessalonica, he preached in the synagogue for three Sabbaths. Many believed, but opposition quickly arose, and Paul was forced to flee. Yet, despite the persecution, the Thessalonians did not reject the gospel. Instead, they received it as God’s Word rather than the word of man.
“While they recognized they were listening to humans, they had not concluded that the message was man-made.”[2]
Not only did they receive God’s Word as divine, but they also embraced it so that it transformed their lives. The Bible is not just informative, but when received correctly, it transforms a person (see Ps. 119:9, 11; John 17:17). It does this by convicting us, strengthening us, and shaping us into Christ’s image. The Greek word paralambánō means to take hold of personally. In other words, they welcomed the message into their hearts and lives.
“Only prepared hearts receive and respond to the message of truth.”[3]
How do you receive God's word? Do you not only receive it but also allow it to transform you? In a world that increasingly disregards Scripture, we need to learn from the Thessalonians. Let us commit to receiving, believing, and allowing God’s Word to transform our lives as it flows through our hearts.
Lord, the world has often downgraded Your Word. Help me to be like the Thessalonians, who received it as Your Word, not the words of men. Help my heart to be prepared to welcome it so that it can transform me more into the Lord Jesus. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
[2] Mike Stallard. The Books of First and Second Thessalonians, pg. 34.
[3] John Walvoord. The Thessalonian Epistles, pg. 41.
