LISTEN
NASB:
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.
NIV:
And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
Observations:
Writing to the Thessalonians, the apostle Paul wanted them to be aware of the exclusivity and divine nature of God’s word.
The Thessalonians heard the word of God, and they heard it from Paul and other apostles.
They accepted the word of God.
They did not regard it as the word of men.
They regarded it for what it actually is.
The Bible is the actual word of God.
The word of God is at work in those who believe.
For these things Paul constantly thanked God.
Takeaways:
Share the word of God. How could the Thessalonians hear it if Paul and other apostles didn’t share it?
Know what the word of God is. It is not the word of men; it is not anything other than the actual word of God.
Let the word work in us. The verse clearly states that the word works in those who believe.
Thank God for his word.
