The Power of the Word of God

Paul, when speaking to the church at Thessolonica, details to them why their church stood out above other churches in the region. In I Thessalonians 2:13 we find that they reasoned the speech of Paul and Silas and determined that it was not their words but the Word of the Lord. 
The question for us in this day and age is, will we be submissive to the power of the Word of God when it is declared unto us.  In your Bible reading, will you submit to what you read or will your eyes just fall upon the words?
May we consider just a few thoughts through I Thessalonians 2 as we look at the Power of the Word of God.

1. Suffering in the Gospel. (v. 1-2a)

Paul suffered because he declared the gospel, but that was not a sign of weakness but rather brought Glory to God because of His care and provision through Pauls suffering.  In Ephesians 3:13 Paul declares to the church of Ephesus that his tribulation would lead to their glory.  If God can take care of Paul through his suffering, can God take care of us?  If we are faithful to the gospel, the Word of God, will God be faithful to us?  See how the power of the Gospel still works today even in times of suffering?

   2.  Steadfast in the Gospel. (v.2b)

Even though they had suffered they did not quit preaching the gospel of Christ.  In Philippi they were shamefully treated, in Thessolinica they were mocked and may have thought the three weeks there was a waste.  But the power of the Gospel is always steadfast.  You can not witness to the wrong person, if you give them the gospel, then that is what will work on their hearts and life.  May we just be consistent and faithful in our witness.

   3.  Stewardship of the Gospel (v.4-6)

We have been entrusted with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Paul declares that we are not to always tell men what they want to hear, (I Thes. 2:4) nor are we to speak over or down to men, nor are we to declare the gospel for financial gain only.  This is a far cry from the social gospel elite of the day.  I would dare to say that if Paul were in the ministry today most would think him to be out of the will of God because of all of his tribulation and trials.

  4. Sensitivity of the Gospel (v. 7-10)

We are to be comforting and caring in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and remember that we are ministering to hurting people all around us.  The gospel of Christ is our Cause in life and it is the only thing that can change the heart of people.  Someone once said to me, "You can preach hard with out being harsh".  I believe a lot of fundamental preachers need to heed that advise. 

  5. Supervision of the Gospel (v.11-12)

Not only are we to be sensitive and caring like a mother but we are to be guiding and guarding like a father.  We are to direct the flock of God as pastors and preachers.  We are to direct the people in our community and lead the leadership in our town to come to Christ centered decisions.  In verse eleven Paul admonishes the church to remember how the dealt with them, exhorting them and comforting them and charging them to walk worthy of God who is their Heavenly Father. 

   6.  Submission to the Gospel  (v. 13-18)

None of this is possible with out our heart be submitted to the Gospel of Christ.  If I do not submit my heart and will and way to the master, I have missed the "Cause" in my life as a Christian.  How submitted are we daily to God and His way?  How submitted are we to His Word?  To often we as Christians forget what we are to do, and that is simply obey the voice and leading of the Lord.  It is not what we read in the Bible and do not understand that troubles me, it is what we read in the Bible and do understand and choose to disobey, that is what trouble me.

   7.  Splendor of the Gospel (v. 19-20)

Paul declares a Church body that is serving and obeying the Cause of the Gospel of Christ is a shining example to the Glory of Christ.  A life that has been changed by the power of the Cross is a glorious thing! 

May we as Christians take up the Cause of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and choose to obey Him today!