The Word of God Works Effectually

Jesus said: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." John 6:63 (KJV).

Below, Bob Picard writes of the ongoing effectual work of “the word of God” In Us who believe.

Worketh Effectually

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. – 1 Thessalonians 2:13

The Word of God is so wonderfully, incredibly, and awesomely, amazing!  Can I emphasize it any more than that.  Admittedly, of late I sometimes run out of words to describe who we are IN Christ.  The only word that seems to come out is “amazing!” May we always realize truly how amazing our justification, sanctification, and glorification are!

Yet, today there are so many Christians who are discouraged.  Discouragement is a normal emotion, yet we ought not remain in a state of discouragement for long?  Why?  God really means what His Word says about us!

The Believers in Thessalonica had received the Word of God, and believed it, in spite of persecution from their own countrymen (1 Thessalonians 2:14), and hearing of the horrible treatment Paul, and Silas, received in Philippi (1 Thessalonians 2:2).

Paul’s desire for those in Thessalonica (as it also is for us today) is that we would walk worthy of God!  The motivation to walk worthy is the fact that we have been called unto His Kingdom AND Glory!

AMAZING! – How dare we need any other motivation!

That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. – 1 Thessalonians 2:12

How can the Believer be motivated?  After all, God has done His part.  He sent His Son.  He died, was buried, and rose again – according to the Scriptures.  You believed the Gospel.  A done deal, indeed!

The missing element is THANKFULNESS!  Being thankful for what the Lord has done should cause one to have JOY, no matter the situation!

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:  13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:  14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: – Colossians 1:12-14

Let’s go back to where we began – the last part of 1 Thessalonians 2:13. … the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

The Believer benefits greatly by reading, studying, believing the Bible’s words.

Much of the Christian world has become enamored by popular television shows and movies.  This is where so many get their so-called “truth” from.  But, genuine Spiritual truth must come from the ‘words of the Scriptures,’ rightly divided.

The Bible is indeed sufficient for justification, and is sufficient for sanctification as well.  We have a wonderful position IN Christ.  During the course of this current life the words of the Bible are amazingly enough for the Believer to line up our earthly walk with that heavenly position.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: – Ephesians 2:4-6

The Apostle Peter has a practical point of application – even for us today:

Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:  3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. – 1 Peter 2:1-3

 

As Adapted from Bob Picard, Pastor God’s Grace Bible Church, Millbury, Massachusetts

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