How does 1 Thessalonians 2:13 emphasize the divine origin of God's Word? The Verse Itself “And we continually 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 as it truly is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:13 What Makes This Verse a Showcase of Divine Origin? • “received the word of God” – Paul calls the message “the word of God” the moment it lands in their ears. • “which you heard from us” – Though humans delivered it, the content remains God’s. • “you accepted it not as the word of men” – Clear line drawn between human opinion and divine revelation. • “but as it truly is, the word of God” – Paul doubles down, stressing the objective, factual nature of its divine source. • “which is at work in you who believe” – Only God’s living word carries transforming power; its ongoing effect proves its heavenly origin. Supporting Witnesses from the Rest of Scripture • 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is God-breathed…”; echoes the same claim of divine authorship. • 2 Peter 1:21 – “men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” • Hebrews 4:12 – “the word of God is living and active…”; matches Paul’s “at work in you.” • Psalm 119:89 – “Your word, O LORD, is everlasting…”; divine permanence stands behind Thessalonians’ confident reception. • John 17:17 – “Your word is truth.”; Christ Himself seals the verdict that God’s word is wholly trustworthy. Why Paul’s Emphasis Matters • Guards the church against reducing Scripture to inspiring literature. • Confirms that obedience to the message is obedience to God Himself. • Stirs gratitude (“we continually thank God”) because receiving Scripture equals receiving a gift straight from heaven. • Builds assurance: the same word that saved them now “works” within them, guaranteeing ongoing sanctification. Living Out the Truth Today 1. Approach the Bible expecting God to speak, not merely authors to inform. 2. Test every teaching by the written word; human opinion bows to divine revelation. 3. Lean on its active power for daily transformation—its Author still energizes believers. 4. Thank God regularly for preserving His word; gratitude keeps hearts soft to its voice. In a Sentence 1 Thessalonians 2:13 pulls back the curtain on Scripture’s authorship: though penned and preached by people, every syllable originates from God and continues to wield God’s own power in those who believe. |
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