August 27 2026

August 27 Thursday

1 Thessalonians 2:13

The Word of God That Works in You

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Today we come to one of my favorite verses concerning the power of the Word of God to transform our lives. Paul has been reminding the Thessalonian believers of his ministry among them. He has talked about how he preached the Gospel, how he lived before them, and how he exhorted, comforted, and charged them as a father does his children. But now in verse 13, Paul turns his attention from the messenger to the message. He writes: “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when you received the word of God which you heard of us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectively works also in you that believe.”

Paul was thankful because when these people heard his preaching, they recognized that there was something different about his message. They realized that this was not merely Paul's opinion. It was not simply another philosophy. It was not another religious theory. They received it “as it is in truth, the word of God.” And then Paul tells us what happened: “Which effectively works also in you that believe.” I have often used this verse over the years because it reminds us of a wonderful truth: When we receive the Bible as the Word of God and believe it as the Word of God, it begins to work in our lives. There is transforming power in God's Word! Notice the progression in this verse. First, they heard the Word. Paul says, “the word of God which you heard of us.” Romans 10:17 tells us: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Somebody has to proclaim the Word before people can hear it. That is why preaching and teaching the Scriptures is so important. That is why we should share God's Word with our children and grandchildren. That is why we should send it around the world through missions. And that is one of the reasons I enjoy sharing these Pastor's Chats every day.

But hearing the Word alone is not enough. Second, they received the Word. There is a difference between hearing something and receiving it. You can sit in church and hear the Bible preached every Sunday without allowing it to change your life. You can read your Bible every morning and close it without responding to what God has said. James 1:22 reminds us: “But be you doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” The Thessalonians didn't merely hear the message. They welcomed it into their hearts and lives.

But notice something even more important. Third, they recognized it as God's Word. Paul said they received it: “Not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God.” That makes all the difference. If I believe the Bible is merely the words of men, then I can take what I like and reject what I don't like. I can say, “I agree with this part, but I don't agree with that.” But when I believe that this Book is God's Word, my attitude changes. Instead of standing in judgment over the Bible, I allow the Bible to judge me. Instead of trying to change the Scriptures to fit my life, I allow the Scriptures to change my life to fit God's will. Hebrews 4:12 says: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword.” God's Word is alive! It speaks to our hearts. It exposes our sin. It corrects our thinking. It directs our steps. It gives us hope. It produces faith. It comforts us in sorrow. It strengthens us in temptation. And it reveals Jesus Christ to us.

Then notice the final truth. Fourth, they believed the Word. Paul says that the Word “effectively works also in you that believe.” That little phrase is so important—“in you that believe.” The Bible sitting unopened on a shelf will not transform your life. Even knowing Bible verses intellectually will not necessarily change your life. The Word becomes effective in us as we believe it, receive it, obey it, and allow the Holy Spirit to apply it to our lives. Isaiah 55:11 says: “So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void.” God's Word accomplishes God's purposes. I have seen this truth demonstrated countless times over the years. I have watched people hear the Gospel, believe the Word of God, trust Jesus Christ as their Savior, and become completely different people. I have seen marriages changed. I have seen families restored. I have seen people delivered from destructive habits. I have seen discouraged people find hope. (I wish I had time to share the testimony of Joe and Taylor Sadusky that I had the privilege of leading to the Lord in their home on a Saturday afternoon about three years ago.) I have also seen grieving people find comfort. I have seen believers discover God's will and give their lives to serving Jesus Christ. And it wasn't because of the eloquence or ability of the preacher. It was the Word of God working in those who believed!

That is why, as a preacher, I have always believed that my primary responsibility is not to entertain people or impress people with my knowledge of the deeper meaning of the Scripture. My responsibility is simply to faithfully give them the Word of God. Because my words cannot change a heart. But God's Word can! My opinions cannot produce spiritual life. But God's Word can! First Peter 1:23 tells us that we are: “Born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides forever.” And Psalm 119:105 says: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” The same Word that brings us to salvation continues working in us after we are saved. It changes the way we think. It changes the way we speak. It changes our priorities. It changes our attitudes. It changes the way we treat other people. And most importantly, it continually changes us to become more like Jesus Christ. So today, let me encourage you not simply to read your Bible. Read it believing, “This is God's Word to me.” When you hear it preached, don't merely ask, “Was that a good sermon?” Ask, “What did God say to me, and what am I going to do about it?”

Remember the Thessalonians. They heard the Word. They received the Word. They believed the Word. And the Word worked in them. And God's Word will still do the same thing in our lives today.

Let’s Pray. Father, thank You for giving us Your precious Word. Thank You that the Bible is not merely the word of men, but that it is in truth the Word of God. Give us hearts that are hungry for Your Word. Help us not only to hear it and read it, but to receive it, believe it, obey it, and allow it to work effectively in our lives.

Lord, use Your Word to correct us when we are wrong, encourage us when we are discouraged, strengthen us when we are weak, guide us when we don't know which way to go, and continually transform us into the image of Jesus Christ. Help us faithfully share Your Word with others, trusting that Your Word has the power to change lives. Thank You that Your Word lives and abides forever. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

God bless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!