JAN 24

1 Thessalonians 5:27
Memorise 1 Thessalonians 5:27
“I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.“

When believers gather together to worship God on the Lord’s Day, we are commanded to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). This means we worship from the heart and only in the way God has commanded us to in His Word. Thus worship includes praying, reading and preaching of God’s Word, singing, participating in the Lord’s Supper and giving of our tithes and offerings. In Acts 2:42, when the early church met, they “continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine”. This means that they diligently read and studied what the Apostles taught (which was by the authority of Christ through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit), which is now recorded for us in God’s Word, the Bible.

The Apostle Paul here charges the church leaders in Thessalonica to read this epistle to all the believers. This charge is serious as it is stronger than a command, and it is akin to binding them by an oath. In addition to reading this epistle, God also commands that we be instructed in the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) so that His people are well versed in His truth and grow in His ways. Although it was addressed specifically to the church at Thessalonica, and some of the issues addressed were specific to them, yet it was also to be read in all the churches when they are assembled together, for within it are also valuable lessons and instructions that are applicable to all believers of all ages. It was not to be suppressed or kept from them. Such injunctions in the Epistles tell us that the Apostles had authority to give infallible instructions to the churches.

Dear teen, do you see how the Word of God must be central in every church, and also in every worship service? The Bible alone is our guide for faith and practice, and it is through God’s Word that we would have our hearts and minds fixed upon Him. We cannot on one hand claim to be worshipping God, but yet ignore His Word, or just perfunctorily pay lip service to it but not take it seriously at all. No we must be sober, reverent and attentive when the Word of God is read, for it is as it were God speaking to us – so we better listen up!

Thought: “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” (Psalm 119:18)
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, teach me and cause me to desire to spend more time reading Your Word of life. May it be honey to my taste and strength for my soul.