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THE WORDS OF MEN OR THE WORD OF GOD?
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
1 Thessalonians 2:13

2 Peter 1:19-21

 

“…as it is in truth,

the word of God…”

 

THE WORDS OF MEN OR THE WORD OF GOD?
 
When you read the Bible or hear God’s Word being faithfully expounded, how do you receive it? Do you see it as just words written or said by men? Or as they truly are, the very words of God?
 
Paul explained that he was so thankful for the Thessalonian Christians’ reception of the Word that was preached to them. When Paul taught in their midst, they did not think of it as just his own ideas or opinions. They acknowledged and received him as one who was indeed preaching the Word of God. They gave due reverence and godly fear for the instruction he gave them. This gave him great reason to thank God. Note of course that as an Apostle of Christ, Paul spoke with the full authority of God, and his teachings and writings were to be accepted as the very words of God.
 
Furthermore, the result was that it “effectually worketh” (1 Thess 2:13) in all who believed. Because they had full confidence in the teachings that they received, they began to obey and apply it in their lives. God’s Word took root in their hearts, and had a very real impact in their lives.
 
This must be the perspective of anyone who has heard the Gospel and come to true saving faith. He must realise that the words that the preacher speaks are not just the preacher’s own, but that the preacher is a faithful mouthpiece of God’s words to him. Likewise, that must be the understanding of any church member listening to a faithful preacher.
 
Note that this is an important warning to every preacher as well. When he goes out to preach and teach, he must be very careful that he is indeed preaching the Word of God faithfully, and not the words of men. People like to listen to anecdotes and stories and interesting illustrations. The preacher can have some of that, but that must never be the basis of his messages. It must be the simple and clear presentation of the Gospel of Christ which is the power of God unto salvation!
 
THOUGHT: Which is more powerful – men’s words or God’s Word?
PRAYER: Father, may Thou grant me the faith and conviction to trust in Thy Word and apply it into all areas of my life.

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