(Nuggets from 1 Thessalonians 2:13)
Thessalonica consisted of two diverse classes: The Greek and the Jews.
The Hebrews in Thessalonica, were custodians of the Mosaic laws and recognized Moses as their grand patron, whose words and letters were treated with great respect.
The Gentiles on the other hand, were ardent devotees and enthusiasts of of Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher who was a student of Socrates, a teacher of Aristotle, one of the founders of Western philosophy.
This was the era during which the GOSPEL was delivered to the people of Thessalonica.The gospel literally impinged on these ancient and revered institutions. The fans and followers of Moses and Plato were compelled to admit the HIGHER authority of the apostolic message - JESUS CHRIST as the only son of God, the word of God made flesh, who came to dwell among men.
It must have been an uphill task for Apostle Paul who took the gospel message to them and the entire believers who were in the Thessalonian church.
Ever wondered why Apostle Paul praised them for the kind of ATTENTION and RECEPTION they gave to God's word?
Let's highlight some of the reasons:
1). THEY UNDERSTOOD THAT THE GOSPEL IS SUPERIOR TO ANY FORM OF HUMAN WISDOM.
The Thessalonian church knew that human wisdom is LIMITED in nature and that the greatest minds are imperfect in knowledge and no matter their level of exposure or experience, they had their flaws.
They also knew that human wisdom is subject to modification. Little wonder, even a conservative philosopher - Aristotle, said:
"There is no difference between what men call knowledge and mere opinion; therefore, as all opinion is uncertain, there can be no certainty in human knowledge."
This proves beyond reasonable doubt that HUMAN KNOWLEDGE is a factor of what we learn, experience, perceive and ruminate on.
They equally understood that Human senses are limited and delusive; intellect is weak; life is short, and this informed their decision to place prominence and preeminence on God.
2). THEY WERE WITNESSES OF THE FACT THAT THE GOSPEL IS NOTHING SHORT OF DIVINE
The church in Thessalonica knew that the word of God is AUTHORITY PERSONIFIED, owing to the fact that they could witness the move of the Holy Spirit through the ministrations of Apostle Paul and His emissaries, which led to many conversions.
Every TRUE child of God who understands that when God speaks, they can attest to the fact that His Word comes with majesty, bends the ear to attention, the mind to faith, the heart to reverence, the will and conscience to obedience.
3). THEY KNEW THAT THE GOSPEL IS EFFICACIOUS IN TRANSFORMING CHARACTER.
"Which effectually worketh also in you that believe."
As sunlight hits the earth and creates the "moonlight" as a reflection, so the believing soul, receiving the light of the Word of God is changed into the image of that Word.
Whatever the Divine Word of God prescribes, that it works in us.
It prescribes and works REPENTANCE.
It prescribes and works FAITH and OBEDIENCE.
It prescribes KNOWLEDGE that enlightens you to know God deeper than ever.
The words of men are FRAIL and PERISHING, and in most cases, FALSE, FOOLISH, and FICKLE; but God's word is HOLY, TRUE, WISE, JUST, and FAITHFUL; and, like its author, LIVES and ABIDES for ever.
The transforming power of the word of God is continually demonstrated in the lives of the RECIPIENTS.
The word of God makes the PROFANE HOLY, makes the LOQUACIOUS SOBER and makes the NASTY CHASTE.
Faith is the vital force that connects the soul with this converting power embedded in the word of God.
Apostle Paul could not help but thank and appreciate God for the kind of reception the Thessalonians gave the word of God:
"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing."
No disappointment is keener than that of unproductive labour. Some of the choicest ministers of God have had to mourn over comparative failure, seeing that their constant labor and efforts to deliver the gospel isn't yielding results.
Think of the anguish of Jeremiah, when the Word of the Lord, which he declared, was turned into daily reproach and derision; and Ezekiel, when he wept over rebellious Israel!
But the joy of success is inexpressible and inexplicable.
What are the KEY LESSONS to be learnt:
1. The word of man, while it may sound oratory, is powerless and cannot change the heart of a sinner or potential convert if not backed up by the Holy Spirit.
2. The Word of God can only work for you when you RECEIVE IT AND BELIEVE IT.
YOU ARE WHAT YOU KNOW AND WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW!
IT IS ONLY THE WORD YOU RECEIVE AND BELIEVE THAT CAN WORK WONDERS IN YOUR LIFE.
This is HOLINESS CHALLENGE
DAY 340 OF 365🔥
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