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"We also thank God without ceasing..."

Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:13

AN EXEMPLARY ATTITUDE COMMENDED

The apostle Paul and his team could not help but notice the way the Thessalonians received the gospel of God that was proclaimed. Their attitude was truly exemplary!

“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing,
because when you received the word of God which
you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word
of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God,
which also effectively works in you who believe.”

1 Thessalonians 2:13

1. “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing”

a) Paul highlighted a special reason for thanksgiving.

b) This was such a compelling reason that the heart naturally sought to thank God without ceasing.

2. “Because when you received the word of God which you heard from us”

a) The reason is given further elaboration.

b) It had to do with the reception of the word of God which Paul and his team preached.

3. “You welcomed it not as the word of men”

a) The Thessalonians recognised that the word proclaimed were not the word of men.

b) They could distinguish what was the mere word of men and what came from God.

c) They welcomed the gospel that had been preached to them.

4. “But as it is in truth, the word of God”

a) Paul applauded them:-

i) For discernment

ii) For wisdom

b) “The word of God”

i) Paul was quick to affirm this fact.

ii) He had not preached a gospel of his own making.

iii) He and his team had preached the word of God most consciously and consistently.

5. “Which also effectively works in you who believe”

a) Paul recognised the power of God working in their lives.

b) Soon after they believed fruit began to appear (1 Thessalonians 1:3).

c) Fruit is a clear evidence of the power of God at work in the heart.

The means was the word of God that was given a great welcome!