Young Adults' Group

Receiving The Word Of God Well

by Pastor Mark
November 02, 2017

The ministry of the word of God

Last Saturday, we ended our fellowship group ministries for the year with a combined meeting. Pastor Charles reviewed the year and highlighted the importance of the ministry of the word. In all our fellowship groups, we have sought to be word-centred. We have been consistently preaching the word of God throughout the year. But how has the word of God been received by us? As we come to the close of another year, let us check for ourselves whether we have listened well to the word of God. How much has the word of God impacted us?

The example of the Thessalonian church

Pastor Charles used the example of the Thessalonian brethren as a benchmark for us concerning how we should receive the word of God. When the Apostle Paul first preached the word of God to the people in Thessalonica, some were persuaded and some were not. (Acts 17:4,5) Those who were persuaded, which included some Jews, many of the devout Greeks and leading women, formed the church in Thessalonica. These believers became an outstanding example of how we should receive the word of God preached. What was so significant concerning their attitude to the ministry of the word?

1. Heart-felt reception of the word

“because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it…,” (1 Thess 2:13)

How did those who believed receive the word of God? Paul used the Greek word…“dechomai”. It means “to accept, to welcome”. Not only was the word of God received, but it was accepted and welcomed. Paul and his team would often minister the word to the brethren who would always have heart-felt reception of it. They welcomed the word given to them. Have we sought to receive the ministry of the word of God in the same manner…to welcome it? Let us be challenged to have heart-felt reception of the word of God.

2. The high regard for the word

“you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God,” (1 Thess 2:13)

The brethren had a high regard for the word that was taught to them. They accepted and regarded the word as the truth. It was truth that came from God. The word was also regarded as the words of God. Though the words were taught by Paul and his team, the brethren were able to discern that these words were not the mere words of man. These words were specially regarded as from God. Let us be challenged to have highest regard for the word of God.

3. The effective working of the word

“which also effectively works in you who believe.” (1 Thess 2:13)

When we are able to receive the word of God well, the power of the word of God would be at work. The word would effectively work in us. The phrase “effectively works” comes from the Greek word “energeo” where we get the English word “energise”. The word of God is meant to energise us. It will work in us till it becomes effective. The word “energeo” is written in the present tense which indicates that this is something that will continue to be effective. The word would prove itself to be energising and effective for those who have faith. Through our faith in God and His word, the word would change us and make us followers of the truth. Let us be challenged to follow the example of the Thessalonian church and to receive well the word of God.

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