HOW TO RECEIVE GOD'S WORD
1 Thessalonians 1:6, "And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:"
Preachers and Bible teachers have a great responsibility to give out the Word of God clearly, powerfully, earnestly, & sincerely. 1 Thessalonians 1:6 informs us that the hearer of God's Word has a great responsibility also. Eighteen times our Lord called to those who have an "ear to hear, let him hear." Bible discusses how people received the Word of God nearly as much as how it was delivered.
The Thessalonian believers received God's Word...
SUBMISSIVELY. "...followers..." They submitted themselves to the Word of God. They did more than just listen; they incorporated God's Word into their lives. They recognized its supreme authority and submitted themselves to its teaching.
STEADFASTLY. "...in much affliction..." The Thessalonian believers paid a heavy price to receive God's Word. They submitted in the face of intense opposition, pressure, & violent persecution. By becoming obedient Christians, they ostracized themselves from society and their families. NOTE: The Gospel does not prevent trials; in fact, it often produces them. Afflictions do not quench the joy of salvation; only sin/unbelief can do that. The world's persecution is external; however, God's work in our lives is internal.
SUPERNATURALLY. "...with joy of the Holy Ghost..." They had received something that was not simply a new lifestyle, but a supernatural transformation. Only God can give eternal life; it is not something man can "work up."
In the Word of God, we have something the world cannot give, the flesh cannot "work up," and the devil cannot take away. We will greatly benefit by following the Thessalonians' example on "how to receive the Word of God."
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