Verse: 1 Thessalonians 2:13 "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe."

Context: Paul is writing to the church of Thessalonica, charging them to live a sanctified (set apart) life for God.

Location: Macedonia (near modern-day Greece and Bulgaria)

Prior to reading, consider this startling finding from a Gallup Poll in 2022: ”A record-low 20% of Americans now say the Bible is the literal word of God….’ And that ‘Meanwhile, a new high of 29% say the Bible is a collection of "fables, legends, history and moral precepts recorded by man.’” (1)

Imagine with me that man had written the Bible. While there may be some good stories and helpful values, it certainly wouldn’t be authoritative. Why? Because when it comes to authority, the author matters.

Since ultimately God wrote the Bible, it’s the most authoritative book ever written — in fact, it should be obeyed above all other earthly commands. “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29). But not only is the Bible the most authoritative Book ever written, it’s also the most trustworthy book. While other earthly books have gone through several revisions (Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species was revised not just once or twice, but six total times!) God’s Word has never once been revised. Because God is the author of the Bible, we can rest assured that it is both 100% truthful and without any error.

The Apostle Paul was continually thankful that the church of Thessalonica didn’t view the Bible as man’s word, but instead, “received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God” (1 Thess. 2:13).

Finally, please don’t walk away from this devotion simply remembering the Bible is God’s Word — though that’s certainly important, it’s not the only point Paul is making. Rather, Paul reminds the church of Thessalonica that because it is God’s Word, it has the power to transform their lives: “which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” (v. 13)

The same is true for you. If you’ll believe and do what the Word of God says, your life will be transformed to look more like the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sources:

(1) GALLUP®, Religion, “Fewer in U.S. Now See Bible as Literal Word of God” Newport, Frank. July 6, 2022 Source: https://news.gallup.com/poll/394262/fewer-bible-literal-word-god.aspx (Accessed 11/05/2024)