“And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.” – 1 Thes 2:13 (ESV)
Paul gives thanks for one specific thing: that the Thessalonians received his preaching not as human opinion but as the Word of God. This is the posture that unleashes the Word’s power. Received as human wisdom, Scripture is interesting and sometimes helpful. Received as the actual Word of the living God, it becomes the power of God at work in the believer. The phrase ‘at work in you’ is the same root as our English ‘energy’ — God’s Word energetically, actively working in those who receive it as divine speech. The difference in outcome between these two receptions is total. Everything depends on whether we open Scripture saying ‘what does a wise human teacher say?’ or ‘what does the living God say to me right now?’
Reflection:
When you read Scripture, are you genuinely receiving it as the Word of God — expecting it to carry divine authority and power — or are you reading it as elevated human religious wisdom?
What would a full shift in that posture feel like?
Prayer:
Father, I receive Your Word today not as the word of men but as what it really is — Your Word. Let it work in me with the energy of divine speech. I am not reading human wisdom. I am hearing from the living God. Amen.
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