1ST THESSALONIANS 2:13 - PART 4

MONDAY 20 MARCH 2023

In our referenced Scripture, Paul and his fellow workers penned a complete, manifold testimony to the fact that the saints in Thessalonica heard the Word from them and welcomed it as the Word of God. So we must be purposeful in learning how to function in the same manner, admitting the Word as God's eternal truth, especially in the midst of men's noises and opinions. When you welcome God's truth and put it to work, it will deliver the description of the dictates and counsel to you.

Reference: 1 Thessalonians 2:13 New King James Version (NKJV) "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."

Having discussed the point about receiving the Word of God as they heard it (reception), their next line of action was to welcome it, not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God (acceptance). Now watch this: Remember that the Thessalonian saints have received the Word. Moreover, why did Paul still talk about welcoming it, after receiving it? Firstly understand that this very "welcome" denotes acceptance, in accordance with the NIV, NLT, NTE, NASB translations and more! This acceptance is the greater expression or form of reception. Got it?

To explain further, I desire to use this illustration: I once received a perfume as a gift. It was delivered and when I received it, I signed the parcel and the royal mail got a signature from me as the recipient. What does that mean? It simply means that I've received it and acknowledged the receipt. Afterwards, I opened the parcel but didn't accept the perfume because it wasn't my thing. Now what does that imply? Put simply, I didn't accept it with earnest and eager attention, although I received it. In fact, I didn't accept it!

The Greek rendering for "acceptance" in the context of this topic, is apodoxḗ (from the root word apodéxomai), which means to "gladly receive." It suggests a full-welcoming acceptance of the word or gift, (or depending on what is being received), as well as the ready, glad acknowledgment that goes with welcoming the source behind the word or the gift delivered. For instance, James 1:21 (NIV/NLT) reads, "Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you." From this Scripture, you can notice that the Word has been planted in you already, yet it needs your acceptance or approval. Hence, James urges us to humbly accept the Word God has planted in our hearts, because once it abides in us, it has the power to save our souls.

Aside from receiving the Word of God, "accepting it" is of paramount importance. It means to give it a hearty value and identify with the worth. To that effect, Christ Jesus gave a parable about a farmer who went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times (Mark 4:3-8 NIV).

According to the meaning, the farmer sows the Word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the Word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the Word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the Word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the Word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the Word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the Word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown" (Mark 4:14-20 NIV).

In all essence of Christ's interpretation, the only group that accepts the Word are the last group because unlike other groups, they are like seed sown on good soil; they hear the word, ACCEPT IT; and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown. Now stay tuned for part 5, where I will shed light on the Word working in them effectively because they believed it (Faith and efficacy). Shalom!

Scripture Reading - John 15:7; Philipians 2:16; Ephesians 1:13; 1 John 2:14.

Exuberant Declaration: I accept the Word of God, holding fast to it with a deep conviction that it is from God. Therefore, God who has begun a good work in me, shall continually perfect all that concerns me, by His Word. Glory to God!