1 Thess. 2:13-16, The Bible is God’s Word!

Paul has said some important things about ministry and those who serve.  But lest we think that fruit-bearing is dependent solely on how well we serve we are now brought to remember that the work is always God’s and that those who are served must properly receive what God is doing.  The Thessalonians had received it well!


When we say they “received” Paul’s ministry we mean they received the word of God that was the essence of his ministry.  There are “wrong” ways to receive the word.  We can receive it without letting it take root deep in our lives (Lk. 8:13).  We can receive it without giving God the glory for it (Jn. 4:45).  We can receive it as simply the words of men (1 Th. 2:13).  But there is a “right” way to receive God’s word.  We must receive it with the faith of a child (Mk. 10:15), with eagerness to search the Scriptures to verify it (Ac. 17:11).  We must receive it with joy (1 Th. 1:6) and humility (Jas. 1:21), receiving it as the very word of God (1 Th. 2:13).

Here are several reasons for believing the Bible to be the word of God.

1.     The Bible claims to be the Word of God (v13).  This is essential.  Repeatedly we read in the Bible, Thus saith the Lord and and God said. 

2.     The Bible possess transforming power (v13-16).  We noted yesterday the powerful change in Paul’s life.  The quick change in the Thessalonians also testifies to this.

3.     The Bible was attested by Jesus (John 10:35).  Almost every at least recognizes Jesus as a good man.

4.     The Bible exhibits amazing unity.  In the diversity of hundreds of themes, several languages, forty human writers of varying backgrounds and occupations, and over 1500 years, there is a sustained unity of the exaltation of God’s Son who makes provision for sinful humanity.  Always there is one cause for man’s woe (sin); always there is one cure (Christ).

5.     The Bible contains numerous specifically fulfilled prophecies.

6.     The Bible maintains a superior morality. 

7.     The Bible displays universal effectiveness.  No book ever has been translated into so many languages and had such wide distribution.

8.     The Bible demonstrates historical confirmation.  Archaeology continues to illustrate the Bible’s accuracy, unlike other supposed “holy books”.

9.     The Bible holds a record of proven indestructibility.  Time and again philosophers, scientists and tyrants have tried to rid the world of Bibles, only to fail.

10.            Lastly, there simply is no sensible alternative.

The problem people have with the Bible is not that it fails the tests applied to any writing for accuracy and usefulness.  The problem is it calls men to submit to God.  It declares only one way to be right with God.  So we consider it just another book written by fallible men and persecute those who preach and live by it (2:14-16).  But those who receive it as the Word of the living God receive life through the Lord Jesus Christ.  They are saved from sin.  The Thessalonians had done this.  Have you?