Date: SUN 11:30am 24th August 2025
Preacher: Rev. David McLaughlin
Bible Reference: 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.
Sermon Summary: The Wonderful Working of the Word of God
Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:13–20 (Authorised Version)
Theme: The Wonderful Working of the Word of God
Introduction: The sermon, delivered as part of a series of expository sermons on 1 Thessalonians, focuses on the transformative power and divine nature of the Word of God, as highlighted in 1 Thessalonians 2:13. The preacher underscores the importance of a reverent attitude towards the Bible, contrasting it with the attitudes of denial, doubt, and distortion prevalent in contemporary society. The sermon is structured around four key points: the title affirmed, the testimony announced, the truth acquired, and the thanks appreciated.
1. The Title Affirmed: The Bible as the Word of God The preacher begins by affirming the Bible’s divine title as the Word of God, as stated twice in verse 13: “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.” This title distinguishes the Bible from human writings, underscoring its divine origin, infallibility, and eternal nature. The sermon highlights that the Bible is not merely a collection of human words but a God-breathed, authoritative text (2 Timothy 3:16).
- Divine Inspiration: The preacher cites 2 Peter 1:20–21, explaining that “holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost,” likening the process to a sailing vessel moved by the wind. The Holy Spirit guided human authors to write in their individual styles while ensuring the words were God’s.
- Preservation: The sermon references historical attempts to destroy the Bible, such as Emperor Diocletian’s efforts in the second century, which failed to eradicate it. The preacher asserts that the Bible is preserved by God, remaining “precious, pure, powerful, and perfect” (Psalm 19:7).
- Contrast with Human Words: Unlike the philosophies of Plato, Aristotle, or Socrates, which are human in origin, the Bible is divinely inspired and uniquely capable of addressing humanity’s spiritual needs.
The preacher challenges the congregation to examine their attitude towards the Bible, warning against treating it as an ordinary book, neglecting it, or dissecting it for mere facts without grasping its spiritual purpose—to point to Christ (John 20:31).
2. The Testimony Announced: Receiving the Word of God The sermon explores how the Thessalonian believers received the Word of God, as described in verse 13: “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.” This reception is a testament to their conversion from paganism and idolatry during Paul’s second missionary journey.
- Twofold Reception: The preacher explains the two Greek words for “received” in the text:
- The first, “when ye received,” denotes a willingness to hear the Word, enabled by the Holy Spirit’s work in creating a desire for God’s truth (1 Thessalonians 1:5). The gospel came “not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance.”
- The second, “ye received it,” signifies a deeper welcoming of the Word into the heart, embracing it with joy despite persecution (1 Thessalonians 1:6).
- Rejection of Human Words: The Thessalonians rejected the “words of men” (Greek philosophies) in favour of God’s Word, recognising its unique power to address their sin and suffering.
This reception was not passive but transformative, leading to their salvation and a new life in Christ, as the Holy Spirit applied the Word to their hearts (1 Peter 1:23).
3. The Truth Acquired: Reverence for the Word The preacher emphasises that true conversion results in a deep reverence for the Word of God, which the Thessalonians exemplified by wanting and welcoming it. This reverence is contrasted with the modern church’s lack of respect for Scripture, often replaced by showmanship, noise, and man-centred worship.
- Lack of Reverence Today: The sermon critiques contemporary practices, such as the “March for Jesus” in Belfast, described as resembling a “worldly pop concert” with little gospel preaching or reverence for God. The preacher laments that many professing Christians prioritise sport, shopping, or leisure over the Lord’s Day, reflecting a disregard for God’s Word.
- Marks of True Conversion: A truly converted person will revere the Bible, valuing it above food (Job 23:12), riches (Psalm 119:14, 72), or sleep (Psalm 119:48). The Word is likened to bread, milk, meat, and honey, nourishing the soul.
- Connection to Christ: The sermon draws parallels between Christ and the Word: Jesus is the Word (Revelation 19:13), the Bread of Life (John 6:48), and the Truth (John 14:6), while the Bible is the living, eternal Word (1 Peter 1:23) and truth (John 17:17). Reverence for the Word reflects one’s regard for Christ.
4. The Thanks Appreciated: The Transformative Power of the Word Paul’s gratitude in verse 13—“for this cause also thank we God without ceasing”—stems from the Thessalonians’ reception of the Word and its transformative effect: “which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” The preacher highlights the Word’s power to change lives, separating believers from sin, sanctifying them, and strengthening them for life’s challenges.
- Transformative Impact: The Word regenerates, succours, strengthens, and sanctifies believers, providing comfort in trials and guidance for holy living. The sermon cites Psalm 23:4 as an example of the Word’s ability to comfort even in the face of death.
- Contrast with Unbelief: Those who reject, doubt, or distort the Bible risk believing a lie, as warned in 2 Thessalonians 2:11. This rejection leads to spiritual darkness, a form of divine judgment.
- Call to Action: The preacher urges the congregation to delight in the Word, live by it, and remain loyal to it. A lack of faith in the Word indicates a lack of true conversion, as it fails to benefit those who do not believe (Hebrews 4:2).
Conclusion: The sermon concludes with a call to examine one’s response to the Word of God. The Thessalonians’ example—wanting, welcoming, and revering the Word—serves as a model for believers. The preacher stresses that the Word saves, strengthens, sanctifies, and sets believers apart for eternity. Those who delight in the Word reflect a genuine faith, while those who disregard it risk spiritual peril. The sermon ends with a challenge: “Do you delight in the Word of God, or do you despise the Word of God?”
Key Takeaways:
- The Bible is the infallible, divinely inspired, and preserved Word of God, distinct from human words.
- True conversion involves a Spirit-enabled desire for and welcoming of the Word, leading to transformation.
- Reverence for the Bible reflects one’s regard for Christ and is a mark of genuine faith.
- The Word’s power changes lives, but unbelief leads to spiritual darkness.
- Believers are called to value the Word above all else and live by its truth.
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