Deeper Reflection
WHEN WE RECEIVE THE WORD OF GOD THROUGH HEARING
it being preached or taught, or in our reading of the Scriptures, something
happens. The Word of God “is at work in you believers” (v.13). We
relate with the Word of God in two interlinked positions: active and
passive. Actively, we walk by God’s Word – through reading, hearing,
understanding and applying it. Passively, the living Word of the living God
works in our lives. But does God’s Word work in our lives only at the
point when we receive it – like, as we used to say quite commonly, “God
spoke to me”?Paul recalled for the Thessalonians the way they “received” and
“accepted” God’s Word when he was with them (v.13). That was
something that happened in the past. However, Paul pointed out to them
that this very Word of God “is at work” (literally, “works” – in the present
tense) in them. The Word of God continues to work in our lives beyond
the point when we received it. We emphasise doing the Word of God,
which is critically necessary (Matt 7:24-27). But how conscious are we of
the Word of God’s doing in us? Our lives are changed when we apply the
Word, it is not just because “we apply” the Word. This by itself can be
rather anthropocentric. Our lives are changed because God applies His
Word in our lives – God’s Word “works in you” – as we apply His Word.
Ultimately, it is God who changes our lives through His Word as He
empowers us to live by His Word.