Roots in the Bible bring fruit in the saints.
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” Such were Paul’s parting words to the elders at Ephesus (Ac. 20:32). He loved them and he loved that assembly. Although he would have rejoiced to remain to help in their spiritual growth, he knew that the Lord had a far better plan for that assembly than even the permanent, personal attention of an apostle: the Lord Himself would care for the church. It is important to notice how the Lord intended to do so: through “the Word of His grace.” The presence of an apostle was a wonderful privilege. But the Scriptures are God’s infinitely greater provision for the ongoing growth of each and every assembly.
We see this principle at work in the assembly at Thessalonica. Two factors that stand out as we read through the letter are the extremely healthy spiritual condition of the church and the vital, prominent role of the Word of God. The link is not coincidental. When Paul came to Thessalonica, the Word was his tool of choice to accomplish God’s work in an immensely hostile environment. Examining the role of the Scriptures in the founding and establishing of such a vibrant church reveals many principles that will help us if we desire to see the same work achieved today in a world that remains antagonistic to our Lord and His message.
How the Word was preached
The Word was preached in power and in the Holy Spirit (1 Thes. 1:5). Without the Holy Spirit we are impotent. If we desire true, lasting fruit, we must not only preach the Word but also do so in humble reliance upon the Lord. Is this our attitude? Do we take time to earnestly pray before, during, and after preaching?
The Word was preached with full conviction (1 Thes. 1:5). Paul’s genuine conviction led to corresponding action. Our hearers can tell if we’re serious. If we speak of the primacy of the world to come, but do so half-heartedly, or live in such a way that it’s clear our hearts are set on this world, can we expect those who hear us to take our message seriously?
The Word was preached amidst much opposition (1 Thes. 2:2). Will we give up when there is resistance and opposition, or will we press on, demonstrating to those observing that our message is worth the cost?
The Word was preached not to please men, but to please God (1 Thes. 2:4). There will always be the temptation to water-down the truth or gloss over certain parts in order to avoid offending others—even believers. It is helpful to consider whether the fear of man causes us to adjust what we preach. At the same time, this verse does not teach that anyone who is displeasing men is automatically pleasing God. Some believers delight in being offensive.
The Word was preached out of fond affection (1 Thes. 2:8). The goal of his instruction was love (1 Tim. 1:5). The ministry of the Word is not an impersonal work where “speakers” churn out messages by rote. True ministry will follow the example of our Lord and be motivated by love and compassion for the hearers.
The Word was preached out of fond affection (1 Thes. 2:8f). It will cost us to be faithful in the Word. Time will be required for study, for preparation, for follow-up, and this will often be on top of the normal labor and responsibilities of life. Be prepared to sacrifice recreation and “free” time and sleep. Paul reminded the Thessalonians that he and his co-workers hadn’t merely imparted the Word to them, but had poured their very lives into that church. It required “labor and hardship…day and night” (v.9). If preaching and teaching the Word is a hobby for the speaker, then he should expect obeying the Word to be a hobby for his listeners.
How the Word was received
Those are some of the lessons for those whose privilege and responsibility it is to preach and teach. But for the Word to have its full effect in our lives, it needs to be not only faithfully preached but faithfully received. Much of the reason for the excellent spiritual results of the Word in Thessalonica is found in the response of the believers to the Word of God.
They received the Word with joy (1 Thes. 1:6). Even in much tribulation! Is this our response to the Bible? Joy? Eagerness? Hunger? The Lord enjoins us to “buy the truth” (Prov. 23:23) because we will value it more if we sacrifice for it. You can be sure the Thessalonians paid a high price for the truth. But if we are raised in a Christian home, saved at an early age, and grow up in a Bible-believing church, we have been bombarded with the truth for as long as we can remember. This unspeakable privilege carries a hidden danger: the wealth of truth can cause us to take it for granted. Do we thrill to hear the Word of God, or do we endure messages as part of our Christian duty, watching the clock and praying about no loftier topic than that the message end on time? The Scriptures ought to excite us. If they don’t, we should get on our knees and confess this shortcoming to the Lord, asking Him to give us the spiritual hunger we lack.
They passed it on (1 Thes. 1:8). The Word of God “sounded forth” from Thessalonica throughout Macedonia and Achaia and beyond. This was largely through their godly example of eager acceptance of the Word. But, paradoxically, one of the best ways to get the most out of the truth is to share it with others rather than hoarding it for ourselves. The Bible is a treasure that grows as it is shared. Not every believer has the responsibility of public preaching. But passing on the Word to others in personal conversation is the responsibility of every Christian. It is as we do this (and prepare to do this) that we enter into the good of the Scriptures in ways that we never can just by listening. How active are we in sharing the Word with others? Do we witness to the lost? Do we instruct our children—not just formally, but constantly and naturally when we’re relaxing in our homes, when we’re walking by the way, when we prepare for sleep at night, when we arise in the morning (Deut. 6:7)? When we meet with Christian friends, do we discuss the Scriptures—again, not just in formal Bible studies, but as part of our casual and natural conversation?
They recognized that it was God’s Word (1 Thes. 2:13). They were not interested in the theories, ideas, traditions, or philosophies of men. The believers in Thessalonica were perpetually conscious of the fact that they were hearing the Word of the Lord. This knowledge made them hungry for it and promoted obedience to it, as well as a desire to pass on its riches to others.
They used the Word to help one another (1 Thes. 4:18). “Therefore comfort one another with these words.” What an encouragement each of us would be in our assemblies if we were constantly looking for ways to take what we learn from the Bible and use that to help and encourage each other! Daily.
The results of the Word
Given the godly preaching and reception of the Word, is it any wonder that there were life-changing results in the church?
The Word produced joy (1 Thes. 1:6). Their society and persecution provided a great deal for the believers to be discouraged about—if discouragement was their goal. But they discovered the gospel to be more than sufficient to offset any trial the enemy could throw at them. In the midst of adversity, the Word shone brightly and was the balm and sustenance of the people of God.
The Word was effective (1 Thes. 2:13). This is God’s vehicle for the spiritual growth of his children. The Word “performs its work in you who believe.” Even if we don’t understand everything we hear or read, it is living and powerful, and as we sincerely take it in, we are edified, for “it is able to build us up.”
The Word strengthened and encouraged and comforted (1 Thes. 3:2; 4:18). The road Home can be long and difficult. Our heavenly Father knows that we need strength and encouragement and comfort along the way. And He has lovingly provided all of these for us in His Word. If we find ourselves lacking any of these we ought to consider whether or not we are neglecting the channel by which He imparts them to us.
Do we desire the same spiritual fruit and growth that was so evident in the church at Thessalonica? Then we ought to emulate the lessons of preaching and receiving that were modeled for us by these dear believers.