270. The Word that Works
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.
Receive the Word of God as the Word of God, not the word of men. For then you have the promise: it works! The Word works; it works effectually. God sends out the Word from heaven with a purpose, and it always accomplishes what He sent it out for. God sends the Word to convict of sin by the Law and of righteousness by the Gospel. The Word effectively does just that when it is believed. Therefore, we believe the promise: the Word effectually works. We believe the promise by working the Word.
The Word effectively works forgiveness of sins, salvation and eternal life. Jesus effectively, finally, and definitively earned forgiveness for us when He died on the cross, guaranteed it to us when He rose from the dead, and powerfully applied it to us personally when we heard that message with faith. Forgiveness enters the heart and replaces sin and guilt and shame, births a new life, and works the miracle of a new creation.
The Word of God, when heard frequently, has the incredible power to change lives, both now and for eternity. When one believes in Christ he haseternal life; he does not wait for it. The life of God that dwells within effectively influences thoughts, attitudes, words and behavior. The new life, the eternal life, the God life does not lie still and dormant: it works in them that believe. God’s Life is active and working; Life changes things. The Life can be, and is, resisted and fought against by the dead self. Therefore, we need constant doses of the Word to overcome and obtain the victory. That is why the faithful Christian goes to church, reads the Bible, and stays in contact with the Lord and the Word on a regular basis.
The Word breaks the smug and proud self that is set against God; and the Word grants forgiveness and a new life to the humble believer. Believe the promise that the Word works and changes things, for it is far to easy for us to attribute cause and effect relationships to the wrong sources. God’s Word is Truth, and the truth sets us free.