ESOCS Devotional 29 November 2023 – Read the Bible
MEMORY VERSE: “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 no as the word of men, but as it is in ruth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2: 1 KJV
TEXT:1 THESSALONIANS 2:13-20 (KJV)
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.
14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
20 For ye are our glory and joy.
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
There are many things Apostle Paul talked about in our Bible passage, however, we shall dwell only on the word of God, the Bible. The Bible is the word of God which men wrote as inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16). It teaches amongst other things salvation of mankind through Jesus Christ His son as ordained by God (John 3:16). It is life.
In our passage, Paul said that the word of God continued to work in the believers’ lives (the Thessalonian Christians). He knew that God’s words are not mere sermons or documents but a real source of transforming power.
It is the same Bible. Indeed, the Bible is full of real and living power (of God). Its words are transforming lives all over the world every day. It is not a magazine, newspaper or novel.
We should read the Bible daily and observe the ‘dos and don’ts’ for success in life [Joshua 1:8]. We should encourage fellow believers and non-Christian friends to do the same. All who truly do so, eagerly seeking to learn, will be touched by its power.
It is the written word of God, when it is written in men’s heart, they will never be same again.
FURTHER READING: Psalm 1; Hosea 4: 6
ESOCS Devotional 29 November 2023
