We are flying through the letters now! There is so much to comment on I am having a hard time picking one thing!
I really like what Paul said in 1 Thess. 2:13.
“For this reason, we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you should believe.”
Paul knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that the words he spoke (and then wrote down) were the very words of God! He repeated that sentiment again in Titus 1:3. What he preached is what we have in written form (The Bible).
The Word of God “works effectively” in those who believe. It works to rid our lives of the bad things listed in Colossians 3:5-9 and helps us to “put on the new man” (3:12-14). Reading the qualities of the “New Man” can seem a bit daunting. We are to have tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, and long-suffering; we are to bear with one another, forgive one another, and above all, put on love. Doesn’t that sound daunting? Yet, just when I feel those qualities are too lofty for me, I get encouraged to read that God‘s Word works effectively in me to be able to do those things!! Praise the Lord, the burden rests on the Lord changing me (by reading his word and through the Holy Spirit). The burden is not on me to change myself
. Whew!! 😅
I love that!
What stood out to you?
