Changed By the Power of God
“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when you received the Word of God, which effectually works also in you who believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
The Apostle Paul was grateful because he saw the change the Lord had made in those that believed in Thessalonica. They had believed the Word Paul preached and had placed their faith in it. Paul was acknowledging the progress he saw in their lives and knew that this would encourage them to continue in the path they were on. He knew that it was of utmost importance that they continue to walk in God’s prescribed path of spiritual growth.
Paul had seen in other churches what could happen when believers left the Lord’s way of sanctification and were considering another way to walk out their Christian lives. He knew that any other way would result in failure. He was blessed to see that the Thessalonians had not yielded to the temptation to add works to the faith that had saved them and kept them.
The Word of God “works” in believers for their Sanctification. Paul was emphasizing the point that it is an active work God is doing in them and that this work by God can only be done in believers. The Word of God was given to them and they believed it and received it with joy. It changed their lives and Paul was greatly pleased seeing the effect of the Gospel in their lives.
Paul refers to them as “you who believe.” The Gospel Paul preached was Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Through this Gospel he preached they believed that Christ paid the price for their sins and that faith in His sacrificial death allowed the Holy Spirit to “work” in their lives maturing them in the faith and bringing victory to them in their daily lives. They believed and they were changed by the power of God.
Paul’s words to the Thessalonians speak to us today. He encourages us to stand our ground knowing that our continued faith placed daily in Christ crucified will result in a victorious Christian life through the power of the Holy Spirit. Also, we will see in our closing verse that he encourages us to look past the troubles we all face as we walk out our lives in this world. He points to the sure hope we have in the future that awaits us. He mentions the joy and the crown of rejoicing that will be ours in the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our momentary troubles cannot compare with the joy that will be ours when, at the Rapture, we are in the very Presence of the Lord.
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy” (1 Thessalonians 2:19,20).
Prayer Changes Things
“For the eyes of the Lord are on the Righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers…” (1 Peter 3:12).
The Lord hears our prayers and is faithful to answer.
Always Remember,
God Loves You!
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Here I Am, Lord – Tom Quinn Ministries – tqministries.com 2026
