Which effectively works

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 who believe. - 1 Thessalonians 2v13

Man’s persuasive speech can be brilliant. We have all heard and known men and women who could move nations with their words. Emotionally charged sound bites can shake the masses to action. I think of Gov. Palin’s speech at the Republican Convention this year, which, if nothing else, brought excitement to a dull and boring campaign.

Yet there is something that is fully energised or effectualised only in God’s people. Man’s words can move anyone to an extent. The believers in Thessalonica did not receive Paul’s preaching that way. They received it as the word of God and as such, it effectively worked in the believer. I am not a big believer in ‘’reverse translation’ but I do think the English transliteration of the Greek word energeo (energy) can help us get a picture of how God’s works in those who believe.

God’s word, not man’s, is our energy source. It is that and that alone that will empower is to do the work. All the humanistic begging, pleading, cajoling, quilt tripping, and bullying is ineffective in the long run for God’s people. It may work for a while, and it may produce false impressions of salvation, spirituality, and servant hood, but if it is not God’s word working that will soon fade into a dim memory.

What motivates us today? Are we moved and energised by the words of men? Or is it the word of God what works in us?