1 Thessalonians 2:13

“We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers.” vs. 13

When Paul came to Thessalonica he believed with all his heart that the gospel of Jesus Christ that he was proclaiming was the Word of God. This message had come through the Holy Spirit and wasn’t something that he had made up to win followers. And many, both Jews and Gentiles, responded to what he said with enthusiasm, and believed that his words had come straight from the mouth of God.

Some preachers continue to make such claims to their congregations. Like Paul they believe that they are inspired and that the words they speak are God’s word. But the people sitting in the pews aren’t always so confident! They may think that their pastor is gifted and adept with words, but they feel perfectly free to disagree with what is said.

And some pastors are reluctant to claim that the words of their sermon are God’s word for the people. They may think it is presumptuous to make such a claim, and are much more comfortable in just claiming the words as their own opinion.

But pastors who take their calling seriously are bound to consider their messages as coming from God. Such a conviction is essential in both preparation and delivery, and like the Thessalonians, people will know the difference!

Thought for the Day: Is my pastor’s sermon God’s Word?