1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when you received the word of God which you heard of us… I. WHEN MAY IT BE SAID THAT THE WORD, NOT OF MEN, BUT OF GOD, IS PREACHED — 1. Negatively. Not — (1) When doctrine evidently false is preached, or such as is condemned in Scripture, as, e.g., some branches of the Socinian, Antinomian, Pharisaic, and other doctrines. (2) When doctrine is preached which is not contained therein, and, therefore, at best, doubtful — speculation, mysticism, etc. (3) When trivial doctrine is preached, and such as Scripture lays little stress upon, such as kneeling or sitting at the sacrament. (4) When uninteresting doctrine is preached, and such as, how, ever important at another time, and to another people, does not particularly concern those to whom it is delivered;" as when Christian perfection is preached to a drunkard, or the promises of eternal life to the impenitent. (5) When the preacher is influenced by sinister motives — as by a view to wealth, or ease, or honour, or when his own practice contradicts his doctrine and gives the lie to it; for then, it appears, he does not believe it himself. 2. Positively. (1) When, like the first teachers of Christianity, the preacher has no worldly advantages to expect, but rather suffering; and when his conduct shows that he firmly believes his own doctrine, and that it has a powerful influence upon his heart and life. (2) When it is evidently scriptural, and therefore true, important, and of particular concern to those to whom it is declared. And, above all, when it is declared by the Scripture to be essential to salvation. It is not a sufficient objection to this that the doctrine is clothed in language neither elegant nor pure, without any proper arrangement of ideas, in a manner neither engaging nor affecting. II. WHAT IS IMPLIED IN THEIR RECEIVING IT, NOT AS THE WORD OF MEN, BUT THE WORD OF GOD? 1. Negatively. It is not received as "the Word of God, but as of man," if received with inattention, irreverence, unconcern, unbelief, or with after neglect and disobedience. Not that the word even of man may not be attended to and heard with much respect, belief, and obedience; but if what is really the Word of God be not attended to, believed, and obeyed, it is evident it is received only as the word of man. 2. Positively. It is received as the Word of God if received with fixed and serious attention. Shall not the creature attend when the Creator, Preserver, and Redeemer speaks, and we know that He speaks to us? — with deep reverence, self-abasing humility, lively concern on account of the interest we have in the things revealed; assured faith as to the truth, importance, and suitableness of what is spoken; fervent prayer, since we cannot understand the Word unless we are taught by God's Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:11); sincere gratitude. What a blessing to have God speak to us! — ardent love of the truth, though it may condemn and distress us, though it be "quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12); a meek and patient mind (James 1:19-21); a firm purpose of obeying the will of God (James 1:22). III. THE EFFECTS PRODUCED BY IT WHEN THUS RECEIVED. "It effectually worketh in you that believe." Amongst its happy effects, are repentance, viz., illumination, conviction, humiliation, hatred of sin, and change of life (Acts 2:37; 1 Corinthians 14:24, 25; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10). Confidence, and peace with God (Romans 10:17; Romans 5:1); regeneration (James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23); a lively hope of immortality (2 Timothy 1:10, 12; Titus 1:2, 3; 1 Peter 1:3); a spiritual and heavenly mind (Colossians 3:1; Philippians 1:20); and deadness to the world (1 John 5:4); love to God and man (1 Thessalonians 3:12); this love is humble, resigned, zealous, obedient (1 Corinthians 13:4; John 14:15, 21, 23; 1 John 5:3); benevolence to all men; the Word of God, showing that all are the workmanship of one Creator, under the care of the same Divine providence, and the subjects of the same call in the gospel: a meek, gentle, and long-suffering mind towards all: a merciful, sympathizing, and liberal mind: a sober, temperate, and pure mind (Titus 2:11, 12): a watchful and serious mind (1 Thessalonians 5:4-9): the Word of God, revealing serious and awful things, should create a corresponding temper in us: a courageous and brave mind (2 Timothy 1:7, 8): a growing and progressive conformity to Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16; 2 Timothy 3:17). (J. Benson.) Parallel Verses 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. |
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