VICTORY OVER TRIALS
Read it
1 Thessalonians 2:13
“And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.”
Discover It
The Apostle Paul mentions the word of God as a way the early Christians in the city of Thessalonica could have victory over their trials. The same people who killed Jesus, and who persecuted churches in other parts of the world were now driving ministers out of town and threatening those who shared the Good News of Jesus with others. Even though the Lord would ultimately come and defeat these violent sinners, Paul writes to them that the word of God could give them victory over their trials in the future, and even through their trials in the present! Praise the Lord!
Ask It
1. Paul writes in verse 14 that he thanks God, “continually.” How can cultivating an attitude of continual thankfulness give us victory over our trials and difficulties?
2. Paul also mentions in verse 13 that the Thessalonians “received the word of God” from him. What do you think means to “receive” the word of God in the Bible?
3. Paul finally mentions in verse 13 that these believers in the city of Thessalonica, “accepted” the word of God, “as it actually is, the word of God.” What if you received a direct letter from the Lord? How would you treat it? How diligent would you be to obey it?
Live It
1. THANK GOD. No matter what you are going through, as a believer in Christ, you can always “rejoice in the Lord.” (Philippians 4:4). No matter how bad things get, if you are “in the Lord” you will make it through!
2. OBEY GOD. Receive his word and obey it with an attitude of victory, expectation, and adventure. By faith take God at his word and you will make it through!
3. ACCEPT CHRIST and His word. The Bible is not a human word, it is the Word of the Lord Himself! So, do not just accept God’s Word but accept God Himself through calling upon the Name of the Lord Jesus to save you!
Pray It
Lord Jesus, living life down here on this sinful, fallen world is sometimes hard. Our bodies are wearing out, violence fills the cities, politicians lie and cheat, and even in the church the inconsistencies of so-called Christians are glaring. Nature buffets us with heat, cold, droughts, tornadoes, and hurricanes. But even as these trials surround me, I find peace and comfort in the knowledge that You are with me. I believe that You will give me the victory and that I will emerge from these challenges stronger and more aligned with Your will. The reason? Because I trust in your inerrant, infallible word to lead me to victory. And I thank you and praise you in Jesus’ name, AMEN.