April 25, 2024 Daily Dose of Discernment

When you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God. (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

The teaching of Paul and his fellow missionaries of the gospel is not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power (1 Corinthians 2:4). That power consists of a life spent in obedience and honor of the Lord and His ways and strongly backs what he preaches.

The reason the Thessalonians accepted the message of Paul and his companions for what it really is, the word of God, is because they imparted to them not only the gospel but also their own lives (1 Thessalonians 2:8). This is also what distinguished Jesus from other rabbis and religious people. He didn't just use words when He preached, He compassionately gave of Himself and served, healed, provided for and forgave unworthy people ultimately at the cost of His own life. Let us do the same and proclaim the gospel at all times and, if necessary, use words.