The Mysterious Word | English Devotion | NHFCSG

The Mysterious Word
1 Thess 2:13- 20

Jeremiah says that the Word of God came to him like a "burning in his bones," Jeremiah 20:9).
Elijah declared that the Word of God came to him like "a still small voice," (1 Kings 19:12).
 Daniel said that God spoke to him in "visions and dreams in the night" (Daniel2:9, 7:2, 8:2, 10:8)
Moses said that when God communicated with him, he spoke to him "face-to-face, like a man speaks with his friends," (Exodus 33:11).

#1 Authority 
Paul earnestly believed and taught others that God had spoken to man and that we have recorded this word of God.
Paul believed in speaking God`s word to mankind with authority of eternity, that speaks above mere human opinion. 
Since today we do have this word of God, we have a true voice of authority.

#2 Sufferings
They were willing to undergo suffering for the sake of the Gospel because they were convinced that Paul brought them not the word of man, but the Word of God. 
The word of man isn’t worth suffering for, but a true message from God is worth it.
Paul comforted these suffering Christians with the assurance that they were not the first to suffer this way. 
The Lord Jesus faced persecution, and the Christians in Judea faced it first.

#3 Hindered by Evil forces 
Paul`s desire was to meet the church again in person. But he was hindered. 
Paul understood that this was Satanic hindrance. He had the discernment to know this was a direct attack from Satan. 
Paul had faith and knew it would only be a short time until he can overcome the roadblocks.
God brought the victory. Acts 20:1-5 describes Paul’s eventual return to Thessalonica and to other churches in the area.
Application 
Every man who shares the Gospel should carefully understand and examine himself by it. 

We must be willing to speak the truth with authority.  
We must be willing to suffer if needed for the sake of the gospel.
We must fight against evil forces for advancement of the kingdom always. 

Prayer 
Heavenly Father, thank you for the ability that you have given us to endure and to speak with authority, stand against the evil forces. IN Jesus Name. Amen.