1. God's word at work in believers (13)

The Bible is the word of God. When we accept it as the word of God, it works in us powerfully. God's word works in those who believe. To accept God's word as God's word means that we humbly obey God's commands; we persistently believe God's prom- ises and we accept the Biblical view of ourselves and the world. The Thessalonians could grow spiritually and boldly challenge their godless culture because they accepted God's word as God's word to them.

2. Suffering for the sake of world mission (14-16)

The believers in Thessalonica were persecuted by their own countrymen because their obedience to Christ challenged the culture in which they lived. History was repeating itself. Jesus was killed by his own people because he challenged them to be God's people; Paul was driven out by his own people because he was a missionary to the Gentiles. Those who seek to obey Jesus' world mission command may be persecuted, but God's wrath will fall on those who hinder world evangelization.

Application: Lord, give me an absolute attitude toward your word and use me in your work.
One Word: God's word is God's word