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SUMMARY
To recap, we’ve been studying seven verses in Thessalonians which tell us that Christians should expect tribulation and affliction. The question arises: How can we develop a faith strong enough to survive such tribulation?
Let’s look at the power of the Word of God in Thessalonica.
Three sets of verses from 1 Thessalonians show that the key to having the strength of faith to overcome affliction, persecution, and tribulation comes from the power of the word of God combined with the Holy Spirit.
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- 1 Thess 1:5-6
- 1 Thess 2:2
- 1 Thess 2:13
What is it about the message of the gospel that creates such opposition? It is the royal announcement that Jesus Christ is Lord and King. This is also a major theme in the book of Revelation: “… Jesus Christ… the ruler of the kings on earth” (Rev 1:5).
Acts 17 is the chapter where Paul’s visit to Thessalonica is recorded. The gospel caused an uproar in the city (17:5-7). In today’s world, recovering the gospel of Christ’s kingship will turn the world upside down as it did in Thessalonica.
The word of God is living and active. Don’t just read religious books and summaries of biblical passages. Instead, be sure to read the actual word of God. The more you do it, the more your life will be transformed.
Reading God’s word and listening to Scripture results in life change. Why is this? It is because Scripture combined with the power of the Holy Spirit brings the future kingdom age into your life. The word of God in you is something living and active. It is so empowering that even new converts in Thessalonica could stand up to persecution and tribulation. Read, hear, and be transformed.
KEY VERSES TO STUDY
- 1 Thess 1:5-6
- 1 Thess 2:2
- 1 Thess 2:13
- Acts 17:6
DIGGING DEEPER
A popular Catholic youth catechism says that the authors of Scripture “were children of their times … and often were dominated by its errors.” How do you think such notions affect a youth’s spiritual development?
Perhaps it’s past time to recover in youth catechesis 1 Thess 2:13: “And we also thank God constantly … that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.”
Thankfully, the Catechism of the Catholic Church is a reliable witness to the Scriptures.“In Sacred Scripture, the Church constantly finds her nourishment and her strength, for she welcomes it not as a human word, but as what it really is, the word of God” (CCC 104, referencing 1 Thess. 2:13). “The inspired books teach the truth … firmly, faithfully, and without error” (CCC 107).