“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

This week’s verse provides two fundamental principles concerning our witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. However, before we get to those principles, note that the Holy Spirit, through Paul, expresses thanks. God is thankful to us when we are obedient to His Word. I don’t know about you, but it makes my heart glad when God is grateful for my actions. The Thessalonican believers gladly received the Gospel as Paul preached to them.

Two principles stand out to me as I read and study this verse.

First, our witness must come from God’s Word, not our own. This verse places a significant emphasis on the “word of God.” The Holy Spirit notably testifies that the Thessalonican believers “received the word of God.” However, they did not receive it as “the word of men.” This implies that Paul preached nothing but the “word of God.” For a person to fully accept Christ as their personal Savior, they must first accept what is said as coming from God and not from men. For that to happen, as witnesses, we must rely on God’s Word as the foundation for our message and witness. We must speak plainly about what Scripture says about a person’s sin nature, the penalty for sin, and how Christ paid the penalty with His own body and blood upon the cross of Calvary. It is unacceptable to add to or take away from the plain truth of Scripture. Much confusion surrounds today’s gospel message due to man’s attempts to add his opinions and ideas. Such a gospel message no longer becomes the truth of God’s Word but a polluted version tainted by sinful men.

Second, I see this principle. God’s Word is truth. In fact, His Word is the only source of truth today.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” (Psalm 19:7)

“Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And thy law is the truth.” (Psalm 119:142)

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)

I encourage you to make studying God’s Word your daily priority. If you will, the truth of God’s Word will reveal the lies of men. People are inundated with man’s philosophies, opinions, and ideas, from news agencies to social media. The only way to cut through all the noise of men is by spending quiet moments with God. As you do, it will enable you, through His Spirit, to speak the truth to others as you know and use His Word.

When it comes to witnessing, the only things need are a submissive heart, the truth of God’s Word, and the power of His Spirit. Nothing more is required or needful. God always uses His people to speak His Word through His Spirit. The most important thing for us is to submit to Him through humble obedience to His Word.