“13For 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.” (I Thessalonians 2:13)
This verse shows that thanks is given because those who received God’s word knew for certain that it was the word of God. The word of God worked effectually in them.
“2We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; 3Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.” (I Thessalonians 1:2,3)
Here thanksgiving is accompanied by prayer. The following things are remembered with thanksgiving and prayer – work of faith, labour of love, patience of hope in the Lord Jesus Christ.
“8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers.” (Romans 1:8,9)
Again, prayer and thanksgiving are offered together. Not only is thanks offered that these people have faith but that others see their faith and it is spoken of throughout the whole world; that is, they have a good testimony. Do I have a good testimony?
“17But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” (Romans 6:17,18)
In this verse, thanks is given because those who were once the servants of sin are now the servants of righteousness.
There are so many things to be thankful for when others hear and receive the word of God and the word of God works in their hearts.
God, please help me to delight in the salvation and spiritual growth and maturity of my brothers and sisters in Christ! In Jesus name, Amen.
Turn Again to the Lord