The Thessalonian believers set the example for how all Christians should respond to God's word. Often times we hear God's word, but we don't want to accept as truth for our lives and even if we cognitively recognize it we choose not to live it hence rejecting God's word. They received Paul's message as divine and Paul commends them because they believed it to be true. They were even willing to receive and live the message despite the suffering and persecution they would receive (vs. 6) and Paul says they received it with joy! It's amazing to think that a group of believers would readily accept a message that would bring hostility and persecution in their lives. Based off the way Paul is commending them it almost seems that the Thessalonians had no problem receiving God's word. The did not question whether it was God or Paul speaking and they did not refute the message. They accepted it and lived it!

There are several parts of this paragraph that strike me:

(1) in order to receive God's word one must be open and allow the Holy Spirit to work in their lives. Paul wrote that it was the Holy Spirit who gave the church assurance and understanding of the message that was being preached. These people were open to God's message and they allowed the Spirit to work in them and through them.

(2) The lifestyle/testimony of the messenger affects the impact potential of the message. I imagine it was easier for the church to accept Paul's message as one from God because he lived his life in dedication and service to God. Not only was that his reputation but he fleshed it out and lived among them and they knew his example from firsthand experience (vs. 5). Whether it's sharing God's word with someone or sharing our faith with someone, our lifestyle is the real example of what we believer. That can be the best thing or in some instances it can be the worst thing.

(3) The Thessalonians received the message with joy. It's one thing to receive a message but it's another to receive it with joy - especially when it's going to cost you something. These people probably knew to a certain extent that becoming committed to this message of Christ would cost them something but yet they were still excited about receiving this message.

So this is what I get from this - in order for me to receive God's message then I must allow the Holy Spirit to be working in my life. In order for me to communicate God's message then I must be living a life that is respectful and in agreement with the message. And when I receive this message from God then I should receive it with joy no matter what the cost or sacrifice.

1 Thessalonians 1:4-7