The power of the Word of God is expressed by the Hebrews writer when he wrote, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…” (Hebrews 4:12). This week I am striving to center our thoughts upon the value of God’s powerful Word.

One of the greatest benefits of God’s Word is its ability to change our lives. We have examples in the Bible of men and women experiencing a 180° change in their lives. It began with a change of heart, which led them to a change of lifestyle. The brethren at Thessalonica serve as a great ex-ample of the refashioning value of God’s word.

1 Thessalonians 1:9 (NKJV)
⁹ For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,

The change on the part of these brethren began with the hearing of the Word of God. Paul re-minded them of this when he wrote, “And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 1:6).

When the Thessalonians received the Word, they knew they had to give up their idols. They could not turn to the true and living God while worshipping the false gods they had served their whole lives. They seemed to understand this, so when they turned to God, they made a clean break from their past. They not only put away the idols, but also the immoral living that was al-ways associated with idolatry, so much so, that people took notice. Paul said that their new faith in God went out “so that we do not need to say anything.” What a beautiful testimony to their genuine conversion. The brethren at Thessalonica not only received the Word themselves, but they could not wait to tell others all about it (ver. 8). The word of God refashioned them so that they became new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The Jews who received the Word on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41), are another example of how much God’s Word can make a difference in people’s lives. These were the ones who were, at least in part, guilty of crucifying the Son of God. No, they did not actually put Jesus on the cross, but they persuaded the Romans to do it (Acts 2:22). It is not a stretch to conclude that some of them were in the crowd that cried out to Pilate to take Jesus away and crucify Him (Matthew 27:22-23); however, after hearing the persuasive Word of God from the mouth of Peter, their hearts were cut, and now their cry was, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). These Jews obeyed the gospel by being baptized into Christ and became the first members of the Lord’s church. More importantly, they turned from being enemies of Christ to being committed to Him and His cause, and they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship (Acts 2:42).

We could consider many other examples. Men and women at Corinth turned from immorality to serving God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Onesimus changed from being a dishonest servant of man to a committed servant of Jesus Christ (Philemon 1:10-11; Colossians 4:9). These are all examples of the refashioning value of the Word of God. But, let us remember that the Word of God can only refashion us if we submit to it. Man is not changed by simply hearing the Word of God, but by being doers of the Word (James 1:22-25). When we live by God’s Word, our lives will change, and the change will always be for the better.

As you wind down for the night, think on these things.