1 Thessalonians 2:13

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.
Note 1 at 1 Th. 2:13:
The cause which occasioned Paul's rejoicing here was the holy living to which
he had exhorted the Thessalonians in the previous verses. The reason Paul
could rejoice is because the Thessalonians had received Paul's message as it
was in truth, the Word of God. It's the reception of God's Word that causes
holiness to come as a fruit. "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall
make you free" (Jn. 8:32). God's Word is truth (Jn. 17:17).
Note 2 at 1 Th. 2:13: It is the reception of God's Word into our lives that
provides the basis for true Christianity. The phrase, "the word of God" is used
49 times in scripture. It not only refers to written and spoken words from God
but also to Jesus Christ Himself, the Incarnate Word (Jn. 1:14). The Word is
also a superhuman power which effectively works in those who believe (Heb.
4:12).
The primary way God speaks to us and releases His power in the world today
is through His Word which has been organized into the Bible. It is through
God's Word that we come to know Him (1 Sam. 3:21; Jn. 8:31-32). God's
Word is settled forever (Ps. 119:89), therefore, it's always relevant. It never
changes. God's Word is the standard by which all men will be judged (Jn.
12:48).
God's Word always accomplishes its purpose (Isa. 55:11). We are cleansed
through God's Word (Jn. 15:3) and everything that pertains to life and
godliness comes to us through His Word (2 Pet. 1:3). We become partakers of
God's divine nature through His Word (2 Pet. 1:4) and escape the corruption
of this world.
There is no success in the Christian life without being deeply rooted in God's
Word (Mk. 4:14-20).
Note 3 at 1 Th. 2:13: There is a difference between the word of men and
the Word of God. God's Word is infinitely superior in every way. Any attempt
to elevate men's words to the same level as God's always results in
devaluing God's Word. Jesus told the people of His day that they were
"Making the word of God of none effect through [their] tradition?" (Mk. 7:13).

The traditions and teachings of men are not worthy to be compared to the
Word of God.
Note 4 at 1 Th. 2:13: Paul preached the same gospel everywhere he went
but it didn't always produce the same results. It wasn't because the message
was different, but it was the way people received it that made the difference.
These Thessalonians received Paul's message as the Word of God. Therefore,
it produced life in them.
Even though a minister is responsible for how he ministers, we also are
responsible for how we hear. Jesus was the perfect minister and yet most of
the people of His day rejected Him and His message. They didn't have ears
to hear or hearts to receive. It's imperative that we keep a pure and sensitive
heart to God so that when we hear the truth, we will receive it as it is in
truth-the Word of God.
God's Word only releases its life-giving power when we mix it with faith in our
hearts (Heb. 4:2).