Effectual Work

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."

Too often, I'm afraid, we act like the Bible is just another book. Now we would never say that, however our actions speak louder than the words we won't say. We read it and claim to believe it, but we fail to live our lives like it is a living, active Word. Instead, it becomes just another good book with good things to say and wisdom to try and live your life by.

This attitude is subtle, but dangerous. It allows us to feel good about our attitude toward the Bible while denying its power. We know that the Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1). Denying the power of the Bible, through word or action, is denying the power of Jesus Himself.

We also know, "...the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

No mere "good book of wisdom" can do that! Do you feel the Word of God effectually working in you as a believer? What would that kind of working look like?