I. THE SCRIPTURES COME THROUGH MEN (v. 13a)
1 Thessalonians 2:13a “And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us,”

II. THE SCRIPTURES COME FROM GOD (v. 13b)
1 Thessalonians 2:13b “you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God,”

III. THE SCRIPTURES WORK IN BELIEVERS (v. 13c)
1 Thessalonians 2:13c “which is at work in you believers.”

IV. HOW THE WORD IS TO BE READ AND HEARD PREACHED

Thomas Watson (1620-1686), in his book The Ten Commandments, has a sermon that seeks to answer the question, How is the word of God made effectual for salvation (justification and sanctification)? His answer is I) by reading the Word, and II) by hearing the Word preached.

How the word of God may be read so as to be effectually working in us who believe:
(1) That we may so read the Word that it may conduce effectually to our salvation, let us have a reverend esteem of every part of Scripture.
(2) If we would have the written Word effectual to our souls, let us peruse it with "intenseness of mind."
(3) If we would have the written Word effectual, we must bring faith to the reading of it; believe it to be the Word of the eternal Jehovah.
(4) If we would have the written Word effectual to salvation, we must delight in it as our spiritual cordial (i.e. pleasant tasting medicine).
(5) If we would have the Scripture effectual and saving, we must be sure, when we have read the Word, to hide it in our hearts.
(6) If we would have the written Word effectual, let us labor not only to have the light of it in our heads—but its power in our hearts!
(7) When we read the holy Scriptures—let us look up to God for a blessing.

How the word of God preached may be heard so as to be effectually working in us who believe:

(1) If you would have the Word preached effectual, give great attention to the Word preached.
(2) If you would have the Word preached effectual, come with a holy appetite to the Word.
(3) If you would have the preaching of the Word effectual, come to it with tenderness upon your heart.
(4) If you would have the Word effectual, receive it with meekness.
(5) If you would have the Word effectual, mingle the Word preached with faith.
(6) If you would have the preaching of the Word effectual, be not only attentive in hearing—but retentive after hearing.
(7) If you would have the preaching of the Word effectual, reduce your hearing to practice.
(8) If you would have the Word effectual, beg of God that he will accompany his Word with his presence and blessing.
(9) If you would have the Word effectual, if you would have the Word work effectually to your salvation, make it familiar to you.