Rhapsody Of Realities 27 May 2025 By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (Christ Embassy): Words And Action

TOPIC: Words And Action (Rhapsody of Realities 27 May 2025)

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Ghost… (1 Thessalonians 1:5).

Rhapsody Of Realities For Today’s MESSAGE:

We teach about the importance and the power of words, but did you know that words and actions go together? For example, words alone are not enough for us to express the full measure of our devotion, especially in our praise and worship of God.

In many contexts in Scriptures, we see how God gave us the precedence of words and actions going together. For example, Genesis 2:7 tells us, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” He didn’t use words only in creating man.

Also, in his admonition about walking in love, the Apostle John emphasizes the importance of demonstrating love through actions rather than merely through words: “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). The Bible underscores the necessity of action to complement words. Even in expressing our thanksgiving to the Lord, we voice our appreciation and adoration of Him, but we’re also required to bring an offering to Him as a demonstration of our worship and gratitude.

Thus, it’s a common thread throughout Scripture: our deeds must accompany our words to make our worship and faith complete. In 1 Thessalonians 1:5, as read in the theme verse, we see that the Gospel didn’t come to the Christians in Thessalonica in word only, but in power and in the Holy Ghost. Our preaching must be accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Similarly, in James 1:22-25, we are enlightened that it’s the doer of the Word that is blessed, not the mere hearer. In Matthew 15:8-9, the Lord speaks against those whose worship consists of mere words, showing that such worship lacks the sincerity that should accompany true praise. Words alone, without corresponding action, are insufficient in expressing our devotion to the Lord. It also reminds of what the Bible says about faith without works or corresponding action—it’s dead: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26).

PRAYER

Dear Father, I live in alignment with your Word as I express my love, gratitude and worship through my words and actions, through my offerings and different oblations. I honour you fully, empowered by the Holy Spirit to worship you in spirit and in truth, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

1 Thessalonians 1:5 NIV: because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.

James 1:21-25: Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

1 John 3:18 AMPC Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity).

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
John 13:1-30 & 2 Kings 20-22

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Mark 13:12-23 & Numbers 30

Remember to share with all your friends and loved ones today. Thank you and God bless you richly.

Rhapsody of Realities 2025 Devotional was written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome (D.Sc., D.D.). President of Loveworld Inc. aka Christ Embassy Int’l.