2nd. Thessalonians 1:1-12 " Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unto the church of the Thessalonians in GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST: Grace unto you, and peace, from GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. We are bound to thank GOD always for you, brethren, as it is meet [fitting], because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of GOD for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of GOD, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of GOD, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with GOD to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; and to you who are troubled rest with us, when the LORD JESUS shall be revealed from heaven with HIS mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not GOD, and that obey not the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST:
Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the LORD, and from the glory of HIS power; when HE shall come to be glorified in HIS saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our GOD would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of HIS goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST may be glorified in you, and ye in HIM, according to the grace of our GOD and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. "
As you read 2nd.Thessalonians 1, the first phrase of verse twelve should immediately strike your attention: "That the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST may be glorified in you." We know that our very purpose for existence is to bring honor and glory to JESUS CHRIST, our CREATOR and SAVIOR. Therefore, when we read these words, we should pay close attention to the fact that the Apostle Paul has just described how we can genuinely honor and glorify our SAVIOR through our lives.
As we enter a New Year of service for our LORD, we should take some time to reflect upon how we are doing in this area of fulfilling our purpose for existence. How have we done this past year ? Have we consciously thought and acted in ways that bring glory to GOD, or have our thoughts and actions centered around our own feelings and desires ? Honestly consider who it is that we are trying to please - GOD or man ? At this time of the year, we should not only reflect upon the past, but we must also take the time to understand where we need to be and purpose to get there from this point forward.
Our text tells us that GOD is glorified when we live a life "worthy of [our] calling" (v.11). Today, we must ask ourselves whether we are living such a life. In verse five, Paul gloried in the Thessalonian believers because their lives demonstrated "kingdom worthiness" (v.5). In verse eleven, the Apostle prayed "that our GOD would count you worthy of this calling." As sinners, we are worthy of nothing. However, as Christians, our lives should demonstrate a high standard of excellence. Are you fulfilling your purpose by glorifying GOD through your life and living worthy of HIS calling ? MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.feasite.org
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