" A Kingdom Worthy Life " (Post 4 of 4 in the Series)

2nd. Thessalonians 1:1-12   " Paul, and 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. "

     In order to glorify GOD, we must be counted worthy of our calling, worthy of the kingdom (v.5). We can be counted worthy if we endure the trials GOD has called us to bear (vv.4-6) and exercise faith in HIM (vv.3, 7, 11). Yet another way to be  "kingdom worthy"  is to do good works, that is, to  "fulfill all the good pleasure of HIS goodness" (v.11). Faith without works is a  "dead"  faith (James 2:17, 20). If we are truly saved and continually abiding in CHRIST, we will bear spiritual fruit in our lives - fruit that enables us to be  "counted worthy"  of our calling and of GOD's future kingdom. Verse eleven of our text tells us that GOD gives us, as believers, both the desire as well as the power to do what is right. The Greek word translated "good pleasure"  in this verse entails  "a desire or tendency to do good as an outgrowth of GOD's goodness." We always need to do what we know to be right ! Good works are the product of faith, and the desire to do right is the product of the LORD's goodness. Our responsibility is to yield ourselves to HIM and, subsequently, to fulfill HIS will.

     The church at Thessalonica consisted of believers who glorified GOD by enduring pressures and afflictions, living a life of faith and accomplishing deeds that conformed to GOD's standard of righteousness (1st.Thess. 1:3). Today, we are likewise responsible to honor GOD and glorify HIM through these same means. Purpose this coming year, with the LORD's help and strength, to consciously think and act in such a way that fulfills HIS divine purpose for your life so HE will  "count you worthy of this calling ... that the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST may be glorified in you" (vv. 11-12). MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org.