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. "
What does it mean to be worthy "of the kingdom of GOD" (v.5) and "of [our] calling" (v.11) ? First, we must understand that this does not mean we are worthy of ourselves to enter the kingdom or to be called Christians. As sinful creatures, we are worthy of nothing. Only the grace and mercy of JESUS CHRIST allows those who have believed in HIM to be "counted worthy" for service - worthy because of WHO JESUS is and what HE has done for us. To be "counted worthy" means that we are worthy as participants in the LORD's service and in HIS future kingdom.
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| " Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. " Isaiah 26:2 |
One day, CHRIST will judge our earthy works to be either worthy of reward or worthless. Our reward will most likely relate to our role in the kingdom yet future. Therefore, how we live today will determine how worthy or unworthy we are of the kingdom blessings and positions bestowed upon us yet future. In 1st. Thessalonians 2:12, Paul tells us to "walk worthy of GOD, WHO hath called you unto HIS kingdom and glory." Our calling is to glorify the LORD first by believing and then by serving HIM both now and in the kingdom. Today's text does not say "that our GOD would make you worthy." Rather, Paul desired that HE would count us worthy or deem us to be worthy of our blessing, position, and reward as a result of our service for HIM. GOD's future kingdom will be marked by extremely high standards (Zechariah 8:3-8, 16-17, 20-23; Isaiah 26:1-9). Being "worthy of this calling" entails living a life that measures up to righteousness, holiness, and truth right now - a life that glorifies GOD today. Praise the LORD for allowing us to experience this privileged position ! MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.feasite.org
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