" 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.

" A Kingdom Worthy Life " (Post 3 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 the 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. "

     We have already noticed in previous studies that we glorify the LORD by living a life worthy of our calling, a life worthy of the kingdom of GOD. Today's text describes exactly how to live such a life. First, we must endure pressures and afflictions (vv. 4-6). Religious unbelievers persecuted the Thessalonian Christians and other saints in the early church (see Acts 17:5-10, 13). Even today, unbelievers who claim to be religious hate genuine Christianity. They are doing everything possible to battle against GOD's truth. Furthermore, the Thessalonians as well as other first-century Christians endured persecution from the political establishment (Acts 17:7-9). Sadly, even today in our own nation, many are seeking to silence true Christianity because it is deemed  "too exclusive and intolerant."  In addition, disobedient and wayward Christians also afflicted the believers at Thessalonica by propagating false doctrine and by embracing compromisers (2nd.Thess.2:1-3; 3:6, 14). Likewise, faithful saints are experiencing similar afflictions today as well. Nevertheless, if we are to be counted worthy of our calling and of GOD's kingdom, we must endure these trials - regardless of whether such persecution comes from unbelievers or even from other Christians !

     Second, in order to live a life worthy of our calling, we must live a life of faith, daily exercising the  "work of faith" (v.11). Faith is simply believing GOD and then acting accordingly. It entails our utmost belief and trust in GOD's WORD to HIS children. Faith is always linked to the WORD of GOD, for it is believing what GOD says and then taking action (Hebrews 11:13). Are you enduring trials and exercising faith during them ? MDC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" Worthy of the Kingdom and Our Calling " (Post 2 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. "

     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.

" 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 

" Our High Calling " (Post 1 of 4 in the Series)

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

     

" Glorious Expectation "

Psalm 71:19-24   " THY righteousness also, O GOD, is very high, who has done great things:  O GOD, who is like unto THEE !  THOU, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. THOU shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side. I will also praise THEE with the psaltery, even THY truth, O my GOD:  unto THEE will I sing with the harp, O THOU HOLY ONE of Israel. My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto THEE; and my soul, which THOU hast redeemed. My tongue also shall talk of THY righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt. "

     The psalmist had to endure weakness, frailty, and the physical limitations that inevitably come with advanced age. Nevertheless, we see in our text that this elderly man of GOD expected even greater things ahead (vv.19-21). Looking prophetically forward, GOD's people have HIS promise of the literal, earthly fulfillment of the irrevocable covenant promises HE made to the patriarchs of old. The Millennial Kingdom shall indeed come, and the promised KING will rule the world in righteousness from David's throne. David himself looked forward to his promised resurrection when he, along with the other Old Testament saints, will be raised again to serve with their MESSIAH and KING in that glorious kingdom of which so many of the prophetic Scriptures speak. Yes David certainly was a great king when he ruled Israel of old, but his reign does not even begin to compare with the far greater glory that is to follow when the LORD JESUS CHRIST returns to rule and reign with HIS saints.

     Although the timing is different, the believer in this church age also has the blessed promise of resurrection. All who have trusted JESUS CHRIST during this present dispensation, be they Jew or Gentile, will be  "caught up" at the LORD JESUS CHRIST's return in the air, which takes place before the seven-year Tribulation period (Rev.3:10; 1st.Thess. 4:13-18). Those who have died in CHRIST will be resurrected; believers who are living at CHRIST's return (to the clouds only) will be raptured, without seeing death. Does the prospect of JESUS' imminent return give us joy ? The promise of future glory caused the psalmist to abound with thanksgiving and to be strengthened in his witness (vv.22-24). DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used with permission.   www.feasite.org

" GOD's Love Gift to the World "

John 3:16   " For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life. "

JESUS CHRIST is GOD's love gift personified. HE gave HIS best. HE was not stingy with HIS gift, nor was HE reluctant in HIS giving. HE  "so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON."  GOD's love was not limited to the cross but was expressed from eternity past. GOD loved us in that all the prophecies of CHRIST's first coming were literally fulfilled to the jot and tittle (the letter). GOD loved us in that JESUS, the Eternal SON,  "made HIMSELF of no reputation, and took upon HIM the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:7), all without ever ceasing to be GOD. Yes,  "great is the mystery of godliness: GOD was manifest in the flesh"  (1st.Timothy 3:16).

"GOD is love,"  and  "love is of GOD"  (1st.John 4:7-8).  The baby in the manger was the  "SAVIOR, which is CHRIST the LORD"  (Luke 2:11).  HE came  "to seek and to save that which was lost"  (Luke 19:10; Matthew 18:11).  Being given the name  "JESUS,"  meaning  "JEHOVAH saves,"  HE came to  "save HIS people from their sins"  (Matthew 1:21).  HE came  "that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly"  (John 10:10).  HE came "not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give HIS life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45). "What shall we then say to these things ?" (Romans 8:31-32).  Yes, JESUS is GOD's love-gift to you ! Have you received HIS gift ?  "But as many as received HIM, to them gave HE power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name"  (John 1:12).  Oh "thanks be unto GOD for HIS unspeakable gift"  (2nd.Corinthians 9:15) ! PNF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" Unto You Is Born This Day ... a SAVIOR "

Luke 2:1-20   " And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was Governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused (promised) wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn SON, and wrapped HIM in swaddling clothes, and laid HIM in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tiding of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOR, which is CHRIST the LORD. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the BABE wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising GOD, and saying, Glory to GOD in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the LORD hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the BABE lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising GOD for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. "

     The LORD first gave HIS promise of a SAVIOR, a REDEEMER, to Adam and Eve back in the garden of Eden immediately after they had sinned (Genesis 3:15). Later, Isaiah prophesied the miraculous nature of CHRIST's virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14), and Micah foretold even the location of HIS birth (Micah 5:2). Centuries later, godly Simeon, who had been looking for the promised MESSIAH, praised GOD when sight confirmed his faith (Luke 2:25-32). Today's text is GOD's inspired record of the fulfillment of the many Old Testament prophecies concerning the birth of JESUS CHRIST. Millions have read and rejoiced in these precious WORD's, and many who have believed have thereafter happily joined in reiterating these  "good tidings of great joy" (vv.10-11).

     Christmas, though its observance has obviously become a means of promoting religious ceremonialism, heathen observances, crass commercialism, and social debauchery, does provide a wonderful opportunity for Christian witness. Those who personally know JESUS CHRIST, the SAVIOR WHO indeed came into the world, are the very ones who must bear testimony of that blessed reality to others. Believers can use this season to tell the unsaved WHO JESUS is and why HE came, urging them to trust HIM as their personal SAVIOR. And, let us remember that although we do not know the precise date of JESUS' birth nor have we been told the exact date of HIS return, we do know that HE did come to earth over 2,000 years ago and that HE is coming again - it could be at any time; HE could even come today !  "Thanks be unto GOD for HIS unspeakable gift"  (2nd.Corinthians 9:15), and praise the LORD for our  "blessed hope"  (Titus 2:11-13) ! MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, Feature: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.  www.feasite.org