Paul
the apostle reminded the Thessalonians how he and his companions
labored among them both night and day to not be burdensome to them.
They also lived “holy, just and unblameable”
among them and “exhorted, comforted and
charged every one of” them “as
a father does
his children” to
demonstrate their love for the Thessalonians.
In chapter two and verse twelve, Paul told the Thessalonians why they
behaved this way as he desired for them to “walk
worthy of God”. We read:
That you
would walk worthy of God, who has called you unto his kingdom and
glory.
The
verse begins, “That you would walk worthy of God,...” Paul
began with the statement, “That you would walk” which
means “to make one's way, progress and make due of opportunities”
“worthy” or “suitably, appropriately and after a Godly
sort” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and
trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the
Holy Spirit”. Paul and his companions lived in a “holy, just
and unblameable” manner as they “exhorted, comforted and
charged” the Thessalonians because they desired for them to
“make progress” and “make use of their opportunities” to grow
in their relationship with God.
The
verse goes on to say, “...who has called you unto his kingdom
and glory.” Paul went on to add, “who has called you”
which means “invited and bid you” “unto his kingdom”
or “royal power, kingship, dominion and rule” “and glory”
which is the Greek word “doxa” and means “opinion, judgment,
view, estimate, splendor, brightness, magnificence, preeminence,
dignity and grace”. Paul desired for the Thessalonians to know God
Almighty as He invited them to be a part of his “splendor,
magnificence, glory and grace”.
When
we think through Paul's words, we should be amazed that God desires
anyone to be invited “unto his kingdom and glory”. Our
unworthiness is a given, and still the Heavenly Father desires that
we participate in His magnificence. Oh the glory and grace that is
afforded to the Christian who “trusts in, relies upon and clings
to” Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord! Oh that we might all
“walk worthy” of His greatness, and when we fall short,
may the grace of God abound in our lives so we may enjoy the glory of
God He desires for us!
Next
time Paul writes concerning the Thessalonians receiving the “word
of God” “not as
the word of men, but as it is in truth”
so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
No comments:
Post a Comment