Daily Bread

2 Thessalonians 1:11: "Unto which we also pray continually for you that our God would count you worthy of the calling and fill you will all the goodness of His good pleasure and work of faith in power."

Paul relates the similar message in Ephesians 4:1: "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation where with ye are called."; Colossians 1:10: "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God." and 1 Thessalonians 2:12: "That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory."In each case, the Greek word 'axios' is used which is derived from the root word used here which is 'axioo,' to count worthy. When Paul ministered the gospel to the Jews in Acts chapter 13, they refused to listen and rejected the good news, therefore, because of their rejection of the gospel Paul said that they judged themselves unworthy of everlasting life (Acts 13:46). Therefore, we may suppose that Paul's usage of this word underscores that the rejection of the gospel makes one unworthy, whereas, the acceptance and obedience to the gospel makes one worthy. If we are willing to believe all that God has said we will discover that He will make it a reality in our lives. We simply accept His love, and believe on the Lord Jesus, and we are saved. If we will accept the commission and believe in the work of the Holy Spirit we will discover all of His works of power in our lives as well.

Blessings,

Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
Abiding Place http://www.abidingplace.org