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I'm Not Worthy!
Worthiness is an important topic in scripture because it is at the heart of the relationship between grace and works. Jesus told His disciples, “When you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done’” (Luke 17:10). While it is critical that we obey the will of the Father, we have earned nothing in doing so. Our salvation will still be by His grace and mercy and not our merit.
The word worthy is also used in a comparative sense. The apostle Paul taught Gentiles that they should “repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance” (Acts 26:20). Their behavior should be of worth consistent with the sincere repentance in their hearts. There is a manner of life that is only fitting in light of everything God has done on our behalf.
God. “You know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12).
The Lord. “For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” (Colossians 1:9-10).
The Calling. “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1).
The Gospel. “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27).
Let’s face it, God redeemed our souls with the blood of His Son and has called us by the gospel of Christ into His own kingdom and glory, making His Son Lord of our lives. Anyone who fails to see the inherent impact this must have on our conduct is not paying attention.
Revelation 20:12 teaches that our deeds are written in the books of God and that we will be judged according to the contents of the books. The fact that some people’s sin pages will appear blank is purely by the grace of God. Those sins have been washed away in baptism (Acts 22:16), the faithful disciple of the Lord strives every day to walk in the light (1 John 1:7) and appeals to God’s mercy when they fail (1 John 1:9). Does my behavior matter? Yes. Will I be saved by the grace of God? Yes. This is not rocket science. I must seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and His mercy will take care of the rest.
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