WORTHY
In Romans 16, Paul indicates that Phoebe should be received “in a manner worthy of the saints” (16:2). In the days when Paul wrote those words, greetings between people and the reception given by one person towards another were often more generous and complete compared to what might be expected today. And even more so when it was between Christians whom Paul often referred to as saints. In Paul’s epistles, if you were a true believer and follower of Christ, you were considered a saint and if this were the case, then one Christian should be greeted and received by another in a manner worthy of such a designation. And what type of behaviour was it that made a person to be considered a saint and true Christian?
There are apparently seven ways in which one would be considered worthy.
Firstly, “…let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ…that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27)
Secondly, “that you may walk worthy of the Lord…pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God…” (Colossians 1:10).
Thirdly, “I…beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love…” (Ephesians 4:1-2).
Fourthly, I commend Phoebe…“that you may receive her…in a manner worthy of the saints..for…she has been a helper of many…” (Romans 16:2).
Fifthly, “…you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and strangers…if you send them forward…in a manner worthy of God…” (3 John 1:5,6).
Sixthly, “You are witnesses…as you know how we exported, and comforted, and charged every one of you…that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” (1Thessalonians 2:10-12)
Finally, “…we also 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…” (2Thessalonians 1:11-12)
Standing fast with one spirit and one mind, increasing in knowledge and being fruitful in works with lowliness, gentleness and long suffering, receiving others in a proper manner as befitting other brothers and sisters in God’s family and then going forward with them with faith and power as witnesses; this all should make us somewhat worthy of the calling God has bestowed upon us as saints.
Just something else to think about.
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