I read these verses the other day in my personal Bible time and was once again challenged in my day to day Christian life. Before we briefly look at each verse I would like to ask – Do you really, I mean really, want to live your life for the Lord Jesus Christ by learning and living His Word? Dwell on that thought a moment.
2:10 – “Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:” – Gracious me! Can I say this about myself and to others? Holily means morally pure, committed to living according to God’s standard. Justly means righteous, ie, doing what is right in every matter as God sees it, not the way I see it. Unblameably means faultless, blameless – can error be found in my conduct? Paul [under inspiration of the Holy Ghost] said this about himself to these believers. He said they have observed, as well as Almighty God, his life to bear these qualities. Does God and others see this godly lifestyle in me? Do I see it in myself? Surely my Saviour would have me press toward this mark.
2:11 – “As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children.” Exhorted – Paul was calling these believers to be like minded to his lifestyle of verse 10. Isn’t this a worthy lifestyle to pursue? Comforted means to encourage. No doubt it was difficult for Paul to live consistently like this and it would be hard for these fellow believers to do the same. So, we comfort or encourage one another – draw strength from seeing others in this same lifestyle pursuit. I can surely see why God tells us believers to not forsake meeting with each other! Charged means to be a witness. My brethren, this is not a suggestion God gives His children, but a charge, a command to be this type of witness for all to see and benefit from. We need to be around these type people so we can be encouraged to be like these type people! Paul wanted this type lifestyle for his brethren with the same feeling a father has for his kids to do what is right and reap the benefits thereof.
2:12 – “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.” Walk worthy means to live appropriately – simply live like God says to. And here is the motive for doing so – I have the awesome privilege to be in the Lord’s kingdom and share in His glory! Upon our salvation in Christ, we positionally become a joint heir with Jesus Christ. We have all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ! In time, we will experience all of these blessings! But until then, let us provoke one another to love and to good works!