Welcome, friends, to another
broadcast of Morsels for Zion's Poor. Paul writes to the Thessalonians
recognizing their election of God. Paul was taken up to that
third heaven where he saw and heard things which are unlawful,
that is, not proper to be uttered. Yet even then he could not look
upon that book which can only be opened and gazed upon by the
Lion of the tribe of Judah, nor could he read there those whose
names are recorded by his eternal pen. So when he writes of such,
he is not sharing some secret information which he is privy
to, but rather is making an observation wherein he perceives a peculiar
work of the Spirit of God in the children of God and in no
others. But we are bound to give thanks
always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord. because
God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification
of the spirit and belief of the truth, whereunto he called you
by our gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus
Christ. The election of the saints can
more readily be observed by their brethren than it can be by themselves. This is a good thing, lest they
should be lifted up with pride in a sense of security in something
other than their hope in Christ alone. But the election of the
saints is discernible by their brethren and serves as a great
source of encouragement to each other. The saints are stirred
up to faith by the mutual faith of one another, building one
another up and bearing one another's burdens. For I long to see you
that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to the end that
you may be established, that is, that I may be comforted together
with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. who when
he that is Barnabas came and had seen the grace of God was
glad, and exhorted them all that with purpose of heart they would
cleave unto the Lord. For I rejoiced greatly when the
brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even
as I walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to
hear that my children walk in truth. Paul knew the election
of these Thessalonians because he remembered their work of faith.
It could be opined that he had reference to their good works,
but I believe it is more accurate to consider that he has reference
to that work of faith which is wrought in them by him who works
all things together for good to them who are the called according
to his purpose. Does he not work in them both
the will and to do of his good pleasure? Is not faith the gift
of God? For we are his workmanship, created
in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained,
that is, predestinated, that we should walk in them. Can any
believe apart from this gift? Paul knew their election because
he saw their labor of love. Religion can produce all sorts
and extents of labor. Yet only the Spirit of God can
produce a labor of love. This is that labor that seeks
no recognition or reward and is entered into solely for the
praise of God. Whether, therefore, you eat or
drink or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God. My little
children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but
in deed and in truth, seeing ye have purified your souls and
obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of
the brethren. See that ye love one another
with a pure heart fervently. Many will say to me in that day,
Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name
have cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful
works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you,
depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Paul knew their election
because he could see their patience of hope. The Lord is faithful
to keep his children from falling. He causes patience to have its
perfect work in those whom he loves and calls. We see this
patience declared by Peter. Then said Jesus unto the twelve,
Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him,
Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal
life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ,
the Son of the living God. Come humble sinner in whose breast
a thousand thoughts revolve. Come with your guilt and fear
oppressed and make this last resolve. Prostrate I'll lie before
his throne and there my guilt confess. I'll tell him I'm a
wretch undone without his sovereign grace. Perhaps he will admit
my plea. Perhaps will hear my prayer.
But if I perish, I will pray and perish only there. I can
but perish if I go, I am resolved to try, but if I stay away I
know I must forever die. But if I die with mercy sought,
when I the king have tried, this were to die, delightful thought,
as sinner never died. May the Lord of electing grace
make us to shine as lights in a dark world by the work of his
spirit in us. Do you call upon him? For a free
CD containing 15 of these radio broadcasts, send an email to
forthepoor at windstream.net.