The Essence of Paul's Ministry

From 1 Thessalonians 2:

"Our only object was to help you to live lives worthy of the God who has called you to share the splendor of his kingdom." 

Wow! Reread the ending of that sentence: “God who has called you to share the splendor of his kingdom.” I’ve met so many people who read that statement as one daunting and utterly unattainable; they feel personally “unworthy” and thus that they won’t share in the Kingdom. But, my friends, that’s such a low Christology! 

Listen to 2 Corinthians 13:3 in the Phillips: “The Christ you have to deal with is not a weak person outside you, but a tremendous power inside you.” Where is Jesus? In you! And now go to Hebrews 1:3 - “This Son, radiance of the glory of God, flawless expression of the nature of God, himself the upholding principles of all that is, effected in person the reconciliation between God and man and then took his seat at the right hand of the majesty on high…” Where is Jesus? On the kingdom-throne! 

To Abide in Jesus guarantees “lives worthy” and ready to “share the splendor of the kingdom”; don’t forget it! He who sits on the throne is the same One dwelling in you! It is His will and His work to unite the two spaces so they're synonymous, His chosen Sanctuaries for His Presence!