In respect to the kingdom of God, the apostle speaks of God’s deliverance from the power of darkness and transference into the kingdom of the Son of His love (Col. 1:13-14). That redemptive change is the basis for walking worthy: “that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col. 1:10; see also Eph. 4:1-3).

“that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (1 Thess. 2:12, NKJV)

Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians has been filled with ways he has been an influence in their lives. Clearly, he did not come as some snake oil salesman to line his own pockets. Nor did he approach them with aloofness. No, Paul came to them with great compassion. He genuinely cared as he labored among them.

The apostle began his letter with an expression of prayer that included gratitude toward God and intercession for them. He ministered God’s word to them and was delighted to see that ministry blessed by the Holy Spirit. But what stands out throughout his epistle is the personal connection he has with them. He regularly opens his heart up to them.

Paul’s ambition is not to accumulate followers to himself or to enhance his own reputation. In fact, he does his best to point them to Jesus, even as he calls attention to his own behavior.

In a sense, Paul lays out a mission statement for his ministry among the Thessalonians: “that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (1 Thess. 2:12). Paul’s service had to do with God’s kingdom and glory and not his own. The word “that” could be expressed “unto.” Paul is identifying what he is shooting for, what he hopes to accomplish through his efforts.

And what is Paul’s ambition? That they walk worthy of the kingdom into which the Spirit has brought them.

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