God resists those who think they are worthy; but He makes worthy those who think they are not.
By
fully
exploring
the
different
facets
of
the
word
“worthy,”
we
will
gain
a
unique
insight
into
the
various
subliminal
influences
of
human-defined
worthiness
in
our
lives,
why
we
sometimes
do
what
we
do—and
most
important,
it
will
create a greater appreciation of our salvation.
There
are
three
perceptions
of
worthy
to
consider:
what
others
proclaim
is
worthy,
what
we
think
is
worthy,
and
what
God
defines
as
worthy.
In
addition,
we
will
discover
there
is
a
significant
difference
between
the
human
definition
of
worthy, and the spiritual definition of worthy—because one is based upon lies, and the other is based upon truth.
The human definition of worthy may be defined as one who’s action or behavior:
•
Meets or exceeds a human-defined standard.
•
Is entitled to recognition, respect and admiration for what they have accomplished.
For
example,
when
a
person
competes
in
the
Olympics,
and
they
perform
better
than
all
they
compete
against
(the
human-defined
standard),
they
are
entitled
to
a
gold
medal.
They
are
not
only
worthy
of
the
award,
they
are
also
entitled to acceptance, recognition, respect and admiration for their hard work and success.
Additional examples of human-defined worthiness include:
•
Achieving “benchmarks” in life defined by our parents, family members, or friends, such as:
o
Earning a degree.
o
Being married and having children.
o
Employed via a type of job or profession.
o
Attainment of an economic status (wealth, possessions, etc.).
•
Experiencing life portrayed by advertising, movies, television, magazines, Internet, and so forth:
o
Possessing attributes that are depicted as beautiful (face, hair, body, etc.).
o
Receiving
recognition,
admiration,
respect,
envy,
or
a
sexual
response
based
upon
what
we
wear,
own,
drive,
do for a living, or achieve.
•
Behavioral compliance with cultural or social group guidelines.
However,
some
of
these
standards
are
unattainable,
and
many
fall
short—which
may
cause
conflict,
turmoil,
frustrations
within the heart and soul—and even low self-esteem (which delights Satan).
Here are additional points to consider:
•
Whether
or
not
one
is
entitled
of
being
worthy
of
fulfilling
a
human-defined
standard
is
usually
based
upon
another
person’s
approval
and
affirmation.
Although
we
may
perceive
“we
have
arrived,”
we
are
still
dependent
upon
others to confirm our attainment of the defined standards.
•
All human-defined worthiness:
o
Falls short of God’s standards.
o
Does not fulfill the spiritual needs God designed within each of us.
•
Those who are driven by human-defined standards of worthiness are slaves to delusional lies.
•
Those
who
consider
themselves
worthy
based
upon
their
own
merits
are
bolstered
by
pride.
For
“God
resists
the
proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6
From
a
personal
perspective
of
“worthy,”
it
is
a
good
thing
for
every
Christian
to
pray
and
seek
understanding
as
to
the
source
of
their
perceived
worthiness:
human-defined
or
God-defined.
Some
may
find
they
are
misguided
by
subliminally driven concepts of worthiness that are not based upon truths.
King
Solomon,
who
built
the
first
Temple
in
Jerusalem,
is
considered
the
wisest
earthly
king
who
has
ever
lived.
The
source
of
his
wisdom
is
revealed
in
the
third
chapter
of
1
Kings.
“
The
Lord
appeared
to
Solomon
in
a
dream
by
night;
and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” 1 Kings 3:5
Now…before
we
go
further…take
a
moment
and
mentally
put
yourself
into
Solomon’s
situation
and
consider
how
would
you
respond
to
God
if
He
asked
“What
shall
I
give
you?”
What
would
be
the
first
thing
you
would
you
ask
for?
It’s
safe
to
say
all
persons
would
likely
ask
for
an
increase
of
something
in
their
life.
As
such,
what
would
be
your
desired
increase? Think about your answer before continuing.
Solomon
asked
God
for
something
most
persons
would
not
ask
for:
increased
wisdom.
God
not
only
gave
Solomon
what
he
requested,
God
also
gave
him
that
which
he
did
not
ask
for
(and
what
most
would
request):
riches
and
honor
(1
Kings 3:11-13).
Solomon
looked
closely
at
those
earthly
things
that
motivate
human
life,
and
determined
the
masses
(including
himself)
were
misdirected
by
lies.
“I
have
seen
all
the
works
that
are
done
under
the
sun;
and
indeed,
all
is
vanity
and
grasping
for the wind.” Ecclesiastes 1:14
Vanity
in
Hebrew
means
“breeze,”
“breath,”
or
“vapor”
and
is
translated
as
“meaningless,”
“futility,”
and
“pointless.”
In
other
words,
earthly
things
that
serve
as
a
motivating
influence
to
improve
one’s
position
in
life
is
useless.
Although
one
may
achieve
something
that
seems
worthy,
the
benefits
derived
will
quickly
vanish
as
a
vapor
of
ungraspable
air—because
lies
are
comprised
of
delusional
intangibles.
What
is
perceived
as
attainable
and
enjoyable
will
soon
disappear
after
we
cross
the
“finish
line.”
This
truth
encompasses
sin,
and
human
attempts
to
define
and
seek
after
what is considered worthy.
Jesus said,
“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” Matthew 16:26
God’s
standard
of
worthiness
was
revealed
by
the
life
of
His
Son,
Jesus
Christ.
Any
person
who
comes
short
of
Christ’s
example
will
fail
to
achieve
God’s
expectation
of
absolute
perfection—which
is
every
person
who
has
ever
lived—including you and me!
Therefore,
think
deeply
about
the
following
question.
How
many
persons
who
make
it
to
Heaven
are
worthy
of
being
there?
Take
time
to
consider
your
response
before
you
continue
reading
because
there
is
more
than
one
correct
answer.
In
truth,
no
one
who
makes
it
to
Heaven
is
worthy
of
being
there.
On
the
other
hand,
everyone
who
makes
it
to
Heaven
is
worthy
of
being
there.
From
an
earthly
perspective,
not
one
person
is
worthy
because
of
their
sin.
“For
all
have
sinned
and
fall
short
of
the
glory
of
God”
(Romans
3:23).
However,
because
we
believe
God
gave
His
Son
as
a
sacrifice
for
our
sins,
we
are
considered
sinless
and
righteous
in
the
eyes
of
God—and
worthy
of
entrance
into
Heaven.
“For
God
so
loved
the
world
that
He
gave
His
only
begotten
Son,
that
whoever
believes
in
Him
should
not
perish
but
have everlasting life.” John 3:16
However,
those
who
consider
themselves
worthy
to
enter
into
Heaven—based
upon
their
own
merits—are
influenced
by
a
darkened
lie
and
are
bolstered
by
pride.
“For
by
grace
you
have
been
saved
through
faith,
and
that
not
of
yourselves;
it
is
the
gift
of
God,
not
of
works,
lest
anyone
should
boast.”
(Ephesians
2:8-9)
But
the
humble
hearts
of
those
who
realize
the
reality
and
truth
of
their
unworthiness
are
more
open
to
receive
God’s
grace,
mercy
and
salvation
through
His Son. For
“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)
In
Luke,
chapter
7
versus
1-10,
we
read
of
a
Gentile
(a
“centurion”
who
was
most
likely
a
Roman
military
officer)
who
pleaded
for
Jesus
to
come
and
heal
one
of
his
servants.
The
centurion
said
he
did
not
consider
himself
worthy
to
come
to
Him,
nor
worthy
to
have
Him
enter
into
his
home.
As
such,
his
request
was
for
Jesus
to
simply
make
a
command
for
his
servant’s
healing,
and
he
knew
his
servant
would
be
healed.
He
recognized
his
unworthiness
and
expressed
his
faith
in
Jesus.
Jesus
said
in
response
to
the
centurion’s
request
“I
say
to
you,
I
have
not
found
such
great
faith,
not
even in Israel!”
When they entered the home to check on the servant, they discovered he was healed.
Of
all
the
persons
who
have
ever
walked
on
earth,
there
is
only
one
who
attained
God’s
standard
of
worthiness.
All
who
proclaim
some
form
of
deity
did
not
(and
will
not)
meet
God’s
standard.
The
worthiness
of
Jesus
Christ
is
clearly
defined
in
Revelation
chapter
5—for
during
the
last
days
there
is
only
one
who
is
able
to
loosen
the
seals,
open
the
scroll and look at it.
“And
I
saw
in
the
right
hand
of
Him
who
sat
on
the
throne
a
scroll
written
inside
and
on
the
back,
sealed
with
seven
seals.
Then
I
saw
a
strong
angel
proclaiming
with
a
loud
voice,
“Who
is
worthy
to
open
the
scroll
and
to
loose
its
seals?’
And
no
one
in
heaven
or
on
the
earth
or
under
the
earth
was
able
to
open
the
scroll,
or
to
look
at
it.
So
I
wept
much,
because
no
one
was
found
worthy
to
open
and
read
the
scroll,
or
to
look
at
it.
But
one
of
the
elders
said
to
me,
‘Do
not
weep.
Behold,
the
Lion
of
the
tribe
of
Judah,
the
Root
of
David,
has
prevailed
to
open
the
scroll
and
to
loose
its
seven
seals.’
And
I
looked,
and
behold,
in
the
midst
of
the
throne
and
of
the
four
living
creatures,
and
in
the
midst
of
the
elders,
stood
a
Lamb
as
though
it
had
been
slain,
having
seven
horns
and
seven
eyes,
which
are
the
seven
Spirits
of
God
sent
out
into
all
the
earth.
Then
He
came
and
took
the
scroll
out
of
the
right
hand
of
Him
who
sat
on
the
throne.
Now
when
He
had
taken
the
scroll,
the
four
living
creatures
and
the
twenty-four
elders
fell
down
before
the
Lamb,
each
having
a
harp,
and
golden
bowls
full
of
incense,
which
are
the
prayers
of
the
saints.
And
they
sang
a
new
song,
saying:
‘You
are
worthy
to
take
the
scroll,
and
to
open
its
seals;
for
You
were
slain,
and
have
redeemed
us
to
God
by
Your
blood
Out
of
every
tribe
and
tongue
and
people
and
nation,
and
have
made
us
kings
and
priests
to
our
God;
and
we
shall
reign
on
the
earth.’
Then
I
looked,
and
I
heard
the
voice
of
many
angels
around
the
throne,
the
living
creatures,
and
the
elders;
and
the
number
of
them
was
ten
thousand
times
ten
thousand,
and
thousands
of
thousands,
saying
with
a
loud
voice:
‘Worthy
is
the
Lamb
who
was
slain
to
receive
power
and
riches
and
wisdom,
and
strength
and
honor
and
glory
and
blessing!’
And
every
creature
which
is
in
heaven
and
on
the
earth
and
under
the
earth
and
such
as
are
in
the
sea,
and
all
that
are
in
them,
I
heard
saying:
‘Blessing
and
honor
and
glory
and
power
Be
to
Him
who
sits
on
the
throne,
and
to
the
Lamb,
forever
and
ever!’
Then
the
four
living
creatures
said,
‘Amen!’
And
the
twenty-four
elders
fell
down
and
worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.” Revelation Chapter 5
“For
it
pleased
the
Father
that
in
Him
all
the
fullness
should
dwell,
and
by
Him
to
reconcile
all
things
to
Himself,
by
Him,
whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” Colossians 1:19-20
Throughout
time—from
the
beginning
to
the
end—there
is
only
one
who
is
worthy:
Jesus
Christ,
the
sacrificial
Lamb
of
God who paid the price for our sins and made us worthy of our eternal inheritance.
“Blessed
be
the
God
and
Father
of
our
Lord
Jesus
Christ,
who
according
to
His
abundant
mercy
has
begotten
us
again
to
a
living
hope
through
the
resurrection
of
Jesus
Christ
from
the
dead,
to
an
inheritance
incorruptible
and
undefiled
and
that
does
not
fade
away,
reserved
in
heaven
for
you,
who
are
kept
by
the
power
of
God
through
faith
for
salvation
ready
to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter
1:3-5
Those
who
perceive
they
are
unworthy;
those
who
feel
rejected
by
others;
those
who
perceive
themselves
as
a
second-
or
third-class
citizen;
and
those
who
have
low
self-esteem…you
are
loved
far
beyond
anything
you
are
able
to
comprehend!
Disengage
your
mind,
heart
and
soul
from
the
lies
the
world
propagates;
realize
only
God
can
fill
the
empty void within you; and elevate your eyes into the spiritual realm where truth resides.
Jesus
said,
“For
the
Father
Himself
loves
you,
because
you
have
loved
Me,
and
have
believed
that
I
came
forth
from
God.” John 16:27
Jesus
said,
“Are
not
two
sparrows
sold
for
a
copper
coin?
And
not
one
of
them
falls
to
the
ground
apart
from
your
Father’s
will.
But
the
very
hairs
of
your
head
are
all
numbered.
Do
not
fear
therefore;
you
are
of
more
value
than
many
sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31
“Behold
what
manner
of
love
the
Father
has
bestowed
on
us,
that
we
should
be
called
children
of
God!
Therefore
the
world
does
not
know
us,
because
it
did
not
know
Him.
Beloved,
now
we
are
children
of
God;
and
it
has
not
yet
been
revealed
what
we
shall
be,
but
we
know
that
when
He
is
revealed,
we
shall
be
like
Him,
for
we
shall
see
Him
as
He
is.
And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” 1 John 3:1-3
Christians will develop an accurate spiritual perception of self-worth as they:
•
Recognize the futility of worthiness defined by humans.
•
Grow and mature in their relationship with God.
•
Embrace God’s love because of the price He paid for us through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.
•
Realize their conversion from sinful death to spiritual life did not occur at their own volition.
Jesus said,
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you.” John 15:16
“For
you
see
your
calling,
brethren,
that
not
many
wise
according
to
the
flesh,
not
many
mighty,
not
many
noble,
are
called.
But
God
has
chosen
the
foolish
things
of
the
world
to
put
to
shame
the
wise,
and
God
has
chosen
the
weak
things
of
the
world
to
put
to
shame
the
things
which
are
mighty;
and
the
base
things
of
the
world
and
the
things
which
are
despised
God
has
chosen,
and
the
things
which
are
not,
to
bring
to
nothing
the
things
that
are,
that
no
flesh
should
glory
in
His
presence.
But
of
Him
you
are
in
Christ
Jesus,
who
became
for
us
wisdom
from
God—and
righteousness
and
sanctification
and
redemption—that,
as
it
is
written,
‘He
who
glories,
let
him
glory
in
the
Lord.’”
1
Corinthians
1:26-
31
“Not
that
we
are
sufficient
of
ourselves
to
think
of
anything
as
being
from
ourselves,
but
our
sufficiency
is
from
God,
who
also made us sufficient.” 2 Corinthians 3:5
Our
worth
is
not
based
upon
the
delusional
opinion
of
others;
but
rather,
our
spiritual
worthiness
is
because
of
our
faith
in
our
Savior,
Jesus
Christ,
and
because
of
the
unchanging
and
everlasting
opinion
of
God.
“For
He
made
Him
who
knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
The link below will show a wonderful YouTube video of Hillsong Worship singing “Worthy is the Lamb.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-cd5prE4f0&ab_channel=HillsongWorship
I pray
“That you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:12
God Bless You!
All for His Glory,
Harold D. Thomas
Bible Study Thought-Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
learning
exercise
and
questions
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
topic
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader,
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader
or
church
pastor. The following questions should be answered or discussed after reading “Worthy.”
There
are
two
types
of
questions:
lesson
and
opinion.
Lesson
questions
(preceded
by
a
number)
are
provided
an
answer.
Opinion
questions
(preceded
by
an
“O”)
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
opinions
and/or discovering how the lesson content illuminates our personal lives. As such, no answers are provided.
O
How may a human-defined standard of worthiness cause a negative influence upon someone?
O
The lesson states “Those who are driven by human-defined standards of worthiness are slaves to delusional lies.”
Do you agree or disagree? Explain.
O
The lesson explains we are dependent upon others to confirm our attainment of human-defined standards of
worthiness. Do you agree or disagree? If you agree, what’s wrong with this scenario?
O
Do you (or have you) experienced unworthiness? If yes, explain.
O
Can you identify one human-defined standard of worthiness that fulfills the spiritual needs God designed within us?
O
Is it possible for it to be a good thing when someone experiences unworthiness? Explain
O
In Revelation chapter 5, Jesus Christ, the sacrificial Lamb of God, was the only one in Heaven, or on the earth, or
under the earth (throughout all of time) who was worthy to open the scroll and loose the seals.
•
Why?
•
If Jesus was the only one worthy to open the scroll and lose the seals, what does this reveal about other
religious entities?
1.
What is the only reason why someone is considered worthy in God’s eyes?
Answers
1.
Their sins are eternally forgiven (because of their faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord).
•
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31)
•
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Psalms 103:12
You may download a PDF version of the questions by clicking on this button.
C
an you think of someone who may benefit from this lesson? If yes, PASS IT ON!
The words of Jesus Christ are in
red text.
God
resists
those
who
think
they
are
worthy;
but
He
makes worthy those who think they are not.
By
fully
exploring
the
different
facets
of
the
word
“worthy,”
we
will
gain
a
unique
insight
into
the
various
subliminal
influences
of
human-defined
worthiness
in
our
lives,
why
we
sometimes
do
what
we
do—and
most
important,
it
will
create a greater appreciation of our salvation.
There
are
three
perceptions
of
worthy
to
consider:
what
others
proclaim
is
worthy,
what
we
think
is
worthy,
and
what
God
defines
as
worthy.
In
addition,
we
will
discover
there
is
a
significant
difference
between
the
human
definition
of
worthy,
and
the
spiritual
definition
of
worthy—because
one
is
based
upon
lies,
and
the
other
is
based upon truth.
The
human
definition
of
worthy
may
be
defined
as
one
who’s action or behavior:
•
Meets or exceeds a human-defined standard.
•
Is
entitled
to
recognition,
respect
and
admiration
for
what they have accomplished.
For
example,
when
a
person
competes
in
the
Olympics,
and
they
perform
better
than
all
they
compete
against
(the
human-defined
standard),
they
are
entitled
to
a
gold
medal.
They
are
not
only
worthy
of
the
award,
they
are
also
entitled
to
acceptance,
recognition,
respect
and
admiration for their hard work and success.
Additional
examples
of
human-defined
worthiness
include:
•
Achieving
“benchmarks”
in
life
defined
by
our
parents,
family members, or friends, such as:
o
Earning a degree.
o
Being married and having children.
o
Employed via a type of job or profession.
o
Attainment
of
an
economic
status
(wealth,
possessions, etc.).
•
Experiencing
life
portrayed
by
advertising,
movies,
television, magazines, Internet, and so forth:
o
Possessing
attributes
that
are
depicted
as
beautiful
(face, hair, body, etc.).
o
Receiving
recognition,
admiration,
respect,
envy,
or
a
sexual
response
based
upon
what
we
wear,
own,
drive, do for a living, or achieve.
•
Behavioral
compliance
with
cultural
or
social
group
guidelines.
However,
some
of
these
standards
are
unattainable,
and
many
fall
short—which
may
cause
conflict,
turmoil,
frustrations
within
the
heart
and
soul—and
even
low
self-
esteem (which delights Satan).
Here are additional points to consider:
•
Whether
or
not
one
is
entitled
of
being
worthy
of
fulfilling
a
human-defined
standard
is
usually
based
upon
another
person’s
approval
and
affirmation.
Although
we
may
perceive
“we
have
arrived,”
we
are
still
dependent
upon
others
to
confirm
our
attainment
of the defined standards.
•
All human-defined worthiness:
o
Falls short of God’s standards.
o
Does
not
fulfill
the
spiritual
needs
God
designed
within each of us.
•
Those
who
are
driven
by
human-defined
standards
of
worthiness are slaves to delusional lies.
•
Those
who
consider
themselves
worthy
based
upon
their
own
merits
are
bolstered
by
pride.
For
“God
resists
the
proud,
but
gives
grace
to
the
humble.”
James 4:6
From
a
personal
perspective
of
“worthy,”
it
is
a
good
thing
for
every
Christian
to
pray
and
seek
understanding
as
to
the
source
of
their
perceived
worthiness:
human-defined
or
God-defined.
Some
may
find
they
are
misguided
by
subliminally
driven
concepts
of
worthiness
that
are
not
based upon truths.
King
Solomon,
who
built
the
first
Temple
in
Jerusalem,
is
considered
the
wisest
earthly
king
who
has
ever
lived.
The
source
of
his
wisdom
is
revealed
in
the
third
chapter
of
1
Kings.
“
The
Lord
appeared
to
Solomon
in
a
dream
by
night;
and
God
said,
“Ask!
What
shall
I
give
you?”
1
Kings 3:5
Now…before
we
go
further…take
a
moment
and
mentally
put
yourself
into
Solomon’s
situation
and
consider
how
would
you
respond
to
God
if
He
asked
“What
shall
I
give
you?”
What
would
be
the
first
thing
you
would
you
ask
for?
It’s
safe
to
say
all
persons
would
likely
ask
for
an
increase
of
something
in
their
life.
As
such,
what
would
be
your
desired
increase?
Think
about
your
answer
before continuing.
Solomon
asked
God
for
something
most
persons
would
not
ask
for:
increased
wisdom.
God
not
only
gave
Solomon
what
he
requested,
God
also
gave
him
that
which
he
did
not
ask
for
(and
what
most
would
request):
riches and honor (1 Kings 3:11-13).
Solomon
looked
closely
at
those
earthly
things
that
motivate
human
life,
and
determined
the
masses
(including
himself)
were
misdirected
by
lies.
“I
have
seen
all
the
works
that
are
done
under
the
sun;
and
indeed,
all
is vanity and grasping for the wind.” Ecclesiastes 1:14
Vanity
in
Hebrew
means
“breeze,”
“breath,”
or
“vapor”
and
is
translated
as
“meaningless,”
“futility,”
and
“pointless.”
In
other
words,
earthly
things
that
serve
as
a
motivating
influence
to
improve
one’s
position
in
life
is
useless.
Although
one
may
achieve
something
that
seems
worthy,
the
benefits
derived
will
quickly
vanish
as
a
vapor
of
ungraspable
air—because
lies
are
comprised
of
delusional
intangibles.
What
is
perceived
as
attainable
and
enjoyable
will
soon
disappear
after
we
cross
the
“finish
line.”
This
truth
encompasses
sin,
and
human
attempts
to
define
and
seek
after
what
is
considered
worthy.
Jesus
said,
“For
what
profit
is
it
to
a
man
if
he
gains
the
whole world, and loses his own soul?” Matthew 16:26
God’s
standard
of
worthiness
was
revealed
by
the
life
of
His
Son,
Jesus
Christ.
Any
person
who
comes
short
of
Christ’s
example
will
fail
to
achieve
God’s
expectation
of
absolute
perfection—which
is
every
person
who
has
ever
lived—including you and me!
Therefore,
think
deeply
about
the
following
question.
How
many
persons
who
make
it
to
Heaven
are
worthy
of
being
there?
Take
time
to
consider
your
response
before
you
continue
reading
because
there
is
more
than
one
correct
answer.
In
truth,
no
one
who
makes
it
to
Heaven
is
worthy
of
being
there.
On
the
other
hand,
everyone
who
makes
it
to
Heaven
is
worthy
of
being
there.
From
an
earthly
perspective,
not
one
person
is
worthy
because
of
their
sin.
“For
all
have
sinned
and
fall
short
of
the
glory
of
God”
(Romans
3:23).
However,
because
we
believe
God
gave
His
Son
as
a
sacrifice
for
our
sins,
we
are
considered
sinless
and
righteous
in
the
eyes
of
God—and
worthy
of
entrance
into
Heaven.
“For
God
so
loved
the
world
that
He
gave
His
only
begotten
Son,
that
whoever
believes
in
Him
should
not
perish
but
have
everlasting
life.”
John
3:16
However,
those
who
consider
themselves
worthy
to
enter
into
Heaven—based
upon
their
own
merits—are
influenced
by
a
darkened
lie
and
are
bolstered
by
pride.
“For
by
grace
you
have
been
saved
through
faith,
and
that
not
of
yourselves;
it
is
the
gift
of
God,
not
of
works,
lest
anyone
should
boast.”
(Ephesians
2:8-9)
But
the
humble
hearts
of
those
who
realize
the
reality
and
truth
of
their
unworthiness
are
more
open
to
receive
God’s
grace,
mercy
and
salvation
through
His
Son.
For
“God
resists
the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)
In
Luke,
chapter
7
versus
1-10,
we
read
of
a
Gentile
(a
“centurion”
who
was
most
likely
a
Roman
military
officer)
who
pleaded
for
Jesus
to
come
and
heal
one
of
his
servants.
The
centurion
said
he
did
not
consider
himself
worthy
to
come
to
Him,
nor
worthy
to
have
Him
enter
into
his
home.
As
such,
his
request
was
for
Jesus
to
simply
make
a
command
for
his
servant’s
healing,
and
he
knew
his
servant
would
be
healed.
He
recognized
his
unworthiness
and
expressed
his
faith
in
Jesus.
Jesus
said
in
response
to
the
centurion’s
request
“I
say
to
you,
I
have
not
found
such
great
faith,
not
even
in
Israel!”
When
they
entered
the
home
to
check
on
the
servant,
they
discovered he was healed.
Of
all
the
persons
who
have
ever
walked
on
earth,
there
is
only
one
who
attained
God’s
standard
of
worthiness.
All
who
proclaim
some
form
of
deity
did
not
(and
will
not)
meet
God’s
standard.
The
worthiness
of
Jesus
Christ
is
clearly
defined
in
Revelation
chapter
5—for
during
the
last
days
there
is
only
one
who
is
able
to
loosen
the
seals,
open the scroll and look at it.
“And
I
saw
in
the
right
hand
of
Him
who
sat
on
the
throne
a
scroll
written
inside
and
on
the
back,
sealed
with
seven
seals.
Then
I
saw
a
strong
angel
proclaiming
with
a
loud
voice,
“Who
is
worthy
to
open
the
scroll
and
to
loose
its
seals?’
And
no
one
in
heaven
or
on
the
earth
or
under
the
earth
was
able
to
open
the
scroll,
or
to
look
at
it.
So
I
wept
much,
because
no
one
was
found
worthy
to
open
and
read
the
scroll,
or
to
look
at
it.
But
one
of
the
elders
said
to
me,
‘Do
not
weep.
Behold,
the
Lion
of
the
tribe
of
Judah,
the
Root
of
David,
has
prevailed
to
open
the
scroll
and
to
loose
its
seven
seals.’
And
I
looked,
and
behold,
in
the
midst
of
the
throne
and
of
the
four
living
creatures,
and
in
the
midst
of
the
elders,
stood
a
Lamb
as
though
it
had
been
slain,
having
seven
horns
and
seven
eyes,
which
are
the
seven
Spirits
of
God
sent
out
into
all
the
earth.
Then
He
came
and
took
the
scroll
out
of
the
right
hand
of
Him
who
sat
on
the
throne.
Now
when
He
had
taken
the
scroll,
the
four
living
creatures
and
the
twenty-
four
elders
fell
down
before
the
Lamb,
each
having
a
harp,
and
golden
bowls
full
of
incense,
which
are
the
prayers
of
the
saints.
And
they
sang
a
new
song,
saying:
‘You
are
worthy
to
take
the
scroll,
and
to
open
its
seals;
for
You
were
slain,
and
have
redeemed
us
to
God
by
Your
blood
Out
of
every
tribe
and
tongue
and
people
and
nation,
and
have
made
us
kings
and
priests
to
our
God;
and
we
shall
reign
on
the
earth.’
Then
I
looked,
and
I
heard
the
voice
of
many
angels
around
the
throne,
the
living
creatures,
and
the
elders;
and
the
number
of
them
was
ten
thousand
times
ten
thousand,
and
thousands
of
thousands,
saying
with
a
loud
voice:
‘Worthy
is
the
Lamb
who
was
slain
to
receive
power
and
riches
and
wisdom,
and
strength
and
honor
and
glory
and
blessing!’
And
every
creature
which
is
in
heaven
and
on
the
earth
and
under
the
earth
and
such
as
are
in
the
sea,
and
all
that
are
in
them,
I
heard
saying:
‘Blessing
and
honor
and
glory
and
power
Be
to
Him
who
sits
on
the
throne,
and
to
the
Lamb,
forever
and
ever!’
Then
the
four
living
creatures
said,
‘Amen!’
And
the
twenty-four
elders
fell
down
and
worshiped
Him
who
lives
forever
and
ever.”
Revelation
Chapter 5
“For
it
pleased
the
Father
that
in
Him
all
the
fullness
should
dwell,
and
by
Him
to
reconcile
all
things
to
Himself,
by
Him,
whether
things
on
earth
or
things
in
heaven,
having
made
peace
through
the
blood
of
His
cross.”
Colossians 1:19-20
Throughout
time—from
the
beginning
to
the
end—there
is
only
one
who
is
worthy:
Jesus
Christ,
the
sacrificial
Lamb
of
God
who
paid
the
price
for
our
sins
and
made
us
worthy of our eternal inheritance.
“Blessed
be
the
God
and
Father
of
our
Lord
Jesus
Christ,
who
according
to
His
abundant
mercy
has
begotten
us
again
to
a
living
hope
through
the
resurrection
of
Jesus
Christ
from
the
dead,
to
an
inheritance
incorruptible
and
undefiled
and
that
does
not
fade
away,
reserved
in
heaven
for
you,
who
are
kept
by
the
power
of
God
through
faith
for
salvation
ready
to
be
revealed
in
the
last
time.” 1 Peter
1:3-5
Those
who
perceive
they
are
unworthy;
those
who
feel
rejected
by
others;
those
who
perceive
themselves
as
a
second-
or
third-class
citizen;
and
those
who
have
low
self-esteem…you
are
loved
far
beyond
anything
you
are
able
to
comprehend!
Disengage
your
mind,
heart
and
soul
from
the
lies
the
world
propagates;
realize
only
God
can
fill
the
empty
void
within
you;
and
elevate
your
eyes
into the spiritual realm where truth resides.
Jesus
said,
“For
the
Father
Himself
loves
you,
because
you
have
loved
Me,
and
have
believed
that
I
came
forth
from God.” John 16:27
Jesus
said,
“Are
not
two
sparrows
sold
for
a
copper
coin?
And
not
one
of
them
falls
to
the
ground
apart
from
your
Father’s
will.
But
the
very
hairs
of
your
head
are
all
numbered.
Do
not
fear
therefore;
you
are
of
more
value
than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31
“Behold
what
manner
of
love
the
Father
has
bestowed
on
us,
that
we
should
be
called
children
of
God!
Therefore
the
world
does
not
know
us,
because
it
did
not
know
Him.
Beloved,
now
we
are
children
of
God;
and
it
has
not
yet
been
revealed
what
we
shall
be,
but
we
know
that
when
He
is
revealed,
we
shall
be
like
Him,
for
we
shall
see
Him
as
He
is.
And
everyone
who
has
this
hope
in
Him
purifies
himself, just as He is pure.” 1 John 3:1-3
Christians
will
develop
an
accurate
spiritual
perception
of
self-worth as they:
•
Recognize
the
futility
of
worthiness
defined
by
humans.
•
Grow and mature in their relationship with God.
•
Embrace
God’s
love
because
of
the
price
He
paid
for
us through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.
•
Realize
their
conversion
from
sinful
death
to
spiritual
life did not occur at their own volition.
Jesus
said,
“You
did
not
choose
Me,
but
I
chose
you.”
John 15:16
“For
you
see
your
calling,
brethren,
that
not
many
wise
according
to
the
flesh,
not
many
mighty,
not
many
noble,
are
called.
But
God
has
chosen
the
foolish
things
of
the
world
to
put
to
shame
the
wise,
and
God
has
chosen
the
weak
things
of
the
world
to
put
to
shame
the
things
which
are
mighty;
and
the
base
things
of
the
world
and
the
things
which
are
despised
God
has
chosen,
and
the
things
which
are
not,
to
bring
to
nothing
the
things
that
are,
that
no
flesh
should
glory
in
His
presence.
But
of
Him
you
are
in
Christ
Jesus,
who
became
for
us
wisdom
from
God—and
righteousness
and
sanctification
and
redemption—that,
as
it
is
written,
‘He
who
glories,
let
him
glory in the Lord.’” 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
“Not
that
we
are
sufficient
of
ourselves
to
think
of
anything
as
being
from
ourselves,
but
our
sufficiency
is
from
God,
who also made us sufficient.” 2 Corinthians 3:5
Our
worth
is
not
based
upon
the
delusional
opinion
of
others;
but
rather,
our
spiritual
worthiness
is
because
of
our
faith
in
our
Savior,
Jesus
Christ,
and
because
of
the
unchanging
and
everlasting
opinion
of
God.
“For
He
made
Him
who
knew
no
sin
to
be
sin
for
us,
that
we
might
become
the
righteousness
of
God
in
Him.”
2
Corinthians
5:21
The
link
below
will
show
a
wonderful
YouTube
video
of
Hillsong Worship singing “Worthy is the Lamb.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-
cd5prE4f0&ab_channel=HillsongWorship
I
pray
“That
you
would
walk
worthy
of
God
who
calls
you
into His own kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:12
God Bless You!
All for His Glory,
Harold D. Thomas
Bible Study Thought-Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
learning
exercise
and
questions
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
topic
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader,
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader
or
church
pastor.
The
following
questions
should
be answered or discussed after reading “Worthy.”
There
are
two
types
of
questions:
lesson
and
opinion.
Lesson
questions
(preceded
by
a
number)
are
provided
an
answer.
Opinion
questions
(preceded
by
an
“O”)
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
opinions
and/or
discovering
how
the
lesson
content
illuminates
our
personal
lives.
As
such,
no
answers
are
provided.
O
How may a human-defined standard of worthiness
cause a negative influence upon someone?
O
The lesson states “Those who are driven by human-
defined standards of worthiness are slaves to
delusional lies.” Do you agree or disagree? Explain.
O
The lesson explains we are dependent upon others to
confirm our attainment of human-defined standards of
worthiness. Do you agree or disagree? If you agree,
what’s wrong with this scenario?
O
Do you (or have you) experienced unworthiness? If
yes, explain.
O
Can you identify one human-defined standard of
worthiness that fulfills the spiritual needs God
designed within us?
O
Is it possible for it to be a good thing when someone
experiences unworthiness? Explain
O
In Revelation chapter 5, Jesus Christ, the sacrificial
Lamb of God, was the only one in Heaven, or on the
earth, or under the earth (throughout all of time) who
was worthy to open the scroll and loose the seals.
•
Why?
•
If Jesus was the only one worthy to open the
scroll and lose the seals, what does this reveal
about other religious entities?
1.
What is the only reason why someone is considered
worthy in God’s eyes?
Answers
1.
Their sins are eternally forgiven (because of their faith
in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord).
•
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be
saved.” (Acts 16:31)
•
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He
removed our transgressions from us.” Psalms
103:12
You may download a PDF version of the
questions by clicking on this button.
Can
you
think
of
someone
who
may
benefit
from
this
lesson? If yes, PASS IT ON!
The words of Jesus
are in red text.
