Vol. 03, No. 45

Mt. Baker Beacon

Steven J. Wallace
11/10/24 - Mt. Baker Beacon 2024

“YOUR ELECTION BY GOD”
Steven J. Wallace

“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God” (1 Thess. 1:2-4, NKJV).

As we reflect on recent elections in our country, it's natural to think about being chosen—or not. Have you considered that God has already "voted" for you in a more profound sense? God has offered salvation to those who respond to Him in faith and obedience, calling us into a special election that is measured by how we receive and live out the gospel. In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul emphasizes five key aspects of their election by God. These points can encourage us as we consider our walk:

God’s Election Through the Gospel, 1 Thessalonians 1:5
God “voted” for the Thessalonians by sending them the gospel message (cf. 2 Thess. 2:14). Just as they received it, we too are called to welcome the gospel into our hearts, recognizing it as God’s invitation to salvation.

Responding in Obedience, 1 Thessalonians 1:6
Notice that the Thessalonians demonstrated their election by becoming followers of the Lord. Their obedience reflected a willing reception of the truth when it was preached (1 Thess. 2:13). Likewise, we show our election by accepting and obeying God’s Word in our daily lives.

Being an Example to Others, 1 Thessalonians 1:7
The Thessalonians believers understood that their actions and words would influence those around them. Let’s remember that our example can either uplift or detract from our testimony. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:16, NKJV).

Evangelistic Spirit, 1 Thessalonians 1:8, 9
Their election by God brought radical transformation from idol worshipers to servants of the living God. This transformation was clear and sincere. Their evangelistic message resonated deeply because it was authentically backed by their actions. We, too, should evangelize with sincerity, recognizing that our example is just as crucial as our words (1 Cor. 9:27).

Patient Hope in Christ’s Return, 1 Thessalonians 1:10
Paul commends the Thessalonians for their hopeful anticipation of Christ’s return (1 Thess. 1:10). Take notice: “and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thess. 1:10, NKJV, emp. SJW). Just as Jesus was raised, we look forward to His return. This hope reminds us of heaven’s reality and the coming wrath for those outside of Christ (2 Thess. 1:8, 9). Not only did Paul believe in the second coming of Jesus, but he also believed in future divine wrath. Our trust in Christ not only delivers us from sin but also the wrath to come (1 Thess. 5:9-11).

In these ways, Paul calls attention to the blessings and responsibilities of your election by God. Let us hold fast to our election by embracing His gospel in living obediently, sharing our faith sincerely, and keeping our hope firmly anchored in Christ’s return. As God’s elected, with humility and confidence, we embrace God’s choices regarding the Savior, the church, the worship, the organization of the church, the qualifications of overseers, the plan of salvation, and the doctrine that governs our sanctification.

“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure…” (2 Pet. 1:10, NKJV). The elect of God unassumingly stand behind the cross neither adding nor subtracting from the simplicity and singularity of Christ. “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father…” (Eph. 4:4-6).

How are you living in respect to your election by God?

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BIBLICAL ELECTION: THE NATURE

2 Peter 1:10, 11

What is a great word used to help understand the nature of ELECTION?
What is Biblical election all about?
Who is God’s “Elect One,” and what does this mean regarding your salvation today (Isa. 42:1; Acts 4:12; Jn. 14:6)?
According to God's choice, what is the “body,” and how many bodies of the saved has He established? (Eph. 4:4; cf. Eph. 1:22-23; 2:16; 3:6; 5:23, 30)
1. What does the idea of a body suggest about the nature of the church?
According to God’s choice, what is the “one hope” that unites all who are called in Christ? (Eph. 4:4; cf. Titus 1:2)
1. How does this shared hope shape our lives as His people (1 Cor. 1:7-10; 1 Jn. 3:3)?
Identify the “one faith” God has chosen for His people. (Eph. 4:5; 1:13; 3:6, 7)
1. How important is the “one faith,” and what kind of effort does it demand from me to maintain unity and growth of the body? (Eph. 4:1-3; 13-16)
What is the “one baptism” God has chosen? (Eph. 4:5; 5:26; Acts 19:1-7)

Is it John’s baptism, Holy Spirit baptism, fire baptism, baptism into Moses, or water baptism in the name of the Lord?

1. What is significant about this baptism and the body? (1 Cor. 12:13)

BIBLICAL ELECTION: THE NATURE (2)
Galatians 1:11-17

God has elected certain individuals to fulfill various roles. Identify some of these in Scripture.
When was Jeremiah elected by God to be a prophet? (Jer. 1:5)
Does “election” impose unconditional security upon elected persons?
1. Was Paul elected to be an apostle, and did this guarantee his eternal salvation? (Gal. 1:15-17; 1 Cor. 9:27)
2. Was Saul elected to be a commander over God’s people, and did this secure an enduring approval? (1 Sam. 10:1, 24; 13:13, 14; 15:22, 23)
3. Was Moses divinely chosen by God to lead Israel out of Egyptian oppression, and did this divine selection guarantee his standing and position with God? (Exo. 3:4-10; 4:24)

WHAT LESSONS STAND OUT TO YOU FROM THIS KIND OF MATERIAL?

Is God’s election an open invitation for everyone to be saved? (1 Tim. 2:3-6)
According to Ephesians 1:4-5, where did God choose us, and how are we to live?