The Worthy Life

Basically the worthiness of a person or thing lies in the judgment of others. As defined in Webster’s dictionary, worth is “that quality of a person or thing that lends importance, value, merit, etc. and that is measurable by the esteem in which a person or thing is held.” In addition an action or activity may be viewed as to its worthiness. Thus Stanhope remarked, “Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.”¹ This is an old saying that my father rendered to me as, “If something is worthy doing, do it right.” Some persons are rightly held in high esteem by others while those of questionable character and actions are disdained. Thus Confucius wrote, “When we see men of worth, we should not think of equaling them; when we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.”²

In the following study we shall examine the scriptural teaching as to the subject of worth with particular regard for personal worthiness. We shall close with applications for living a worthy life.

Examples of Worthiness

Ultimately God himself is most worthy of all. As the psalmist writes, “The LORD is great and certainly worthy of praise” (Ps 48:1). As for human examples, perhaps one of the best known biblical texts for commending worthiness is the author of Proverbs observations as to the supreme value of a dedicated, godly wife:

Who can find a wife of noble character?
Her value [or worth] is far more than rubies. (Prov. 31:10)³

He goes on to praise his wife as a supreme example of just such a worthy woman:

Many daughters have done valiantly
But you surpass them all. (Prov. 31:29)

As the NET text note indicates, the word translated “valiantly” is the same as that rendered “noble” in verse 10. Thus the truly valiant woman is she of “noble character.” The Hebrew word itself is connected with the concept of strength, in this case strength of character.⁴ Moreover this wife is so because of her godly character (v. 30). The author concludes his praise of his wife by saying, “Let her works praise her on the city gates” (v. 31b). As Waltke points out,

She is so precious because she uses her strength, ability, wisdom and valor so totally and selflessly for others. Such a wife is a gift from God (19:14) and must in part be sought by faithful prayer (15:29; 16:3; Jas. 1:6).⁵

Likewise, David’s soldiers found occasion to praise him. David and his followers had been forced to flee from Jerusalem due to the rebellion led by his son Absalom. Now David wished to lead his accompanying troops in a counter attack against Absalom. Fearing that their leader might be killed in battle, they pled with David, reminding him of his supreme value to the nation and his people:

“You must not go!” the people pleaded. “If we have to flee, they will not pay any attention to us. Even if half of us die, they will not pay any attention to us because you are worth 10,000 of us. Therefore, it is better if you support us from the city.” (2 Sam. 18:3; HCSB).

David was not only important to the people, he was of essential worth.

Many others are praised in the Scriptures but none can be compared to the worthiness of the Lord. Accordingly, as David reminisced concerning his often being rescued from his enemies, he testified to God’s concern and delivering power: “I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I was delivered from my enemies” (2 Sam. 22:4; cf. Ps. 18:3). As Bergen remarks, “For David, the Lord is a very personal helper, a living resource whose interventions in the king’s life have consistently spelled the difference between life and death.”⁶ David’s praise of the Lord is reminiscent of his assertion that,” The LORD gives his people strength, the LORD grants his people security” (Ps. 29:11).

That the almighty God, the creator and controller of the universe, is worthy of highest praise is affirmed in many places in the Bible, especially in praise psalms (e.g., Pss. 19; 29; 104). The everlasting praise of God is well illustrated in the last book of the Bible. The Apostle John is blessed to behold the heavenly scene. There he sees the great praise of God by the 24 heavenly elders who declare,

You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
since you created all things,
and because of your will they existed and were created! (Rev. 4:11)

Such is also reflected in the hymn writer’s declaration concerning God that:

Thou art worthy, Thou art worthy,
Thou art worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory, glory and honor,
Glory and honor and pow’r:
For Thou hast created, hast all things created,
Thou hast created all things,
And for Thy pleasure they are created:
Thou art worthy, O Lord.⁷

In what follows, John notes that in God’s hand was a scroll with writing on both the front and the back, and was sealed with seven seals. A comparison with Roman law shows that wills were to be sealed seven times. Likewise, deeds were usually sealed with seven seals, the document itself being written on the inside, while a summary of its contents was written on the outside.⁸ The scroll that John sees contained authoritative information concerning the Lord’s coming judgment against the earth, while the seals, “express the historical principles or trends that bring judgment on the earth.”⁹

In order for that informative information to be fully known the scroll needed to be unsealed. At that point John reports:

And I saw a powerful angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to break its seals?” But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or look into it. So I began weeping bitterly because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or to look in to it. (Rev. 5:2-4)

The situation was alleviated, however, when someone was declared to be worthy: “Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has conquered; thus he can open the scroll and its seven seals’” (Rev. 5:5). This is none other than the Christ, the “Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Gen. 49:8-10), who comes from the line of David (Isa. 11:1, 10). He is also the promised Lamb (Isa. 53:6-7) who gave his life for the redemption of the world. Thus John the Baptist once proclaimed concerning Jesus, “Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29; cf., 3:35-36). The Apostle Peter also declared that people find redemption from their sin only “by precious blood like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb, namely Christ” (1 Pet. 1:19).

Thus, like the Father, Jesus, God’s Son, is worthy. But he is not only worthy to unseal the scroll, for as the Lion, Jesus is the king who has authority and power over all. Moreover, the seven- horned Lamb (Rev. 5:6) points to both his sacrificial service and his divine power. Accordingly, the 24 heavenly elders could sing “a new song”:¹⁰

You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals
because you were killed,
and at the cost of your own blood
you have purchased for God
persons from every tribe, language, people, and nation.
You have appointed them as a kingdom and priests
to serve our God
and they will reign on the earth. (Rev. 5:9-10)

This was followed by further singing by all in the heavenly scene:

Worthy is the lamb who was killed
to receive power and wealth
and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and praise! (Rev. 5:12)

The Son, therefore, is also worthy of praise and is to be worshiped (cf. vv. 13-14). It is interesting to note also that here as with the other “sevens” in the heavenly scene (7 seals, 7 horns, 7 eyes) seven items speak of Christ’s worthiness! Such is reflected in Don Wyrtzen’s song:

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, worthy is the Lamb that was slain,
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive
Power and riches and wisdom and strength,
Honor and glory and blessing!
Worthy is the Lamb, worthy is the Lamb,
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain,
Worthy is the Lamb.¹¹

Worthiness vs. Unworthiness

The sovereign Lord of the universe is indeed so worthy that he deserves man’s highest praise. Can it be said of mankind, whom the Lord created, that he also is worthy? If so, in what sense or what constitutes man’s worthiness? The psalmist declares that there are those who live in an unworthy manner by opposing and slandering God’s righteous servants. Thus David admonishes the supposedly all-powerful clans who are doing just that against him:

You men, how long will you try
to turn my honor into shame?
How long will you love what is worthless
and search for that which is deceptive? (Ps. 4:2)

As VanGemeren explains,

The wealthy and the powerful in Israel’s society (cf. 19:2; 62:9; Isa 2:9; 5:15) … are opposed to the king and have shown their enmity in two ways. First, the leaders have ... despised the position of the king. Second, they characterize themselves by a diligent pursuit of what is vain (NIV, “delusions”) and deceptive (NIV, “false gods”). …They have trodden the king’s glory into the ground by betraying it for an unspecified and worthless cause.¹²

Those who live selfish lives rather than being devoted to God cannot redeem themselves by simply attending a religious service or following established rituals. For the Israelites that meant that merely bringing proper offerings without true commitment and devotion to the Lord did not gain God’s favor. Their sacrifices were worthless if presented by one who led a sinful life:

“Of what importance to me are your many sacrifices,” says the LORD….
When you enter my presence, do you actually think that I want this—
animals trampling on my courtyards?
Do not any more bring meaningless offerings;
I consider your incense detestable!
You observe new moon festivals, Sabbaths, and convocations;
but I cannot tolerate sin-stained celebrations!” (Isa. 1:11-13)

As Motyer explains (concerning vv. 12 and 13), “A religion of rite and formalism has no divine authorization. It is strong language to describe their temple worship as meaningless, detestable, and unbearable! The accusation is not now of formalism (as in verse 12) but of religious commitment devoid of ethical resolve.”¹³ Such is no less true today. Regular church attendance out on mere habit, duty, or to be seen of others is not praiseworthy. The believer’s worship of the Lord must spring from a heart of devotion and desire to serve the Lord in a worthy manner—one which reflects the person and standards of God.

In an even more inclusive way, as Jesus instructed his disciples he declared, “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” (Matt. 10:37-38). Thus, the loving of self or family more than Christ make one unworthy of him. One must desire and be willing to put Christ above all people and things, and live a devoted, even sacrificial, life. Indeed,

The (perhaps well-meant but still essentially selfish) attempts of either parents or children to dissuade the disciple from “seeking God’s kingship” (6:33) must be resolutely resisted….The modern idiom of “having what it takes” perhaps captures the sense of “being worthy” to be Jesus’ disciple.¹⁴

This could perhaps include suffering humiliation for Christ, whether by social stigma or even death.

To be sure, living for Christ does not make us equal with him. Even John the Baptist, Jesus’ forerunner, and one who followed Jesus so faithfully that he gave his life for him (Matt. 14:10), could say from the outset of his ministry that he was “not worthy to untie the snap of his sandal!” (John 1:27). One is reminded of the hymn writer’s confession:

I am not worthy the least of His favor,
But Jesus left Heaven for me.
The Word became flesh and he died as my Savior,
Forsaken on dark Calvary.
I am not worthy! This dull tongue repeats it;
I am not worthy! This heart gladly beats it.
Jesus left Heaven to die in my place—
What mercy, what love and what grace. ¹⁵

Paul testified to the fact that John was so committed to Christ that he could say this repeatedly as he completed his mission for the Lord (Acts 13:24-25). As we shall note below, Paul also spoke similarly of his commitment toward his God-appointed goal (Phil. 1:20-21). Paul was doubtless pleased to be able to praise the worthiness of many to whom and with whom he ministered. We turn now to some of these.

Paul’s Commendation of Worthy Workers for God

Possibly the best known individual whom Paul commends is Phoebe (Rom. 16:1-2). Living near Corinth in the port of Cenchrea , Phoebe had been a blessing and help to many, including Paul himself. Accordingly, he commends her to the Roman Christians as “worthy of the saints.” Therefore, Paul, who himself hoped to visit Rome on day (cf. Rom. 15:22-24), urges the Roman Christians to receive her as a worthy servant of the Lord, and to assist her in whatever way they can. Moo suggests that, Phoebe, “was probably a woman of high social standing and some wealth, who put her status, resources, and time at the service of travelling Christians, like Paul, who needed help and support. Paul now urges the Romans to reciprocate.”¹⁶

Moreover, as a servant (or deaconess; see NET text note) in her church she was doubtless of great assistance to many people. For some reason, she was travelling to Rome. Keener suggests that,

Paul no doubt emphasizes Phoebe’s spiritual qualifications for two reasons: Jewish and Greco-Roman circles did not usually have high regard for women’s religious wisdom; and she will need to minister to them, explaining to them by word of mouth anything in Paul’s letter that the hearers would not understand.¹⁷

Phoebe’s unselfish desire to come to the aid and assistance of others is indeed exemplary. Whether male or female, Christian leader or church member, today’s Christian would do well to follow Phoebe’s dedicated service to others in whatever way possible.

Moreover, in doing so, believers will follow the classic example of Jesus Christ who fulfilled the messianic goal, “to proclaim good news to the poor… to proclaim release to the captives and the regaining of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed.” (Luke 5:18; cf. v. 21; 7:18-22). May we be those who follow the practice of the saints in the Old Testament and the early church of helping the poor, needy, widows, and orphans (cf. James 1:29).¹⁸ A good example is the believers in the churches of Macedonia. Paul notes that even,

during a severe ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in the wealth of their generosity. For I testify, they gave according to their means and beyond their means. They did so voluntarily begging us with great earnestness for the blessing and fellowship of helping the saints. (2 Cor. 8:2-4)

May today’s believers be examples of a spiritual commitment that has concern for the spiritual and daily needs of others.

Likewise, Paul commended Timothy to the church at Philippi, for he was about to send Timothy to them in hopes that he might feel encouragement in learning more of the Philippians growing faith. Paul had purposely chosen Timothy to go to them because, “There is no one here like him who will readily demonstrate his deep concern for you” Phil. 2:20). Paul goes on to remind them that they “know of his qualifications [“his proven worth,” NASB; “his proven character,” NIV].” Not only was he a spiritual son of the faith, but a co-servant “in advancing the gospel” (v. 22). Indeed, Timothy had proven to be a worthy messenger of the gospel. As O’Brien remarks, “As one genuinely concerned for their welfare he has made himself a slave, along with Paul, in the furtherance of the gospel.”¹⁹ Comfort adds that, Timothy’s attitude of serving with Paul like a son with his father reflects what Jesus did in pleasing his Father.”²⁰ Indeed, no less than Jesus, Paul, or Timothy, may believers prove to be worthy conveyors of the gospel to a needy world (cf. Matt 28:19-20).

It is only fitting, then, that Paul, who despite his humble disclaimer of being worthy (1 Cor. 15:8-9), exemplified worthiness in his walk for the Lord and could often charge believers in the churches to whom he ministered to walk worthy of the Lord. Thus in a highly informative letter to the believers at Colossae Paul tells of his praying for them. Particularly, he asks God to “Fill you with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may live worthily of the Lord and please him in all respects—bearing fruit in every good deed” (Col. 1:9-10). As Bruce points out, “The wisdom and understanding which Paul and Timothy desire to see in the Colossian Christians are inseparable from the knowledge of God and his will—a knowledge which, as the prophets of Israel insisted, is the essence of true heart-religion.” ²¹ Walking worthily of the Lord would be not only of special benefit to the believers but be satisfying in God’s sight. Indeed, such a walk would include things that reflect the holiness and standards of the Lord: good deeds, a growth in a spiritual maturity, which includes such knowledge and self-control that they lead to patience, steadfastness, and grateful thanks to the Lord for all that he has done for the soul, is doing in the believer’s life and will yet provide (cf. Col. 1:10b-12). All such qualities are, of course, divinely engrafted into the believer who is surrendered to God and led by his will: As Van de Venter wrote:

All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessings fall on me.²²

In what is probably Paul’s first apostolic epistle Paul praises the Thessalonian believers for their favorable reception and response to the gospel message. Such was a fact that was widely known. In reminding them of his own walk before them and ministry to them (cf. 2:10) he adds further,

As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his own children, exhorting and encouraging you and insisting that you live in a way worthy of God who calls you to his own kingdom and his glory. (1 Thess. 2:11-2)

To be sure, the believer’s continuing salvation remains in God’s hands, but nevertheless for their part, believers should strive to “live in a manner worthy of God.” They should do their best to reflect God’s person and standards and live for him, not self. As Morris declares,

While it is well that we should appreciate the wonder of God’s loving-kindness to us, and the fact that his love does not grow less no matter how low we may fall, yet we should not waver in our grasp of the complementary truth that such a God must be served with all our powers. Nothing less can be offered to Him who gave His Son for us than all that we have and all that we are.²³

Thus Christians should remind themselves that although they are now members of God’s kingdom, their primary allegiance must be to Christ, not self. Moreover, As Walvoord remarks,

“There is a glorious kingdom ahead of us also, the glory that is going to be ours in the predicted millennial kingdom and throughout eternity as we are with Christ. In view of these things, God has called us to a walk that is in keeping with our destiny…. We “walk worthy” of God because we are saved, because we are a child of the King by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.²⁴

In every way, then, Christians should strive to represent Christ, including being model citizens (cf. Rom. 13:1-7; Rev. 12:9-21). This is true even in the midst of difficult situations. Thus later Paul commends the Thessalonian believers for their steadfast faith and love despite sometimes unfavorable circumstances. Accordingly, Paul can boast of their “perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and afflictions you are enduring” (2 Thess. 1:4; cf. 1 Thess. 3:7-8). Indeed, such was “evidence of God’s righteous judgment to make you worthy of the kingdom of God, for which in fact you are suffering” (2 Thess. 1:5). As Comfort observes, “When trials come to the Christian, they come from the hand of God as the means of making believers what they ought to be. These sufferings make the believers worthy members of God’s kingdom.”²⁵

Subsequently Paul points out to them that at the time of Christ’s return (cf. vv.7-10) their worthiness could well be recognized and therefore, “We pray for you always that our God will make you worthy of his calling and fulfill by his power your every desire for goodness and every work of faith” (v. 11). He hopes above all that their goodness (cf. Gal. 5:22) may be so reflected that, “the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (v.12). As I have suggested elsewhere,

God is the constant source of good for the believer (Ps. 103:2-5), including even his basic needs (Ps. 107:9) ...Nevertheless, …he must keep in mind that God’s very goodness carries with it a challenge to give the Lord first place in his life (Ps. 34:10), be pure in heart (Ps. 73:1), and demonstrate genuine integrity (Ps. 84:11) and goodness (3 John 11) toward others.²⁶

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians he declares that despite his present imprisonment he maintains unswerving allegiance to Christ: “My confident hope is that I will in no way be ashamed but with complete boldness even now as always, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether I live or die. For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain” (Phil 1:20-21). In addition, he voiced his hopes that in accordance with God’s grace he will be able to visit them again. Whether or not he will be able to do so, he urges them to, “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ so that-- whether I come to see you or whether I remain absent-- I should hear that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, by contending side by side for the faith of the gospel” (v. 27). This they should do in spite of any suffering or persecution that may come even as Paul had (vv. 28-30). Genuine faith will demonstrate itself in faithful commitment to Christ and his example not only in good times but in times of testing however severe (cf. Acts 5:40-42). For believers know that, “Our present suffering cannot even be compared with the glory that will be revealed to us” (Rom. 8:18).

Subsequently in his letter to them he provides further information as to what constitutes normal worthy conduct and action before God (Phil. 4:8-9). Here Paul enumerates a number of character traits and actions, which are commendable as a Christian lifestyle: whatever is just (or righteous, upright), whatever is pure (moral or spiritual worthiness before God), whatever is lovely (pleasing, agreeable, friendly; cf. Esther 5:2; LXX)), whatever is commendable (well thought of, of good report), that which is excellent (or virtuous, intrinsically good) and that which is praiseworthy, especially in Christian conduct. Paul urges the Philippians to “think about these things” (v. 8). Thus they should strongly consider such virtues, for such personal values and conduct will gain the believer stability and, hopefully, be followed by others. Paul had left them such a challenge by his own lifestyle: “And what you learned and received and heard and seen in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you” (v. 9).

Paul was very concerned about the value and effect of proper Christian thinking and conduct that he often wrote about what is proper for believers. Moreover, he pointed out distinct means for achieving them, especially by being led by the Holy Spirit. Thus to the Galatians he lists characteristics of the “fruit of the Spirit”: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23a). Some of these emphasize the value of spiritual fruit (love, joy, peace); others deal with the believer’s relations with others (patience, kindness, goodness); still others serve as guiding principles for godly living (faithfulness, gentleness, self-control). “When the fruit of the Spirit becomes the believer’s daily experience—a living reality—his life at last becomes a truly successful and rewarding one.”²⁷

Using metaphorical language, Paul reminds the Ephesian believers that they have been delivered from spiritual darkness so as to live in true spiritual light. Accordingly, they should “Walk as children of light-- for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth—trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord” (Eph. 5:8-10). As they do so, their true way of life becomes apparent to others and very importantly, such helps them to keep learning about conforming to the will and standards of God. As the hymn writer challenges,

Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do,
Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free—
This is the pathway of blessing for me.²⁸

Paul also delivered another distinct challenge to the church at Colassae (cf. Col. 1:9-12). Here he emphasizes the believers’ duty concerning qualities of character as well as actions toward others:

As the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another. (Col. 3:12-13a)

To cap all of this off, Paul admonishes them: “Add love, which is the perfect bond” (v. 14). By this Paul means a genuine affection and concern for others and their needs. Also they should, “Let the peace of Christ be in control of your heart” (v. 15). As Peter David writes, “The result is recognizing that calls believers not to be individual holy people living in splendid isolation from others but members of a single body… Believers can only live that out if they live at peace with one another.”²⁹

Indeed, if believers maintain a Christ-filled life lived out in harmony with other believers, they can be truly thankful not only for what they have, but for what God has done and is accomplishing in their lives and that of others. Thus Paul adds, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (v. 17). Indeed, “Those who have faith in Christ not only have peace with God, but they can with heartfelt thanksgiving experience a life of service to the Lord and to one another.”³⁰ Thus Janie Alford writes,

But I am grateful Lord,
Because my meager loaf I may divide;
For that my busy hands
May move to meet another’s need;
Because my doubled strength
I may expend to steady one who faints,
Yes, for all these do I give thanks! ³¹

Summary and Applications

At the outset of our study we noted that God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ are those whom the Scriptures declare are supremely worthy of man’s praise. We saw, as well, that in contrast to the natural man those whom Christ has redeemed are often pointed out as worthy ambassadors for Christ and citizens of the heavenly kingdom. Paul holds up several examples, such as Phoebe and Timothy. Nor should we overlook the fact that although he disdained being viewed in this way, Paul himself did live a worthy life for Christ (cf. Phil. Phil. 1:21; cf. 2Tim. 4:8-9).

We have seen several scriptural challenges as to proper conduct in maintaining a worthy walk before God (e.g., Gal. 5:22; Eph. 5:8-10; Phil. 4:8-9; Col. 1:9-12; 3:12-17; 1 Thess. 2:11-12). On the basis of such scriptural texts it may safely be concluded that true worthiness comes from a committed faith in Christ’s finished work of redemption. Genuine worthiness in one’s Christian walk comes from a life in which, as united to Christ, the believer faithfully reflects the prominent place of the person and standards of the Lord. It is a life of such faithful and complete dedication to Christ that, as led by the Holy Spirit (cf. John 16:13-15), Christ is virtually seen in the believer’s life and actions. May it be so in each of our lives. As the hymn writer expresses it,

May the mind of Christ my Savior,
live in me from day to day,
By His love and power controlling
All I do and say.
May the Word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through His pow’r.³²

And as Osborn pleads,

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me—
All His wonderful passion and purity!
O Thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine,
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.³³

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¹ Philip Dormer Stanhope as cited in Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations, eds. John Bartlett and Justin Kaplan (Boston: Little, Brown, and Company, 16th ed., 1992), 304.

² Confucius, The Confucian Analects as cited in ibid., 61.

³ Unless otherwise noted, all scriptural citations will be taken from the NET.

⁴ Such was said of Ruth the Moabitess, ”Everyone in the village knows that you are a worthy woman” (Ruth 3:11).

⁵ Bruce K. Waltke, The book of Proverbs Chapters 15-31 in The New International Commentary on the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2005), 521.

⁶ Robert D. Bergen, 1, 2 Samuel, in The New American Commentary, ed. E. Ray Clendenen (Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1996), 452.

⁷ Pauline M. Mills, “Thou Art Worthy.”

⁸ See further, G. K. Beale, The Book of Revelation, in The New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999), 344-48.

⁹ Merrill C. Tenney, Interpreting Revelation (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1957), 81.

¹⁰ For the motif of the new song, see Richard D. Patterson, “Singing the New Song: An Examination of Psalms 33, 96, 98, and 149,” Bibliotheca Sacra 165 (2008), 13-27.

¹¹ Don Wyrtzen, “Worthy is the Lamb.”

¹² Willem A. VanGemeren, “Psalms, in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, eds. Tremper Longman III and David E. Garland, 13 vols. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008) 5:d109.

¹³ J. Alec Motyer, The Prophecy of Isaiah (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1993), 46.

¹⁴ R. T. France, The Gospel of Matthew, in The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2007), 409, 410.

¹⁵ Beatrice Bush Bixler, “I Am Not Worthy.”

¹⁶ Douglas Moo, The Epistle to the Romans, in The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996), 916.

¹⁷ Craig S. Keener, The Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Downer’s Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1993), 446.

¹⁸ See further, Richard D. Patterson, “The Widow, the Orphan, and the Poor, Bibliotheca Sacra, 130, July-September, 1973, 232.

¹⁹ Peter T. O’Brien, The Epistle to the Philippians, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991), 325.

²⁰ Philip W. Comfort, “Philippians,” in Cornerstone Biblical Commentary, 18. Vols. (Carol Stream, Il: Tyndale House, 2008) 16: 186.

²¹ F.F. Bruce, The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians in The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1984), 46.

²² Judson W. Van de Venter, “All to Jesus.”

²³ Leon Morris, The First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians in The New International Commentary on the New Testament, ed. F.F. Bruce (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1959), 85.

²⁴ John F. Walvoord, The Thessalonian Epistles (Findlay, Ohio: Dunham Publishing Company, [n.d.]), 32.

²⁵ Philp W. Comfort, “1-2 Thessalonians,” in Cornerstone Biblical Commentary, 18 vols. (Carol Stream, Il. Tyndale House, 2008) 16: 388.

²⁶ Richard D, Patterson, “Psalm 145: A Song in ‘G Major,’” Biblical Studies Press (2009), 8.

²⁷ Richard D. Patterson, “Fruit of the Spirit,” Biblical Studies Press, 2010, 10.

²⁸ Thomas O. Chisholm, “Living for Jesus.”

²⁹ Thomas O. Chisholm, “Colossians,” in Cornerstone Biblical commentary, ed. Philip W. Comfort, 18 vols. (Carol Stream, Il: Tyndale House, 2008) 16: 290.

³⁰ Richard D. Patterson, “Thanksgiving Thoughts,” Biblical Studies Press, 2012), 6.

³¹ Janie Alford, “Thanks Be To God,” in Masterpieces of Religious Verse (New York: Harper and Brothers, 1948), 374.

³² Kate B. Wilkinson, “May the Mind of Christ My Savior.”

³³ Albert W. T. Osborn, “ Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen in Me.”