---

I. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS TWO-FOLD.

1. The kingdom of grace is the gospel estate, and for this Christians may be said to suffer —

(1)  To promote it in the world.

(2)  Because they have entered it.

2. The text rather refers to the kingdom of glory (Matthew 25:34). Christians suffer for this that they may enter it.

II. WORTHINESS OF THIS KINGDOM. There is a threefold worthiness.

1. Of exact proportion (Luke 10:7). This is justice proof both from the covenant and intrinsic worth of the action. But there is such a distance between God and the creature that none can make God his debtor (Romans 8:18; Revelation 2:10).

2. Of fitness and congruity (Matthew 3:8; Acts 26:20; Philippians 1:27; Ephesians 4:1). There is —

(1) A fitness in point of order. So they are worthy who are qualified according to God's order (Romans 8:17; 2 Timothy 2:11, 12). It is agreeable to Christ's wisdom and love that He should own His faithful servants, and since they are willing to take His cross, that they should share His crown (Revelation 3:4).

(2) In point of preparation (Romans 9:23; Colossians 1:12). It is the wisdom of God to put all things in their proper places, as fishes in the sea, beasts on earth. And persecutions are one means which fit the godly for heaven. As the hewing and squaring of stones fitted them to be set in the Temple at Jerusalem, so are we squared and meetened to be set in the heavenly temple.

3. Of acceptance, when God, for Christ's sake, is pleased to count us worthy in spite of failings (Luke 21:36). So here:

III. THOSE SHALL BE COUNTED WORTHY TO ENTER THE KINGDOM WHO DILIGENTLY PURSUE IT.

1. What this is —

(1) Diligence in doing good (Matthew 6:33). It is not enough that we seek the kingdom; we must seek it in the first place, and all must give way to it (Hebrews 4:11).

(2) Evil must be suffered (Hebrews 10:36; James 1:12).

2. The reasons for it.

(1) These things are required as conditions of entering into life (Mark 10:38).

(2) When this condition is fulfilled, then we have an evidence that God will count us worthy to enter into His kingdom (Philippians 1:28). Use. Let us seriously consider these things —

1. The felicity here offered. What bustling is there in the world for a little greatness and advancement? Yet all other crowns are but petty in comparison of the crown of life.

2. The certainty of conveyance (2 Timothy 4:8).

3. You must submit to any terms (Philippians 3:11).

(T. Manton , D. D.)

---

---

KJV: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

WEB: This is an obvious sign of the righteous judgment of God, to the end that you may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which you also suffer.