“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” – Romans 15:1-2
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
“To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill all your good pleasure for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
– 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Main Thought: As in many of his epistles, the apostle in this second letter to the Thessalonian church opens by praying for them. By this, he indicates that he was not simply a man of preaching and teaching doctrine, but a man of prayer, deeply concerned for the spiritual growth and well-being of those he knew and loved. He indicates that this concern is “for you always,” letting them know that they were never out of his mind and heart. What did he indicate he was praying for? First, so God would count or make them worthy of the calling of Christ. We need to be reminded that we were called by God, through the effectual working of the Holy Spirit and the Gospel, out of our sin and darkness into salvation and standing as the sons of God. As such, God has empowered us to live a life that honors Christ and bears spiritual fruit that gives evidence of the work of salvation in us. Secondly, he is asking for them that every holy and righteous resolve or desire that we have, every work of faith that we are motivated to perform, would be enabled and strengthened with power. This power is the same power that is spoken of in Romans 1:16 where Paul writes of the Gospel “being the power of God to salvation.” Our faith begins with the power of God, and the walk of faith and the works of faith continue to be empowered by God himself. We are humbled to remember that whatever we accomplish for Christ in this life is by His power. Then Paul reveals the purpose of this prayer: “That the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him.” As the apostle Paul recognized, all of us are children of God by His grace and that all we are is because of the grace of God. The purpose of our lives as His children, from the very beginning of our salvation, until we are called home to Him, is that He would be glorified in us. What a wonderful reminder of the love Paul had for those he ministered to, and a reminder to us that our purpose with every breath we take is to glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
David Webber
David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.
More from David Webber
Romans 15:1-2
Hosea 6:6
“For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” – Hosea 6:6
Hebrews 11:24-26
“By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharoah’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.” – Hebrews 11:24-26
Revelation 22:20-21
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen” – Revelation 22:20-21
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Isaiah 8:20
“To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.” – Isaiah 8:20
2 Corinthians 4:7
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.” – 2 Corinthians 4:7
1 Thessalonians 5:19
“Do not quench the Spirit.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:19
Colossians 2:5
“For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.” – Colossians 2:5
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1