Session 10 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12
2 THESSALONIANS 1:3-12
MEMORY VERSE: 2 THESSALONIANS 1:11-12
We admire people who seem to keep on going no matter what. We celebrate athletes who finish a race after falling or being injured. We model businesspeople who survive setbacks only to come back stronger. Perseverance usually pays off in any context. In the spiritual realm, perseverance changes everything. The church at Thessalonica was struggling, and Paul provided them some much-needed encouragement. When they were tempted to give up, Paul admonished them to stay the course.
(In PSG, p. 91)
Paul entered Greece for the first time during his second missionary journey. After their stay in Philippi (Acts 16:1-40), he and his companions moved on to Thessalonica. There, opposition intensified, and after a relatively short ministry, they left the city for Berea (Acts 17:1-10).
A short time later, while in Corinth, Paul composed his first letter to the Thessalonian church. This correspondence, dated around 50 AD, was one of the apostle’s earliest known letters. Many scholars believe Paul wrote his second Letter to the Thessalonians not long after his first epistle. Similarities between the two books suggest only a few weeks passed between one letter and the other. At most, the second letter was likely written only a year or two after the first, which would date it around 51-52 AD.
Like Paul’s initial letter, 2 Thessalonians was sent with the blessing of his traveling companions, Silas (Silvanus) and Timothy (1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1). Similar to the first letter, 2 Thessalonians opens with a brief blessing and prayer for grace and peace (1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:2).
Demonstrating his ongoing concern for the Thessalonians, Paul assured them of his prayers (1:3) and of his gratitude for their love and spiritual growth (2 Thess. 1:4). He recognized their endurance during persecution (1:5-10) and encouraged them to keep trusting God. Such faithfulness would allow them to expand their ministry and bring glory to Christ (1:11-12).
In some ways, 2 Thessalonians summarizes Paul’s message in 1 Thessalonians. While shorter than the first epistle, Paul reviewed much of his earlier teaching. He also provided practical instructions for living out a faith worthy of the Savior.
EXPLORE THE TEXT
3 We ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, since your faith is flourishing and the love each one of you has for one another is increasing.
The word ought is taken from a root word that implies a debt to be paid or a moral obligation. But this task was not motivated by guilt or dread. Such thanksgiving was Paul’s natural response to God’s work among the Thessalonians. He was thankful to God for guiding their progress and faithfulness.
In his earlier letter, Paul had urged his brothers and sisters in Christ to increase their faith and to expand their affection for one another (1 Thess. 3:12–4:2). Now, he was grateful to see them following his directions. The Thessalonians’ faith was flourishing, both in their understanding of doctrinal truth and in their willingness to walk out that truth. The Greek word used here refers to growth beyond measure or expectation. Paul was grateful the Thessalonians were excelling both in embracing doctrine and in practicing it daily.
In addition, the Thessalonians’ love for one another was increasing, something like a river overflowing its banks during flood season. They were abounding in their relationships with one another. Ethnic and social barriers often separated people in the first century, but the Thessalonians were breaking down those walls.
God is love, and love should define His people (John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:7-8). But love also flows out of mature faith, which is why Paul connected the two ideas. While faith represents the vertical dimension of the Christian life, love is the ethical or horizontal dimension. Paul was thankful the Thessalonians had embraced both the vertical and horizontal aspects of their walk with Christ.
$$4 Therefore, we ourselves boast about you among God’s churches — about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and afflictions that you are enduring.
In Paul’s letters, therefore generally signifies a transition from one thought to the next. Here, he moved from a statement of gratitude to the result of that gratitude. Because the Thessalonians were following Christ well, he could boast about them. The Greek word he used appears only here in the New Testament and carries the idea of holding one’s head up high. Its compound form underscores the extent of Paul’s pride. This was not flattery or arrogance. Rather, Paul’s boasting recognized God as the One orchestrating the Thessalonians’ success, and he used it to challenge other congregations to follow suit.
In 1 Thessalonians, Paul had celebrated the powerful testimony coming from Thessalonica. Their witness was making an impact in their home of Macedonia, the neighboring region of Achaia, and across the Roman Empire (1 Thess. 1:7-10). He was glad that he could continue to lift them up as an example of genuine faith because they were still living in obedience to Christ.
While Paul had connected faith with love in verse 3, he paired it with perseverance in verse 4. The same character quality that allowed his readers to love one another also empowered them to remain faithful despite persecutions and afflictions. The Greek wording indicates that the situation was ongoing. While Paul was not specific about the attacks carried out against the Thessalonians, it is reasonable to assume they were related to the gospel.
Paul emphasized that they were enduring their suffering well. This was something he understood from personal experience and appreciated greatly. He had suffered persecution during his time in Thessalonica, so he understood that their struggle was real. He also understood that the Thessalonians’ endurance was another example of faith that other believers could see and imitate.
5 It is clear evidence of God’s righteous judgment that you will be counted worthy of God’s kingdom, for which you also are suffering, 6 since it is just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you
Paul noted that the Thessalonians’ endurance in persecution was clear evidence of God’s work and their worth. Their perseverance demonstrated the validity of the gospel and highlighted the supernatural strength that kept them moving forward. It also revealed the depth of their faith in God’s justice.
Not only was the gospel worthy, Paul emphasized that the Thessalonians were worthy as well. While their suffering did not earn salvation, it did prove that they were living as residents of God’s kingdom here on earth. In that way, their afflictions were working to make them more like Christ. God would honor their faithfulness when Jesus returned. They were suffering for the sake of the gospel, and their full reward was coming.
The apostle had told the Thessalonians to avoid repaying evil for evil (1 Thess. 5:15). Here, he again encouraged them to trust God to make things right. It was just for God to repay those who were afflicting them. His vengeance is rooted in His righteous character. In the end, the suffering of those who persecute God’s people will be worse than anything His children endure.
Verses 7-8
7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted, along with us. This will take place at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels, 8 when he takes vengeance with flaming fire on those who don’t know God and on those who don’t obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
Paul focused on the eternal and the temporal. His future focus allowed him to accept the difficulties of the moment because he knew something greater was on the way. This is the same mindset he encouraged the Thessalonians to adopt.
The Lord was aware of the Thessalonians’ struggles. He knew they were suffering, and He knew who was causing their pain. As He was just in judging those who afflicted His people, He was also just to give relief to His children. The Greek wording here includes the idea of rest or release from troubles. This rest came in two ways. First, the Thessalonians could have peace in knowing God was using their pain for His purposes. Second, God would be faithful in righting wrongs, just as He had been faithful in every other aspect of their spiritual lives.
The phrase along with us reminded the Thessalonians they were not alone. Paul was suffering for the gospel as well, and He also was trusting God to provide rest. The apostle reminded his friends that God’s timing is what matters, even when His relief might not show up until the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven. Paul used the Greek word apokalypsei, which refers to an unveiling or disclosure of something once hidden. Sometimes, God’s works are seen in the moment. But in many cases, the purpose behind our suffering will remain a mystery until He returns with His powerful angels. (See Mark 8:38.) Either way, He will make it right.
When God finally takes vengeance on His people’s enemies, it will be an experience like no other. Paul described God’s justice as a flaming fire. Flames can destroy large areas quickly. This alone would be a stunning picture of God’s vengeance. However, fire is also a symbol of God’s presence and holiness, suggesting that His judgment will be complete and cleansing.
Paul used two terms to describe the recipients of God’s judgment. First, he said that they don’t know God. Second, they don’t obey the gospel of Christ. It is not clear if Paul was actually identifying two separate groups. These phrases could refer to the same general group: those persecuting the Thessalonian believers. Either way, Paul emphasized the severity of God’s actions in defense of His people.
(In PSG, p. 96)
- How is the promise of the tables being turned on the ones delivering persecution at Jesus’s return a source of strength for believers?
Verses 9-10
9 They will pay the penalty of eternal destruction from the Lord’s presence and from his glorious strength 10 on that day when he comes to be glorified by his saints and to be marveled at by all those who have believed, because our testimony among you was believed.
Writer and theologian C.S. Lewis once noted that two kinds of people make up the human race: “Those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done.’” Paul placed the Thessalonian oppressors in the second category. As a result of their rejection of God and His offer of salvation, they chose their own way and would face the full weight of their choices.
Paul used a legal term here to explain how God’s enemies will pay the penalty for their sin. That penalty included eternal destruction. This destruction will take the form of everlasting suffering apart from the Lord’s presence. The absence of God represents hell’s most excruciating torture. While they might ignore God’s work on earth, sinners still derive benefits from His general mercies. They get to breathe His air and see the beauty of His creation. Jesus noted that God allows the sun to rise and the rain to fall on the just and the unjust (Matt. 5:43-45). However, hell has no hint of God’s presence or glory. People who wanted no part of God in this world will get that wish granted absolutely by being banished from Him for eternity. Darkness and despair will overwhelm them with no hope for relief.
For now, God’s mercy holds His wrath at bay. As Peter wrote, the Lord’s greatest desire is for people to come to Him, which is why He delays judgment (2 Pet. 3:9). However, even His mercy comes with a time limit. When Jesus comes back, He will come in judgment.
The great devastation experienced by sinners will stand in startling contrast to the incredible joy experienced by God’s people. Paul explained that when Christ returns He will be glorified by his saints and marveled at by His followers. Our human ideas of His beauty and glory can’t compare to reality, so we will be awestruck when we see our Savior face to face. Even those who love Him deeply will be overwhelmed by His presence just as sinners will be dismayed by His absence.
Because the Thessalonians accepted Paul’s testimony, they could trust God to avenge their suffering, and they could rest in the fact that their future was secure in Christ. They had believed what he had shared, and that faith made all the difference.
- When have you tried to take vengeance into your own hands?
- Why is it better to leave it in God’s hands?
WORTHY (2 THESS. 1:11-12)
Verse 11
11 In view of this, we always pray for you that our God will make you worthy of his calling, and by his power fulfill your every desire to do good and your work produced by faith,
The phrase in view of this refers back to the perseverance and example set by his readers. It also connects with the promise of God’s justice and relief in the future. With these truths fresh in his mind, Paul responded by praying for his friends.
The apostle asked God to make the Thessalonians worthy of his calling. This does not suggest that they could earn salvation or a better standing with God through their actions. Their salvation was already secure through the finished work of Christ. Instead, it reminded them of their responsibility to provide evidence of their relationship with Christ. Genuine believers consistently nurture their spiritual growth and strive to become more like Jesus. We are all trophies of God’s grace; but we can live in a way that draws His approval rather than His displeasure.
The calling of God in this context can be traced to the Thessalonians’ acceptance of the gospel, the testimony Paul mentioned in verse 10. Believers then live out their calling by sharing the gospel with others. In other words, we are called to call others into a relationship with Him. This is God’s expectation for His people (Matt. 28:18-20) and is foundational to a worthy Christian life.
Paul’s prayer also included a petition for God to help the Thessalonians experience God’s approval. He asked that the Father’s power would equip them to fulfill every desire to do good and lead them deeper into work produced by faith. The Greek wording suggests bringing something to a climax or realizing its fullest potential. Spiritual perseverance, maturity, and faithfulness require external demonstrations. This requires complete dependence on God’s strength working in us.
Verse 12
12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified by you, and you by him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Verse 12 continues Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians. More specifically, it explains the results of living as a worthy resident of the kingdom. Ultimately, the mission of believers is to point others to the Savior. This was the emphasis of Paul’s prayers for the Thessalonians. While he prayed that they would continue in good works, those good works should honor the name of our Lord Jesus. For Paul, the name of Jesus was tied to His position as Lord and Messiah. So Paul called on the Thessalonians to exalt Jesus by revealing Him as Savior.
The apostle reminded his readers that honor was a two-way street. The Thessalonians glorified Jesus by enhancing His reputation. They did this by providing an accurate reflection of Him to the world around them. But by honoring Him, they also would be honored by him one day. Paul meant they would be glorified when Christ returns to gather His people.
Of course, believers are progressively being made into Christ’s glorious image each day, but that process will not be accomplished in this life. Our ultimate glorification will be the final result of the spiritual transformation initiated by the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Just as salvation and sanctification depend on His grace, our final state in eternity also depends completely on Him. We cannot earn it or work for it. Through His unmerited favor, we will be like Him (1 John 3:1-3).
(In PSG, p. 98)
- What steps can you take to live a life “worthy” of God’s calling?
KEY DOCTRINE
God’s Purpose of Grace
All true believers endure to the end. (See 2 Tim. 1:12; 1 Pet. 1:3-5.)
BIBLE SKILL
Use a Bible dictionary to gain insight.
Read an article on perseverance in a Bible dictionary. Make note of the Bible passages referenced in the article, selecting some to review. Write a summary of what you discovered about perseverance based on the article and passages you reviewed. How are perseverance and suffering intertwined? What role does perseverance play in God’s purposes?
PRESENTATION:
Pre-enlist a volunteer to prepare and share a presentation
based on verses 11-12,
including the prayer focus in verse 11 and prayer emphases in verse 12.
Suggest the use of the information in the Day 4 and Day 5 Daily Explorations (pp. 90-91),
as well as commentaries.ASK:
- How does a believer’s perseverance during persecution serve as a vehicle for honoring God? (p. 87)
SUMMARIZE AND CHALLENGE
CHALLENGE:
Call attention to the three bulleted statements under Apply the Text (p. 88).
Lead the group to identify specific verses in today’s passage that support each statement,
recording the passage reference next to each statement in their book.
Challenge them to add other summary statements along with a reference that supports each.RESPOND:
Lead the group to consider ways your group encourages a growing faith and love.
Wrap up today’s session with the first question set under Apply the Text (p. 88):
Discuss as a group the role your Bible study group plays in encouraging a growing faith and love for one another
both within and outside of the church. What role do you play in helping your group fulfill this role?PRAY:
Conclude the group time with prayer,
thanking Christ for the example set by faithful believers.
Pray that the group will remain focused on Him and faithful during hard times as well as good times.AFTER THE SESSION
Reinforce the session by identifying people in your group who need encouragement to keep going. Commit to pray for these individuals and identify ways your group can provide encouragement to them.
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SESSION 10 Enduring
Christ enables believers to persevere with faithfulness.
2 THESSALONIANS 1:3-12
MEMORY VERSE: 2 THESSALONIANS 1:11-12
FIRST THOUGHTS
We admire people who seem to keep on going no matter what. We celebrate athletes who finish a race after falling or being injured. We model businesspeople who survive setbacks only to come back stronger. Perseverance usually pays off in any context. In the spiritual realm, perseverance changes everything. The church at Thessalonica was struggling, and Paul provided them some much-needed encouragement. When they were tempted to give up, Paul admonished them to stay the course.
(In PSG, p. 91)
- When have you felt like giving up?
- What kept you moving forward?
UNDERSTAND THE CONTEXT
2 THESSALONIANS 1:1-12
Paul entered Greece for the first time during his second missionary journey. After their stay in Philippi (Acts 16:1-40), he and his companions moved on to Thessalonica. There, opposition intensified, and after a relatively short ministry, they left the city for Berea (Acts 17:1-10).
A short time later, while in Corinth, Paul composed his first letter to the Thessalonian church. This correspondence, dated around 50 AD, was one of the apostle’s earliest known letters. Many scholars believe Paul wrote his second Letter to the Thessalonians not long after his first epistle. Similarities between the two books suggest only a few weeks passed between one letter and the other. At most, the second letter was likely written only a year or two after the first, which would date it around 51-52 AD.
Like Paul’s initial letter, 2 Thessalonians was sent with the blessing of his traveling companions, Silas (Silvanus) and Timothy (1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1). Similar to the first letter, 2 Thessalonians opens with a brief blessing and prayer for grace and peace (1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:2).
Demonstrating his ongoing concern for the Thessalonians, Paul assured them of his prayers (1:3) and of his gratitude for their love and spiritual growth (2 Thess. 1:4). He recognized their endurance during persecution (1:5-10) and encouraged them to keep trusting God. Such faithfulness would allow them to expand their ministry and bring glory to Christ (1:11-12).
In some ways, 2 Thessalonians summarizes Paul’s message in 1 Thessalonians. While shorter than the first epistle, Paul reviewed much of his earlier teaching. He also provided practical instructions for living out a faith worthy of the Savior.
EXPLORE THE TEXT
THANKFUL (2 THESS. 1:3-4)
Verse 3
3 We ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, since your faith is flourishing and the love each one of you has for one another is increasing.
The word ought is taken from a root word that implies a debt to be paid or a moral obligation. But this task was not motivated by guilt or dread. Such thanksgiving was Paul’s natural response to God’s work among the Thessalonians. He was thankful to God for guiding their progress and faithfulness.
In his earlier letter, Paul had urged his brothers and sisters in Christ to increase their faith and to expand their affection for one another (1 Thess. 3:12–4:2). Now, he was grateful to see them following his directions. The Thessalonians’ faith was flourishing, both in their understanding of doctrinal truth and in their willingness to walk out that truth. The Greek word used here refers to growth beyond measure or expectation. Paul was grateful the Thessalonians were excelling both in embracing doctrine and in practicing it daily.
In addition, the Thessalonians’ love for one another was increasing, something like a river overflowing its banks during flood season. They were abounding in their relationships with one another. Ethnic and social barriers often separated people in the first century, but the Thessalonians were breaking down those walls.
God is love, and love should define His people (John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:7-8). But love also flows out of mature faith, which is why Paul connected the two ideas. While faith represents the vertical dimension of the Christian life, love is the ethical or horizontal dimension. Paul was thankful the Thessalonians had embraced both the vertical and horizontal aspects of their walk with Christ.
Verse 4
4 Therefore, we ourselves boast about you among God’s churches — about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and afflictions that you are enduring.
In Paul’s letters, therefore generally signifies a transition from one thought to the next. Here, he moved from a statement of gratitude to the result of that gratitude. Because the Thessalonians were following Christ well, he could boast about them. The Greek word he used appears only here in the New Testament and carries the idea of holding one’s head up high. Its compound form underscores the extent of Paul’s pride. This was not flattery or arrogance. Rather, Paul’s boasting recognized God as the One orchestrating the Thessalonians’ success, and he used it to challenge other congregations to follow suit.
In 1 Thessalonians, Paul had celebrated the powerful testimony coming from Thessalonica. Their witness was making an impact in their home of Macedonia, the neighboring region of Achaia, and across the Roman Empire (1 Thess. 1:7-10). He was glad that he could continue to lift them up as an example of genuine faith because they were still living in obedience to Christ.
While Paul had connected faith with love in verse 3, he paired it with perseverance in verse 4. The same character quality that allowed his readers to love one another also empowered them to remain faithful despite persecutions and afflictions. The Greek wording indicates that the situation was ongoing. While Paul was not specific about the attacks carried out against the Thessalonians, it is reasonable to assume they were related to the gospel.
Paul emphasized that they were enduring their suffering well. This was something he understood from personal experience and appreciated greatly. He had suffered persecution during his time in Thessalonica, so he understood that their struggle was real. He also understood that the Thessalonians’ endurance was another example of faith that other believers could see and imitate.
- Who are some fellow believers you are thankful to know and imitate?
- How can you show your gratitude for their example?
Paul noted that the Thessalonians’ endurance in persecution was clear evidence of God’s work and their worth. Their perseverance demonstrated the validity of the gospel and highlighted the supernatural strength that kept them moving forward. It also revealed the depth of their faith in God’s justice.
Not only was the gospel worthy, Paul emphasized that the Thessalonians were worthy as well. While their suffering did not earn salvation, it did prove that they were living as residents of God’s kingdom here on earth. In that way, their afflictions were working to make them more like Christ. God would honor their faithfulness when Jesus returned. They were suffering for the sake of the gospel, and their full reward was coming.
The apostle had told the Thessalonians to avoid repaying evil for evil (1 Thess. 5:15). Here, he again encouraged them to trust God to make things right. It was just for God to repay those who were afflicting them. His vengeance is rooted in His righteous character. In the end, the suffering of those who persecute God’s people will be worse than anything His children endure.
Verses 7-8
7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted, along with us. This will take place at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels, 8 when he takes vengeance with flaming fire on those who don’t know God and on those who don’t obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
Paul focused on the eternal and the temporal. His future focus allowed him to accept the difficulties of the moment because he knew something greater was on the way. This is the same mindset he encouraged the Thessalonians to adopt.
The Lord was aware of the Thessalonians’ struggles. He knew they were suffering, and He knew who was causing their pain. As He was just in judging those who afflicted His people, He was also just to give relief to His children. The Greek wording here includes the idea of rest or release from troubles. This rest came in two ways. First, the Thessalonians could have peace in knowing God was using their pain for His purposes. Second, God would be faithful in righting wrongs, just as He had been faithful in every other aspect of their spiritual lives.
The phrase along with us reminded the Thessalonians they were not alone. Paul was suffering for the gospel as well, and He also was trusting God to provide rest. The apostle reminded his friends that God’s timing is what matters, even when His relief might not show up until the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven. Paul used the Greek word apokalypsei, which refers to an unveiling or disclosure of something once hidden. Sometimes, God’s works are seen in the moment. But in many cases, the purpose behind our suffering will remain a mystery until He returns with His powerful angels. (See Mark 8:38.) Either way, He will make it right.
When God finally takes vengeance on His people’s enemies, it will be an experience like no other. Paul described God’s justice as a flaming fire. Flames can destroy large areas quickly. This alone would be a stunning picture of God’s vengeance. However, fire is also a symbol of God’s presence and holiness, suggesting that His judgment will be complete and cleansing.
Paul used two terms to describe the recipients of God’s judgment. First, he said that they don’t know God. Second, they don’t obey the gospel of Christ. It is not clear if Paul was actually identifying two separate groups. These phrases could refer to the same general group: those persecuting the Thessalonian believers. Either way, Paul emphasized the severity of God’s actions in defense of His people.
(In PSG, p. 96)
- How is the promise of the tables being turned on the ones delivering persecution at Jesus’s return a source of strength for believers?
Verses 9-10
9 They will pay the penalty of eternal destruction from the Lord’s presence and from his glorious strength 10 on that day when he comes to be glorified by his saints and to be marveled at by all those who have believed, because our testimony among you was believed.
Writer and theologian C.S. Lewis once noted that two kinds of people make up the human race: “Those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done.’” Paul placed the Thessalonian oppressors in the second category. As a result of their rejection of God and His offer of salvation, they chose their own way and would face the full weight of their choices.
Paul used a legal term here to explain how God’s enemies will pay the penalty for their sin. That penalty included eternal destruction. This destruction will take the form of everlasting suffering apart from the Lord’s presence. The absence of God represents hell’s most excruciating torture. While they might ignore God’s work on earth, sinners still derive benefits from His general mercies. They get to breathe His air and see the beauty of His creation. Jesus noted that God allows the sun to rise and the rain to fall on the just and the unjust (Matt. 5:43-45). However, hell has no hint of God’s presence or glory. People who wanted no part of God in this world will get that wish granted absolutely by being banished from Him for eternity. Darkness and despair will overwhelm them with no hope for relief.
For now, God’s mercy holds His wrath at bay. As Peter wrote, the Lord’s greatest desire is for people to come to Him, which is why He delays judgment (2 Pet. 3:9). However, even His mercy comes with a time limit. When Jesus comes back, He will come in judgment.
The great devastation experienced by sinners will stand in startling contrast to the incredible joy experienced by God’s people. Paul explained that when Christ returns He will be glorified by his saints and marveled at by His followers. Our human ideas of His beauty and glory can’t compare to reality, so we will be awestruck when we see our Savior face to face. Even those who love Him deeply will be overwhelmed by His presence just as sinners will be dismayed by His absence.
Because the Thessalonians accepted Paul’s testimony, they could trust God to avenge their suffering, and they could rest in the fact that their future was secure in Christ. They had believed what he had shared, and that faith made all the difference.
- When have you tried to take vengeance into your own hands?
- Why is it better to leave it in God’s hands?
The phrase in view of this refers back to the perseverance and example set by his readers. It also connects with the promise of God’s justice and relief in the future. With these truths fresh in his mind, Paul responded by praying for his friends.
The apostle asked God to make the Thessalonians worthy of his calling. This does not suggest that they could earn salvation or a better standing with God through their actions. Their salvation was already secure through the finished work of Christ. Instead, it reminded them of their responsibility to provide evidence of their relationship with Christ. Genuine believers consistently nurture their spiritual growth and strive to become more like Jesus. We are all trophies of God’s grace; but we can live in a way that draws His approval rather than His displeasure.
The calling of God in this context can be traced to the Thessalonians’ acceptance of the gospel, the testimony Paul mentioned in verse 10. Believers then live out their calling by sharing the gospel with others. In other words, we are called to call others into a relationship with Him. This is God’s expectation for His people (Matt. 28:18-20) and is foundational to a worthy Christian life.
Paul’s prayer also included a petition for God to help the Thessalonians experience God’s approval. He asked that the Father’s power would equip them to fulfill every desire to do good and lead them deeper into work produced by faith. The Greek wording suggests bringing something to a climax or realizing its fullest potential. Spiritual perseverance, maturity, and faithfulness require external demonstrations. This requires complete dependence on God’s strength working in us.
Verse 12
12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified by you, and you by him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Verse 12 continues Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians. More specifically, it explains the results of living as a worthy resident of the kingdom. Ultimately, the mission of believers is to point others to the Savior. This was the emphasis of Paul’s prayers for the Thessalonians. While he prayed that they would continue in good works, those good works should honor the name of our Lord Jesus. For Paul, the name of Jesus was tied to His position as Lord and Messiah. So Paul called on the Thessalonians to exalt Jesus by revealing Him as Savior.
The apostle reminded his readers that honor was a two-way street. The Thessalonians glorified Jesus by enhancing His reputation. They did this by providing an accurate reflection of Him to the world around them. But by honoring Him, they also would be honored by him one day. Paul meant they would be glorified when Christ returns to gather His people.
Of course, believers are progressively being made into Christ’s glorious image each day, but that process will not be accomplished in this life. Our ultimate glorification will be the final result of the spiritual transformation initiated by the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Just as salvation and sanctification depend on His grace, our final state in eternity also depends completely on Him. We cannot earn it or work for it. Through His unmerited favor, we will be like Him (1 John 3:1-3).
(In PSG, p. 98)
- What steps can you take to live a life “worthy” of God’s calling?
KEY DOCTRINE
God’s Purpose of Grace
All true believers endure to the end. (See 2 Tim. 1:12; 1 Pet. 1:3-5.)
BIBLE SKILL
Use a Bible dictionary to gain insight.
Read an article on perseverance in a Bible dictionary. Make note of the Bible passages referenced in the article, selecting some to review. Write a summary of what you discovered about perseverance based on the article and passages you reviewed. How are perseverance and suffering intertwined? What role does perseverance play in God’s purposes?
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