2 Thessalonians 1:11
Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
The verse is Paul's continual, prayerful hope for the believers won to the gospel in Thessalonica, that God would count them worthy of this calling and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power. Its aim is that the name of the Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in them and they in Him, according to the grace of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. It belongs to the second letter that corrected the misunderstanding that Paul expected to live to witness the Saviour's advent. That belief had increased enthusiasm and excitement and made those who had neglected responsibilities more persistent in urging erroneous views. With the prayer Paul expressed confidence in their integrity and gratitude that their faith was strong and their love for one another and for their Master's cause abounded.
The chapter is appropriate for believers facing trials, persecutions, tribulations, opposition, and unbelief coming into the churches. It presents the Thessalonians to other churches as an example of patient, persevering faith that bravely withstands persecution and tribulation while looking forward to the rest God's people will receive at the second coming of Christ. God gives His persecuted people the opportunity and privilege to overcome. The prayer asks that God count believers worthy of His calling, bring His good purpose to completion in them, and empower their work of faith with power. Its fulfillment is that not human agencies but Christ's name is glorified in believers and believers are glorified in Him, all according to God's grace.
The phrase about the good pleasure of His goodness means that above, beneath, and beyond all things abides Infinite Love, working out all things to accomplish its purpose with power. This can be known only through faith in revelation, for to unaided human reason nature's teaching is contradictory and disappointing, but in the light of revelation it is read aright and the eager questioning mind finds rest. The fulfillment of God's good pleasure will come when evil's reign on earth ends, sin is destroyed forever, and the kingdom of righteousness is established, so that God's good purpose will be fulfilled on earth as it is in heaven. The work of faith with power means faith that unites the soul to Christ stirs the soul to constant activity and produces the labor of love. Bible religion means constant work in good works done to glorify God, faith working by love and purifying the soul, though busy activities in themselves do not insure salvation.
The consistent, worthy life of converts glorifies God and tells more for the glory of God and for magnifying the power of truth than all preaching and all the sermons of ministers. Just as the Thessalonian believers' example brought glory to God beyond preaching alone, so the consistent course of believers now does more to magnify the power of truth than all the sermons of ministers. Living the verse means keeping the mind stayed on the Lord, girding on the armor of the Lord, refusing discouragement, and resting the whole matter with God when the way is unclear. In becoming like Christ through the Spirit, it means being strengthened in faith, hope, courage, discipline, fortitude, and love so as to help one another keep God's law and be blessed.