READ: 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
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:
12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
KEY THOUGHT:
I’ve found that it’s easy to get puffed up about my accomplishments and think I’m really something, when in fact I’m nothing without the grace of God. The more difficult thing is to realize that there is nothing I’ve ever done or ever could do that makes me worthy of my calling to Christ. My worthiness is because of His grace. That applies not only to me, but to you and to everyone else as well. Without grace, we have no hope of being found worthy in the sight of God. But by Grace, and through Jesus Christ, you and I can find a place of worth in God’s call.
As Paul prayed for the Thessalonian church, he asked God to find them worthy in three specific areas: 1) in the fulfillment of God’s good pleasure; 2) in the work of faith with power; and in the glorification of the name of Jesus Christ. By pleasing God, by doing the work of the ministry in His power and not yours, and by glorifying His Son, you can have a testimony of God’s grace in His call on your life. Only by God’s grace can you be found worthy of His calling.
CONSIDER:
- How did God call you to salvation?
- How can God use you to be a witness that draws others to the light of the gospel?
- Why is it important to have assurance of your salvation as you wait for Christ’s return?
APPLICATION:
Have a testimony of grace to others as you anticipate Christ’s return.
