2 Thessalonians 1:11

“To which end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and every work of faith, with power”

“To which end”: “In view of this great prospect” (Phi). “With this in view” (TCNT). “We also pray always for you”: Since so much is at stake, and seeing that so much glory and happiness can be gained or eternally lost. “May count you worthy of your calling”: Which demands of every Christian. life that takes such. responsibility and privilege very seriously. Paul, was unworthy of the gospel message (Galatians 1:13), and yet once saved, he tried his best to live up to such an unmerited privilege (1 Corinthians 15:9). There is. lifestyle (conduct and attitude) that fits being called by the gospel (Ephesians 4:1 ff). Christians who continue in sin, or put other things before God, will not be counted worthy of their calling, for the simple reason that they did not put much value upon being. Christian in the first place.

“And fulfill every desire of goodness and every work of faith, with power”: “Fulfill every good resolve” (RSV). Good intentions are not sufficient, rather good intentions need to be carried into action. The above prayer infers that God is willing that good intentions be turned into action in every Christian, and this demands our cooperation. God is not going to override our freewill, but if we are listening to His word, if we allow ourselves to be impressed with His nature, His love and goodness, we will do more than just think or talk about things that need to be done, we will do them. “The expression reminds us that faith is not simply an intellectual attitude which does nothing. Faith is always busy.. true faith will clothe itself in works” (Morris p. 210). Notice the word "every". God wants Christians who are fruitful, abounding, consistent and who have their complete will and heart into serving Him. Doing. good deed now and then will not cut it, and neither will. spurt of zeal here and there.