“We constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.”
2 Thessalonians 1:11
God is the one who starts His work in us, and it is God who will bring it to completion. It is not the result of our works but His, and by His grace alone.
The call of God in Christ begins with His sovereign grace: For God “saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace” (2 Timothy 1:9). It continues in sovereign grace: “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). And it ends in sovereign grace: “The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10).
All of this is to say that our faith in the grace of God is not just for the beginning of our salvation. It is also for the middle and the end. Paul goes to God in prayer for the Thessalonians just as we should pray for ourselves and others, too.
The call of God in Christ begins with His sovereign grace: For God “saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace” (2 Timothy 1:9). It continues in sovereign grace: “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). And it ends in sovereign grace: “The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10).
All of this is to say that our faith in the grace of God is not just for the beginning of our salvation. It is also for the middle and the end. Paul goes to God in prayer for the Thessalonians just as we should pray for ourselves and others, too.
Scripture Focus
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Insight
“Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my cry for mercy.” (Psalm 86:6)
Bible In A Year
- 1 Chronicles 1
- Proverbs 24
- Revelation 1-2
