We are exhorted repeatedly in the New Testament to pray for one another (e.g., Eph. 6:18-20; Col. 4:2-3; Rom. 12:12). In that faithful exercise Paul provides a wonderful example of what we may pray (read his letters and note his prayers).
Here is a wonderful prayer. It comes in the context of a church enduring “persecutions and afflictions” (v. 4) and the promise of ultimate “relief” at Jesus’ coming in “flaming fire” (v. 7). It is noteworthy that Paul does not pray for the removal of their difficulties!
It is understandable from the context why he does not. Their difficulties are the proof that they belong to God (v. 4-5). The difficulties are a part of the process by which they are prepared for glory (v. 5). And these difficulties are but a portent of the great reversal that will take place at Christ’s revelation (vv. 6-7). Paul’s perspective of their troubles brings him to focus on the greater reality.
This prayer’s ultimate end is nothing less than the mutual glorification of the Lord Jesus and His people! Its immediate desire is for the grace needed to arrive at that end.
The Great Petition
Paul prays for their future and for their present.
For Their Future
A Gracious Evaluation. The first part is “that our God may count [or, “make”] you worthy of your calling.” He prays that God would judge that their lives had been entirely in harmony with their calling to His kingdom and glory (1 Th. 2:12). Simply, He prays for their divine “seal of approval” in that great day when the Lord Jesus comes “to be glorified in His saints” (2 Th. 1:10). He prays that God will affirm what He is aiming for through their trials and suffering! He prays that God will complete in them what He has called them to (compare Phil. 1:6)!
For Their Present
A Gracious Empowerment. The second request is “that our God may . . . fulfill [their] every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power.” He assumes that they have good desires and a living, active faith. He has seen them. Their own progress under persecution has made it plain.
But he seeks the divine grace for them that they will not be frustrated nor falter nor fatigue in the on-going active expression of their Christian commitment. He seeks that they may fulfill whatever they put their renewed hearts and believing minds to. The “goodness” referred to here is that moral excellence marked by the divine pattern: kindness and generosity (Rom. 15:14; Gal. 5:22; Eph. 5:9).
Active goodness. He prays that no righteous resolve they may form would fall to the ground, that every purpose or impulse or delight toward goodness would have a “live birth.”
He prays that every faith-wrought activity would be able to be completely carried out. All by the power—the enabling grace—of God.
This is an incredible petition. Don’t you really want to have more than good intentions? Don’t you really want to be able to fulfill them? Don’t you really want your faith’s active expression to be powerfully carried out?
The Great Goal
The ultimate of goal of all this is “that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him.” The aim is His glory, His glorification, and ours! Paul seeks that the reputation Christ would be honored in us, in the progress and ultimate perfection of our lives.
Jesus’ name had been despised and rejected at Thessalonica, He suffered dishonor in the face of the world. The aim of Paul’s prayer is the vindication of the honor of the Lord as His character is reflected in and His power is worked out in the lives of His people. And it is mutual! The church will be glorified—honored—in Him. We will share in His glory.
“On the last day, Jesus Christ will be glorified in us on account of what we have become by His grace, and we will be glorified in Him on account of what He has done for us” (Carson, 59).
The Great Grace
All that he seeks for them must issue from the grace of “our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 12). Their realization of ultimate blessing at the revelation of the Lord Jesus is dependent upon divine grace, which is a far better resource than human effort. Our resolves and labors are feeble, but by the grace of God we shall be found worthy in that great day!
Blessings in the Name above All Names.
