To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 1

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

I continue my pause of my study of 1 Corinthians as I participate in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  Today, my focus is 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 and I lean on one of John Piper's Look[s] at the Book (or video labs) for this text - there are three parts that "look" at this text and I reviewed part 1. As he unpacks the text, Piper first describes how Paul describes his prayer by looking both forward and backward through the use of "to this end" - referring to v10 where Paul looks backwards to explain his use of "to this end" when he writes that when Jesus "comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed," and to v12 where Paul uses "to this end" and looks forwards where he writes he how prays "so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him." He then shares how although some may assume that you don't need to pray that God be glorified (indeed God does not anything), Piper believes this is nonsense and points to how Jesus told us to pray in Matthew 6 and Luke 11 - see also this.  We are praying for God's purposes and that we may be "worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and and every work of faith by his power."  Calling is defined as being called to salvation, sanctification and to glorification. Made worthy is defined of being equipped - referring back to 2 Thessalonians 1:5.  As he concludes the lab, Piper sums up the text with the following divisions:

1. The desired "end" or outcome of Paul's prayer is that Jesus Christ is glorified in believers and that believers are glorified in him.
2. Paul prays this purpose of God "down" into reality
   
3. Paul asks God that He provide believers power by faith that we are equipped for salvation, sanctification and glorification

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me.  Thank You Jesus, yet I am not deserving of such grace and compassion.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.