What does it mean for God to "count you worthy of His calling"? The Verse in Focus “With this in mind, we always pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of His calling and that He will powerfully fulfill your every good desire and work of faith.” —2 Thessalonians 1:11 Defining “Count You Worthy” and “His Calling” • Count you worthy — “axios” (Greek): to deem fit, judge as of proper weight, approve as suitable for a privilege or reward • His calling — God’s sovereign summons to salvation (Romans 8:30), holiness (1 Peter 1:15), and glory (1 Thessalonians 2:12) The Divine Side: How God Makes You Worthy • Justification in Christ – 2 Corinthians 5:21: righteousness credited to believers – Romans 5:1–2: standing of peace granted by faith • Regeneration by the Spirit – Titus 3:5: “the washing of rebirth” • Ongoing sanctification – Philippians 2:13: “for it is God who works in you” – 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24: the God who calls also “will do it” • Final glorification – Romans 8:30: those called will be glorified – 2 Thessalonians 1:10: future marvel at Christ in His saints The Human Response: Walking in Worthiness • Ephesians 4:1: “walk worthy of the calling” • Colossians 1:10: “walk in a manner worthy… bearing fruit” • Practical expressions – Humility and gentleness (Ephesians 4:2) – Love and unity (John 13:35) – Purity and distinctiveness (1 Peter 2:11–12) – Good works prepared beforehand (Ephesians 2:10) Prayer as the Engine of Worthiness • Paul prays “always” (2 Thessalonians 1:11) • Prayer aligns desires with God’s will and taps His power (James 5:16; Ephesians 3:16) • God supplies “powerfully” so that every good desire becomes effective action (Philippians 4:13) Evidence That God Is Counting You Worthy • Perseverance under persecution (2 Thessalonians 1:4–5) • Increasing love and faith (2 Thessalonians 1:3) • Joy in suffering (Acts 5:41 — counted worthy to suffer) • Fruit that remains (John 15:8) The Future Horizon: Worthy at His Coming • Luke 20:35: “counted worthy to attain that age” • Revelation 3:4: those who walk with Christ “worthy” will be clothed in white • 2 Timothy 4:8: crown of righteousness for those who love His appearing Why This Truth Strengthens Our Hearts • Encourages endurance: God’s verdict rests on Christ, not on fluctuating performance • Fuels holiness: divine power guarantees progress, making effort meaningful • Cultivates humility: worthiness is counted, not earned • Inspires hope: present growth anticipates certain glory God’s gracious accounting, matched with His empowering presence, turns ordinary believers into living proofs of His calling—now and forever. |
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