In our last visit we considered how to determine a good purpose. This is important to understand what Paul prayed for in 2 Thessalonians 1:11: “We constantly pray for you, that our God…by his power may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.” Notice, it is their good purpose he is asking God to fulfill by His power.
Once you’ve established a good purpose, you need to act on it. That’s why Paul prayed, “and every act prompted by your faith.” Establish a good purpose. Then act on it. But don’t act in your own strength. Trust God to empower your actions so that your good purpose might be fulfilled. Remember, Paul affirmed in Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
There’s a good reason for understanding this dynamic process. Paul mentions it in verse 12, “We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him.” God will glorify the Lord Jesus in you as you trust Him, by His power, to fulfill every good purpose of yours that you act on. In essence God does it all. But He’ll only do it when you act on your good purpose by faith. In this way it’s clear who should get the credit and be glorified.
But did you notice the phrase, “and you in him.” We are here to bring glory to Jesus Christ. When we do, the glory Jesus receives will reflect on us. This won’t happen if we seek the glory. But if we seek for Him to be glorified we too will be glorified in Him. Thank God for all He does through us by grace.
