II Thessalonians 1:11,12 “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Paul says that he prayed continuously for this church. He certainly believed in the power of prayer and spent much time in it.
His prayers focused on these people that they would be worthy of escaping the fires of Hell (vss. 8,9) and bring honor to Christ. Although salvation cannot be earned, there are many professing believers who do not show thankfulness to God by living a godly lifestyle and going to church. While all true believers will be saved, many are not worthy of this honor.
Being obedient helps us “fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness.” It makes Him glad that He saved us. It will also enable us to do “the work of faith with power.” Obedient believers who look to God in faith every day have spiritual power that disobedient believers know nothing about.
Why is this so important? “That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him.” We must remember that He saved us for Himself. He ought to get all the glory. He has made us what we are since salvation – “But by the grace of God I am what I am” I Cor. 15:10 – and He will finish making us like Himself when we get to glory.
We have been bought with a price: “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (I Cor. 16:20).