Chapter 1

2 Thessalonians 1:5 - This verse, I believe, refers back to the "persecutions and afflictions which you endure." (vs. 4, NASB). Paul is saying that the persecution you endure for Jesus' sake show that God has appointed these trials to make you worthy of the Kingdom of God. The assertion that persecution and affliction are God's instruments to make the Thessalonians worthy is supported by the last clause in the verse, "for which indeed you are suffering." (NASB)

2 Thessalonians 1:11 - It seems to me that there are two main things that Paul prays for them about: (1) They would be worthy of their calling, which is a repeat of 1 Thessalonians 2:12; (2) That the Lord would fulfill every desire and work of faith with power. The second part is a consequence of the first. When the Lord counts us "worthy" (NASB) of our calling, then there is the fulfillment of desires and works of faith. But what does it mean to be "worthy"? In this context, I believe to be worthy means to be fitting or suitable for the calling. The Lord may call someone to be a pastor, but is that person presently suitable to be a pastor? Maybe not until he has been to seminary or had some training. Maybe not until he has done an internship. God's calling is an indication of our potential. It does not necessarily mean we are already suitable for the work to which He calls us. To be made suitable means the embarking on a journey. "Many are called," the Scripture says, " but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:14). Why are so few chosen? Because the called did not set out to make themselves suitable for the calling. How can the Lord trust us with the power, if we have not sought to make ourselves suitable vessels? We will not exhibit works of faith with power until the Lord finds us to be a suitable vessel to work through.

2 Thessalonians 1:12 - This is the purpose of fulfilling desires and works of faith in power: "that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you." We are not suitable if the glory is not safe with us. If we will steal any of the glory, we cannot be trusted with the power. It must go to Him.