Untitled Sermon (2)

The Christian who does not know his high calling (Phil. 3:14), holy calling (2 Tim. 1:9), and heavenly calling (Heb. 3:1) will never be able to walk worthy of that calling (Eph. 4:1, where “vocation” is “calling”

Warren W. Wiersbe

Empowered for Every Good Work

Bible Passage: 2 Thessalonians 1:11–12

Summary: In these verses, Paul expresses his steadfast prayer for the Thessalonians, asking that God would fulfill their good intentions and empower them through His grace, resulting in the glorification of Jesus Christ.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to seek God's guidance and strength in their efforts to do good, reminding them that it's not about their own abilities but God's transformative power at work within them.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that God not only calls believers to do good works but also equips and empowers them to fulfill that calling, highlighting the importance of reliance on God's grace.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of Scripture, the theme of empowerment through God’s grace points to Christ’s work in the believer's life. Just as Christ was empowered for His mission on earth, so are believers empowered through their relationship with Him to do good works that glorify God.

Big Idea: Believers are called to engage in good works, sustained by God's grace, ultimately bringing glory to Jesus Christ.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the historical context of the church in Thessalonica, highlighting the challenges they faced. Look into any textual variations that may affect the understanding of 'fulfill' in verse 11 using the Logos library. This can help you engage more deeply with the text’s meaning and application in the modern context.

1. Purpose: Called to Good

2 Thessalonians 1:11

Exploring Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians, you could suggest that the calling to do good works is part of God's design for our lives. It highlights the necessity for believers to seek divine guidance and empowerment. Believers are not left alone in their mission; rather, they are equipped through God’s grace to fulfill their spiritual calling, an idea underscored in Christ's teachings on the support of the Holy Spirit.

2. Praise: Glorifying Christ

2 Thessalonians 1:12

Perhaps you could illustrate how Paul emphasizes the ultimate goal of good works—glorifying Jesus Christ. This sermon point may underscore that our endeavors should reflect God's character and love, pointing others to Christ. It teaches that the empowerment we receive should lead to Jesus being honored, reminding believers that their lives serve as testimonies to Christ's transformative power.