Paul’s Prayer for the Thessalonians(Carson, A Call to Spiritual Reformation, chapters 2-3)

2 Thessalonians 1:3-12 

Introductory Observations* verse 11 – “with this in mind” 

I. The Framework for Prayer

            A. Thankfulness for Evidences of Grace *3-4

                        1. Their faith is growing *3

                        2. Their love is increasing *3

                        3. They are persevering under trial *4

            B. Confidence in the Prospect of Vindication *5-10

                        1. Faithfulness as Evidence of Grace

                        2. Faithfulness as Grounds of Vindication

                        3. Vindication vs. Retribution

            C. Regrouping: “With this in mind” *11

            D. Applications

                        1. What kinds of things in people’s lives should call forth our gratitude to God? And Why?

                       2. How does Paul’s anticipation of Jesus’ return shape his values and prayers?

                       3. Correlation: What other New Testament teaching can you think of that encourages usto live and pray with eternity’s values in view?

 II. Paul’s Petitions *11-12

            A. Paul prays that God would count these Christians worthy of their calling

            B. Paul prays that God by his mighty power would bring to fruition each Christian’s good, 

faith-prompted purposes.

 III. The Goal of Paul’s Prayer *12

            A. Paul seeks the glorification of the Lord Jesus

.            B. Paul seeks the glorification of believers.

 IV. The Ground for Paul’s Prayer *12b 

Applications