Thessalonians 2

KPCA Bible Study, we started studying Paul's Second Epistle to the Thessalonians (emphasis added):

Therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. This is a plain indication of God's righteous judgement so that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering. For after all, it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. And these will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—for our testimony to you was believed. To this end also we pray for you always that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power; in order that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.2 Thessalonians 1:4-12

We wondered what it might mean to be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, or worthy of our calling. Difficulty arises when we hear this, for we know that we're saved by faith and not by works (or persecution!) Bob Wilkin wrote some commentary that says this notion of being counted worthy refers to what individual believers will have and do in heaven. He reiterates that faith is the sole criterion for entering the kingdom of heaven, but that there are other things of which we should also be aware, citing the beatitudes: Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11,12; the epistle to the Romans: If children, then heirs---heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together with Him. Romans 8:17; and so on.

This analysis seems reasonable, but no particular examples came to mind that show the distinction. However, I found one this morning that doesn't spend much time on the distinction, but does record it:

And after these things Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted permission. He came therefore, and took away His body.John 19:38