One Year Journey Through the New Testament
2 Thessalonians 3
Welcome to our journey through the New Testament!
Pray for Us
1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.
3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.
5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
(2 Thessalonians 3:1–5, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- Paul opened this chapter with a prayer request. He prayed for the effectiveness of the Word, and for deliverance from evil people.
- Paul called the Lord faithful, and expressed confidence in the church. He then prayed for the Thessalonians to exhibit the love of God and the patience of Christ.
Warning Against Idleness
6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.
10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.
13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
(2 Thessalonians 3:6–15, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- Paul warned the church to not be deceived by false teachers who would draw them away. He pointed out that he and is team had not been a burden to the church, but worked with their own hands to earn their living. They set the example.
- He then told them that those who do not work should not be allowed to eat. They should stop gossiping and work hard instead.
- He furthered instructed the church not to grow weary while doing good, but rather encourage everyone to work hard and be responsible.
Benediction
16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.
17 The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
(2 Thessalonians 3:16–18, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- Finally, Paul offers a blessing of peace and presence.
- He signs the letter in his own handwriting, and then offers them a blessing of the grace of Christ before ending the epistle.
- Paul seeks in this letter to correct false teaching, and also to establish a culture of faith, steadfastness, and a work ethic that epitomizes the church worldwide. We could follow this example.
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All Scriptures from New King James Version unless otherwise noted.
Join us this afternoon at 5:00 pm for a discussion of this chapter live online. Live@5 with Dr. Greg Sloop can be found on Facebook on the Dr. Greg Sloop page or on the Kannapolis Church of God Facebook page or Youtube page. Another blog will be posted each weekday at 6:00 a.m.
Devoted To You 