Renewing Our Mission
New You
July 15, 2018
Rev. Tim Sharpe
In 2 Thessalonians 3 Paul gives final encouragements, urging the weary church to partner in prayer, hold fast to the love and steadfastness of Christ, pursue obedient diligence, and trust God’s protection so the Gospel may speed ahead and be honored.
Summary
As Paul closes his letter to a fatigued, persecuted Thessalonian church, he calls them to active partnership—praying that the word of the Lord would run quickly and be glorified, asking for deliverance from wicked opponents, and directing their hearts to the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ. He reminds them that faithful obedience matters for the sake of the Gospel, that contagious passion (like that of a teacher) inspires others, and that God’s protection and Christ’s endurance empower them to work eagerly where they have been placed to see the good news spread.
Key Points
- Context: Paul writes to a discouraged, persecuted church and offers final encouragements.
- Partnership in prayer: pray that the word of the Lord would speed ahead and be honored.
- Ask for protection: pray for deliverance from wicked and unbelieving opponents.
- Call to love and steadfastness: the Lord should direct hearts to God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
- Gospel urgency: Paul’s life mission is to see the Gospel spread quickly and glorified.
- Obedience matters: confidence in the Thessalonians’ obedience, and grace does not cancel the call to holy living.
- Contagious passion: fervent faith and zeal inspire others to engage in gospel work.
- Strategic placement: God places believers where they can share God’s love and advance the Gospel.
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