River Oaks Stand Strong

The final verses of 2 Thessalonians chapter 3 include two benedictions and a statement about Paul’s authorship of the letter. This is the final podcast in the series on 1 and 2 Thessalonians.  Thank you for listening.

In verses 13-15 of chapter 3, Paul calls the church to persevere in “doing good.” At the same time, he calls the church to withdraw from those who disregard his instruction. The goal of such discipline is not punishment, but the restoration of the offender.

Paul continues to address the problem of “idleness” seen in some in Thessalonica. Paul notes that such “busybodies” should not be supported by others in the church.

Beginning in verse 6 of chapter 3, Paul calls for the church to “keep away” from those among them who were idle. He notes his own pattern of hard work, and calls the church to follow his example.

The apostle Paul had often prayed for the Thessalonians, and he now asks them to pray for his ministry. After expressing confidence in their spiritual progress, Paul writes a benedictory prayer for their growth in God’s love and in the steadfastness of Christ.

Paul ends chapter 2 with a beautiful benediction. He reminds the Thessalonians of their glorious eternity, and he prays for God’s comfort in them and His work through them in the present.

In verses 13-15 of chapter 2, Paul reminds the Christians that God has loved and chosen them. Believers need not fear, but they must stand firm in what they have learned.

In verses 9-12 of chapter 2, more is revealed about “the lawless one” and Satan’s work through this person. Paul warns the church about his false signs and wonders. Those who don’t believe the truth and take pleasure in unrighteousness will be deceived by his cunning.

Paul gives more detail about the “man of lawlessness,” who will appear before Christ returns.  And Paul assures the church that Jesus will destroy this adversary at His return.

In 2 Thessalonians 2, the apostle Paul writes again about the second coming of Christ, and he assures the church that the “day of the Lord” has not yet occurred. Certain things must happen first, and Paul begins to explain those things.

Verses 11 and 12 of 2 Thessalonians chapter 1 provide us with a great model prayer to pray for our own spiritual growth and the growth of others.  The prayer includes specific requests that are applicable to all followers of Jesus Christ. 

Chapter 1 of 2 Thessalonians ends with Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonian Christians. Though they were advancing rapidly in their spiritual maturity, Paul won’t stop praying for them.  He writes, “we always pray for you.” His words remind us that we never stop praying for others.

Verses 9-10 of chapter 1 provide the sobering truth that fearful judgment awaits those who reject God’s salvation and persecute His people. At the same time, a glorious future awaits those who have placed their trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord.

In verses 5-8 of 2 Thessalonians chapter 1, the apostle Paul reminds persecuted Christians that God is just.  Vengeance will come to those who persecute God’s people, but God’s people will find rest and relief.  When will this happen? When Jesus returns.

As the apostle Paul begins the letter of 2 Thessalonians, he commends the believers there for their spiritual growth and their perseverance through adversity. In verse 3, he notes two vital marks of spiritual maturity – growing faith and growing love for others. 

Verses 16-18 of chapter 5 are some of the most beloved verses in 1 Thessalonians.  But these three verses contain three daunting commands. How can we possibly fulfill them? Only by being filled with the Holy Spirit.

What does it mean to “quench” the Holy Spirit?  How is it possible for us to do that?  Verses 19-22 of chapter 5 guide us toward honoring the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives and depending on Him to help us avoid evil.

The closing verses of chapter 5 include one the of the most beautiful benedictions in Scripture.  Paul’s inspired words help us undertand how we can fulfill the many commands he has given in this chapter.

In verses 14-15 of chapter 5, Paul calls Christians to admonish, encourage, help, and be patient with various people in the church.  He sets the bar high for mutual admonishment, encouragement, patience, forgiveness, and acts of kindness!

The apostle Paul provides direction on how to relate to those who are “over you in the Lord.” Verses 12 -13 of chapter 5 make it clear that every Christian needs spiritual oversight, and Paul calls us to love and respect for those who lead us. 

In verses 9-11 of chapter 5, Paul reminds us of our destiny – salvation provided by Jesus Christ. Believers should have no fear of Christ’s return, but we should seek to encourage one another and to reach the lost. 

In verses 4-8 of chapter 5, Paul continues his instruction about “the day of the Lord.” Christians are called to spiritual readiness for that day by being steadfast in faith, hope, and love.

In the first three verses of chapter 5, Paul teaches the Thessalonians about “the day of the Lord,” or the second coming of Christ. He reminds them that it will be unexpected and sudden, and that believers should live in a state of readiness.

In verses 16-18 of chapter 4, the apostle writes of what is often referred to as the “rapture.” He doesn’t set dates for Jesus’ return, but he gives assurance that all believers, whether deceased or alive at that time, “will always be with the Lord.”

In verses 13-15 of 1 Thessalonians 4, the apostle Paul gives us some of the most encouraging words in Scripture about grief. He notes that while believers do grieve the loss of believing loved ones, we do not grieve as those without hope.  Our grief can be joined with hope because Jesus, by His resurrection,  has provided eternal life for all who are in Christ.