Paul's Prayer Request
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
Warning Against Lazy, Irresponsible Behavior
2 Thessalonians 3:6-15
Final Greeting and Benediction
2 Thessalonians 3:16-18
(2 THESSALONIANS 3)
Paul closes his letter with a request for prayer and an exhortation to a life of godliness.
I. Paul’s Request (3:1–2): He asks for prayer for two things from the believers in Thessalonica.
A. That they pray for God’s messenger (3:2): He asks for prayer that he would be delivered from wicked and evil men.
B. That they pray for God’s message (3:1): Paul desires that the gospel message be allowed to spread rapidly everywhere.
II. Paul’s Reassurance (3:3–5)
A. He reassures them concerning God’s faithfulness (3:3–4).
B. He reassures them concerning God’s love and patience (3:5).
III. Paul’s Reprimand (3:6–18)
A. The recipients (3:6–11, 13, 14b): Paul lists three kinds of individuals needing to be rebuked.
1. The lazy (3:6–10): They should work hard.
2. The gossipers (3:11, 13): They should mind their own business and do good.
3. The disobedient (3:14b): Stay away from them.
B. The rules (3:12, 14a, 15): Paul gives three steps to be taken in dealing with these individuals.
1. Step 1—identify them (3:14a)
2. Step 2—admonish them (3:12, 15a)
3. Step 3—love them (3:15b): Look upon the person not as an enemy but as an erring brother or sister.
IV. Paul’s Final Remarks (3:16–18)
A. The apostle’s heart (3:16, 18)
1. He prays that they will experience God’s peace (3:16).
2. He prays that they will experience God’s grace (3:18).
B. The apostle’s hand (3:17): He pens the closing words with his own hand.
- What is one prayer you were taught to memorize?
- What was your first paid job? How long or hard did you work at it? What did you do with your money?
- Paul has twice prayed for these people (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; 2:16-17). How does he want them to pray for him and his companions? How would the encouragements in verses 3-5 help them in their trials?
- How might a misunderstanding of Paul's earlier teaching (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3) have led to the problem of idleness? Why would Paul see that as a serious problem then (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12) and now (2 Thessalonians 3:6)? What model does Paul leave for the others to follow (2 Thessalonians 3:7-13)? What does this have to do with taking responsibility?
- Why does Paul call attention to his handwriting (2 Thessalonians 3:17)? How else is the close of the letter similar to its beginning? Why do you think Paul emphasizes grace and peace? What does it say about God's will?
- On a scale from 1 (high anxiety) to 10 (blissfully peaceful), where would you rate your sense of God's peace now? Where in particular do you need group prayer and support?
- How are God's love and Christ's perseverance needed in your life now?
- What have you found helpful in encouraging you to pray for missionaries? For whom do you regularly pray? What types of pressures may he or she face in that part of the world?
- Are you idle, a busy-body, a worrywart, or a workaholic?
- What is God's message to you in 2 Thessalonians?
SOMEONE IS WATCHING
Dr. Joe Pettigrew
“We hear that some
among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. ” 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9
One very important
task every Christian is responsible for is to be a good example to others. Many
of our co-workers and friends do not read the Word of God for themselves, they
have not learned what God wants them to do, and are more reliant on a Godly example
than they probably should be. It is dangerous for them to totally follow
someone else, but it happens every day.
For this reason, the
Apostle Paul was very aware when people paid attention to his behavior and
actions. He warns us to keep our distance from others who are not doing right
(disorderly), even if they are Christians. He defines “disorderly” as
those who are lazy and not working, and those who are meddling in other
people's business (“busybodies”). Association with these people may give
others the impression that you are also like the crowd you are
with. (Sounds like advice you heard from your mother, doesn’t it?)
Don’t stop doing
what you know to be right. There are those around you, even Christians, who may not be obeying God or involved in reaching others for Christ. We are
to keep on track and not get tired, no matter what others are doing.
“But ye,
brethren, be not weary in well doing.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Thought of the
Day: Your friends will often follow the actions and behavior of
those they associate with. With this in mind, your responsibility is be a
proper, Godly “example”. Provide those who are watching you by leading them
down the right path.
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