WITH ALL MY HEART
Opening Prayer
Almighty God, from Genesis to Revelation, you have shared and are carrying out your plan for my redemption. Thank you for enabling me to know you, for providing everything I need to grow in faith and walk with you.
Read 2 THESSALONIANS 2:13–3:3
Stand Firm
13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits[a] to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings[b] we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Request for Prayer
3 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
Footnotes
- 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Some manuscripts because from the beginning God chose you
- 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Or traditions
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Who are the people you love most? Whether friends or family, what makes you thankful for each of them?Paul couldn’t help himself—he returned again to thanksgiving (2:13). Have you grasped the depth of his love and heartfelt thanks for the Thessalonians yet?
The end of chapter 2 is rich and beautiful. First, our salvation is from beginning to end the work of God who loves us (2:13). Second, that salvation is worked out in us in a partnership between the Spirit and ourselves (2:13, 15). Third, the call to this glorious life with Jesus comes through the gospel (2:14). Fourth, the Christian walk is not easy, so we need God’s grace and constant encouragement (2:16).
I wonder how many times we stop there. It is all too easy for churches to be rich in words but poor in deeds (and of course, the opposite). But for Paul the two went together: we must be strong in ‘every good deed and word’ (2:17). When churches get that balance right, the gospel does indeed ‘spread rapidly’ and is ‘honored’ (3:1). Why? Because people see our actions living up to what we say.
Apply
What mission activities are you and your church involved in? How could you not only pray, but also help to ensure that those activities involve spreading and honoring the gospel?
Closing prayer
I rejoice in your faithfulness, Father, as I look to you for help in spreading the message of Jesus. Protect me from those things that would keep me from sharing the gospel in word and deed.
Book and Author Intros
Extras
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