2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5 Click here for Bible Verses
Hi GAMErs!
Today’s passage is 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5. Let’s go!
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 (NIV)
13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you 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, stand firm and hold to the teachings 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.
On 2:13-17: In the previous verses, Paul talked about the anti-Christ, “the man of lawlessness”, and how when he comes he will deceive all “those who are perishing…who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness” (v10, 12).
Since there were those in the church in Thessalonica who wondered if they had fallen into that group of those who are perishing, Paul reassures his church in Thessalonica that they are not part of that group that is perishing. Rather they are chosen by God, saved by the work of the Spirit and through their belief in the truth (v13). Paul encourages them to stand firm in their faith and hold onto the gospel that Paul and his team had preached to them (v15). He prays for them that God would encourage their hearts and strengthen them (v16-17).
What can we learn from this? In these verses we learn of 7 blessings that God gives to those who trust in His Son Jesus Christ. When we trust in Jesus, God gives us:
1. His salvation (v13): we are saved from our sins
2. His Spirit (v13), who works in us and makes our salvation possible
3. His glory (v14). Once we lived in shame because of sin, but now we share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
4. His truth and teachings (v15), which we must stand firm in and hold fast to.
5. His eternal encouragement (v16). God is an encourager. Through Christ’s Word, His promises and His example, we have something to encourage us for the rest of our days on earth and in heaven. It’s eternal encouragement.
6. His good hope (v16)
7. His strength (v17)
So if ever you find yourself, like the church in Thessalonica, becoming unsure of what to believe, or shaken by questionable messages that you hear, go back to Jesus and take hold of these 7 blessings.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 (NIV)
1 Finally, brothers, 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 men, for not everyone has faith.
3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command.
5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
On 3:1-5: Here Paul does four things:
– he calls his church in Thessalonica to prayer (v1-2);
– he reassures them that God is faithful and will protect them (v3);
– he expresses his confidence in the Lord that they will continue in the right direction (v4); and
– he prays that the Lord would direct them to love like God and persevere like Christ (v5).
What can we learn from this? If you want to be effective at leading and discipling others, if you want to raise strong spiritual children, here are 4 things you must do:
1. Call those you lead to pray (v1-2). Help them see that their prayers matter and that they need to be devoted to prayer.
2. Remind them that God is bigger than their problems (v3).
3. Tell them that you believe in God’s work in them and cast a vision for their lives, one where they can see themselves glorifying God and living victoriously for him (v4).
4. Pray for those you lead (v5).
There are other things a good discipler does, like getting their students to read, study and memorize God’s Word, or teaching them to develop good habits and a lifestyle of love. But don’t underestimate the importance of the above four keys to being a good discipler of others.
In your home and in your relationships, may you be an excellent discipler of others, raising strong spiritual children and great disciples for Jesus.
Lord Jesus, I pray that every person reading this GAME sharing would not only be an excellent disciple of You, but an excellent maker of disciples for You. Help us all to make disciples who love You and who love people the way You made us to. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
Copyright © 2021 Justin Lim. All rights reserved.
