Kept by God’s Power
God establishes, guards, and keeps His children.
One of the greatest self helping realizations we can come to in our life is that we cannot keep ourselves! God is in total control! Salvation was the ticket and arrival to the palm of Gods hand! We must Realize that we are His and the enemy can’t convince us otherwise! Think it, speak it, and live it! That is the key to enjoying life in salvation!
After the apostle Paul was forced by persecution to leave the new converts at Thessalonica before he had adequate time to nurture them in the faith, he was gravely concerned that they would lose faith in Christ because they were being persecuted. However, Silas and Timothy brought news to Paul at Athens and Corinth that the Thessalonian believers were remaining faithful to Christ and growing in love. In this lesson, as Paul came to the conclusion of his second letter to the Thessalonians, his apprehensions about them had turned into hope and joy, as he gave them assurances of his confidence that God would continue keeping them faithful to Christ.
CHOSEN AND CALLED
A. Thank God for Salvation
2Th 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
2Th 2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
…….Sometimes we just have to remind ourselves that from the very beginning of time God has called and chosen us to be His children! By His grace, He rescued us from the grip and imprisonment of sin and sanctified us with His Holy Spirit! The enemy will try to make you believe that you are too out of wack to have the help of His Spirit! Though He sent His son to die to redeem prostitutes, thief’s and murderers so that THEY could have a relationship with Him, the enemy will still try and make YOU think YOU aren’t good enough! What a lie, what a lie! The same God that sent His precious, perfect, and innocent Son to redeem us is the same God who desires to comfort us with His Spirit! He is for you and never against you!!! Thank GOD for Salvation!!!
I just feel like sharing this scripture with us again! Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
B. Be Established in Goodness
2Th 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
…….The traditions were not some of a man made design, but traditions which were patterned by scripture. Man made traditions not based on scripture can be harmful to our souls, especially to a new convert who is dealing with learn what to do and what not to do. Personal traditions correlate with personal convictions. They may never harm the one who lives by them, but others who are forced by them may become the victim.
2Th 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation (comfort) and good hope through grace,
2Th 2:17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish (confirm, strengthen) you in every good word and work.
…….In 16 and 17, Paul prays that the same God that graced us with comfort in salvation will give us the same comfort coupled with strength for every good work we perform. God didn’t save you to leave you on a pew idle. And at the same time, God doesn’t intend to work us like a mule without giving us the strength we need to endure! There is nothing like working while being strengthened by His anointing! It’ll make you wanna work even more!
ESTABLISHED AND GUARDED
A. Intercede in Prayer
2Th 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
2Th 3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
…….Here is Paul opening 3rd chapter asking for prayer from the ones He is exhorting. Church today has been so focused on the “do it yourself” mentality, that we have become hardened to the requests of others. Just as the greatest apostle, it is our duty to ask for prayer when we are in need. Sometimes I feel so stagnant because no one needs my prayers and encouragement. What has changed church?! Paul knew there would always be a battle ahead, and though there were times He would have to deal with it, he knew that others would be subdued by others interceding on his behalf. Don’t be afraid to ask for prayer!
B. Be Confident in the Lord
(vs 2) for all men have not faith. 2Th 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
…….Though there will always be men who don’t have faith in God or Christ, God will always be faithful to us in their midst. We can have full confidence in the Lord Jesus that He will strengthen and protect those who believe in Him.
2Th 3:4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
2Th 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
…….Paul said he has confidence in the Lord on their behalf because it was only by the Lords strength that they would continue to live according to his letter. With God providing the strength, He will also provide the direction.
COMMANDED AND ENCOURAGED
A. Live Orderly for Christ
2Th 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
…….Again that is not a man made tradition, but tradition based on scripture. At the same time, this is a command that must be lived out. It is out of order to continue you with people who do not continue with God. The quickest route for any person back to the place God saved your from is though communion with unbelievers, especially those from the past.
2Th 3:7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
2Th 3:8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought (they were grateful); but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
2Th 3:9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
…….In our terms, Paul said if you desire to know how to carry yourselves, remember how we carried ourselves.
2Th 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
2Th 3:11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
2Th 3:12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
…….In Verses 10-12 Paul discourages those who expect others to work to provide for their own well being. It is our duty individually to work to provide for our families and self. Since there was no governmental help in Paul’s time, the church took on the main role of financial provisions. Though there will always be those who can’t work, the church must not be drained by those who can and refuse not to. This goes for physical and spiritual.
B. Never Tire of Doing Right
2Th 3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
…….Though we become tired at times in body, never be tired in doing what is right for the Lord. As long as we rely on God for strength, He will always provide to perform His will.
2Th 3:14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
2Th 3:15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
…….Though vs 14 commands to call out the one who is living against the word, it does not tell us to turn him away. Vs 15 tells us to admonish or correct gently as you would someone that is dear to your heart.
2Th 3:16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
