Today we finish 2Thessalonians, 2Thes.3 and verse 1 reads.
2Thes.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:
The word of the Lord is the most important business we have, and spreading it freely throughout the world glorifies the Lord.
2Thes.3:2] And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
The Lord has given us unction, the ability to know them by their fruits.
2Thes.3:3] But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
We are going to read the true Lords Prayer. Wish we had the room for all of it because it is the most wonderful prayer of all. Please read all of John 17 when you get a chance, but for sake of this lesson let’s read verses 14-21. Jesus is praying on our behalf to the Father. John 17 and verse 14 begins.
John 17:14] I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
Don’t overlook it is God’s Word that is given to us. The world will hate (persecute) us for this reason.
John 17:15] I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
Brought into this world for a purpose, but protect them from evil. 2Thes.3:3 being the reason we came here.
John 17:16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
[17] Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Truth is the word of God, and the word sanctifies us.
John 17:18] As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
Jesus sent us here into the world, predestined, chosen, his Elect.
John 17:19] And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
By his word and for teaching his word Jesus prays for our sanctification.
John 17:20] Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
For spreading the word of God throughout the world Jesus prays not only for us, but for all of God’s children who hear the word and believes.
John 17:21] That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Being one with the Father and the Son, what a beautiful prayer for us from Jesus. Back to 2Thes.3 and verse 4 reads.
2Thes.3:4] And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
Have confidence that the Lord will lead us in this world and to our destiny.
2Thes.3:5] And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
Patience is a virtue.
2Thes.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.
This is a commandment from Paul, the he received from Jesus. do not associate yourselves with those that don’t believe or those that don’t follow the laws of God.
2Thes.3:7] For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
We follow Christ and not those the pretend to be Christians, these are antichrist.
2Thes.3:8] Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
We know Paul was a tent maker, he paid his own way and took nothing from the church. Beware of those that receive a salary from the churches because they might not be teaching the whole truth. As I have heard for a long time now, a half-truth is a whole lie.
2Thes.3:9] Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
They did have power of the church because they built the church. But for our example to follow them, we should not be taking money to teach the word of God. I’m guessing not many preachers teach this chapter.
2Thes.3:10] For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
This verse here tells us how to treat another that won’t work, simply don’t feed them. This is not talking about the handicapped, but the healthy.
2Thes.3:11] For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
Not only refusing to work but they cause problems within the church. These let go and let them stumble, maybe then can they come back to the Lord, this is tough love.
2Thes.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.
They will find their way because when they get hungry then they will work.
2Thes.3:13] But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
They are not your problem, you tried, now let them go.
2Thes.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.
Mark him, cast him out of the church so that he does no harm to others. Because the young might be deceived by him and his examples. But, let’s go to Romans and look at what Paul wrote to them about this subject. Rom.12 and verse 17 reads.
Rom.12:17] Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
[18] If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Note that it said “if it be possible”, well we know it is sometimes impossible to get along with all people. But that we try, let the light shine through you. Back to 2Thes.3 and verse 15 reads.
2Thes.3:15] Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
Let them know where or why they have sinned, then show them scripture to help them see where they went wrong and try to make it right. This is how we help one another as brothers.
2Thes.3:16] Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
[17] The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
This would show us that Paul signed all his epistles with the salutations so that they would know it was from him since he used scribes to write the letters. In another place he would say “See how large I write…”.
2Thes.3:18] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
The letters he wrote to Thessalonica were some of the best to understand how it will be when Jesus returns. It is to great disappointment to me that churches can’t or won’t teach the truth. But it is written that in these end times there would be false prophets and teachers. Let’s go to his throne.
Father, we thank you for your word and ask that you bless all that love you in Jesus’s precious name, Amen.
KJV along with The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of The Bible