Paul asks for prayer that the gospel message may continue to grow despite persecution from evil ones. Additionally he requests that the Thessalonians be attentive to God so their hearts may be directed to His love and give them the patience for Jesus return. Paul also warns that the church that they should withdraw themselves from those walking in disorderly fashion aka not striving or living according to the way Jesus did. From what I know, I reckon this is best achieved when Church membership is put in place. Also, Paul financially supported himself for multiple reasons such as not wanting to be associated with con-artists (2 Corinthians 11) but also to not be a burden to those he preached to, the gospel is a message free of charge. This gave him credibility of not just being genuine but also being able to create Christian integrity from the view of non-christians. This is why he says that those who do not work shouldn't eat as apparently these "busy bodies" were being a burden to the church, maybe even going so far as to taking advantage of christian generosity. They should labour in quietness, earning their own food through their own work, because God cares about good stewardship. Paul again commands that the Church should not keep in company those who do not obey the words of this chapter for the purpose of them being ashamed, and hopefully be moved to repentance. They are not enemies but rather brothers and sisters in need of counselling/discipline, or even a potential mission field! Paul ends this chapter by praying for them, and then confirmed that he had written the letter himself by using his own hand. This is proof of the letters authenticity.
Prayer/response:
- Help Jiwoong know you
- Please comfort the families and friends of Antony and Sienna Abdallah. Please comfort them in their loss, may they know you and run to you. May Samuel Davis also come to know you and run to you as he awaits trial.
- Help me make time for prayer today
BOOK SUMMARY
Book was written around 52-54AD, several months after his first letter. The purpose of this letter was to combat the lie some Thessalonians had fallen into was that Jesus had in fact returned and abandoned his Church. Paul highlights the great hope in Jesus return and commends the church for their perseverance in persecution. God will punish those who persecute His people and so he will give them what they want, a relational distance from him (ch1:8-9). In the final 2 chapters Paul talks about the antichrist and that the Holy Spirit will restrain him from exercising his power too soon. Before the antichrist comes to power, all believers will be taken away to God. Paul then closes this book by encouraging them to pray and serve in Christlikeness (ch3:5).
This book reminded me of Harold Camping, the Christian Radio host who incorrectly predicted Jesus return on May 21st 2011, even went so far as to spend a crap ton of money to spread the message. A year later he humbly apologised owned up to his mistake. He put his money and effort where his mouth was, he was mistaken but at the same time a seemingly genuine Christian.
- Help Jiwoong know you
- Please comfort the families and friends of Antony and Sienna Abdallah. Please comfort them in their loss, may they know you and run to you. May Samuel Davis also come to know you and run to you as he awaits trial.
- Help me make time for prayer today
BOOK SUMMARY
Book was written around 52-54AD, several months after his first letter. The purpose of this letter was to combat the lie some Thessalonians had fallen into was that Jesus had in fact returned and abandoned his Church. Paul highlights the great hope in Jesus return and commends the church for their perseverance in persecution. God will punish those who persecute His people and so he will give them what they want, a relational distance from him (ch1:8-9). In the final 2 chapters Paul talks about the antichrist and that the Holy Spirit will restrain him from exercising his power too soon. Before the antichrist comes to power, all believers will be taken away to God. Paul then closes this book by encouraging them to pray and serve in Christlikeness (ch3:5).
This book reminded me of Harold Camping, the Christian Radio host who incorrectly predicted Jesus return on May 21st 2011, even went so far as to spend a crap ton of money to spread the message. A year later he humbly apologised owned up to his mistake. He put his money and effort where his mouth was, he was mistaken but at the same time a seemingly genuine Christian.
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