Bible Chapter: II Thessalonians 3

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Paul’s strong desire was that the message of Jesus would spread rapidly.  People need the Lord.  If I think of what would be the most important thing I could tell anyone, it would be that Jesus loves them and He died on the cross for them.  A critically important question: What will you do with Jesus?  Paul longed for the message to get out, so he asked for prayer that it would spread quickly.  There are wicked people who oppose the message of Jesus.  Not everyone has faith.  Not everyone listens to or applies the teachings of the Bible.  The opposition must be overcome.
    God is faithful and He will strengthen and protect believers from the evil one.  Our ultimate destination is with HIM.
    Paul also admonished work and rejects laziness.  Those who refuse to make an effort to work should not be enabled to be lazy by having people provide for them.  If someone refuses to work, if they refuse to try, they shouldn’t eat.  The Christian life is not a lazy one.  God’s miraculous provision is not an excuse to be slothful.  There are times when a person can’t find work and it is right to help them through that time.
    Paul ended this book with his desire that they would have God’s peace in their hearts.  We all need this continually.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Don’t be lazy.  I don’t think that I am.  My father was never lazy and didn’t let us be lazy either.  My brothers and I were “encouraged” to work around the house.  I have learned that God’s plan for people is to work.  He could have made it so all we had to do was go outside and we would find food.  He made it so we must work.  That is a good plan.  We don’t have to be bored.
    Paul requested prayer for their ministry.  That need is still as strong as ever.  People need prayer.  Especially those in the Lord’s work need prayer.  I must continually remind myself to pray, and I must continually do it.  In the conclusion of his first letter to this church, Paul said they were to pray without ceasing.  Now, in the end of this second letter he calls again for prayer.  It seems that this was very important.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I can be a hard worker. I can help others be hard workers.  No one ever receives any good or benefit from someone who is lazy.  God will use those who are willing to work.