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2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:18 Any Other Business

by fol CHURCH on August 10, 2018

Having made his key point, Paul proceeds to tie up a few other ‘loose ends’.

Firstly, he reminds the Thessalonians to stand firm. As we saw yesterday, it can be disconcerting to live in the midst of different and/or new teachings, opinions and the changing events and circumstances that accompany modern life. Paul is keen that his flock are rooted in the important matters of the faith, the “teachings we passed on to you” (v.15). He prays that “Jesus himself” would be their encourager and strengthener. It’s sound advice! The best and, really, the only place to go when things seem confusing and difficult is the feet of Jesus.

Secondly, he asks for their prayers. Paul had an exceptional ministry but he knew it was only through prayer that he was able to carry out that which the Lord had given him to do. Paul’s itinerant ministry meant he was moving from place to place and would spend time with one community and then move on. It made me wonder who, either in my life as an individual, or in our corporate life, has had an influence on me/us but since moved on to pastures new. I suspect we could name many (I certainly can), and it is good to remember to pray for these folks as they continue to minister in their new place. Sometimes, we may not be in touch; no matter, we can pray as the Spirit directs!

The longest of the final threads is the exhortation against idleness (the Greek word, apparently, carries with it connotations of laziness, disorderliness and disruption). In other words, this passage is directed against those who were expecting to live off other people and in return were using their time to disrupt the life of the community. We need to read this with care: there are many valid reasons why we might not be ‘employed’ – illness, retirement and voluntary work are just a few examples – this passage is not meant to cover those types of situations! A key question is, “how are we using the gifts God has given us?”

So, we need to stand firm in our faith and remember that in times of uncertainty, Jesus is our refuge; there are many who have ministered to us over the courses of our lives for whom it is good to remember to pray; and it’s good to constantly present before God the gifts he’s given us and ask him if we’re using them as he intended – thus avoiding the possibility of idleness!

 

 

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Father God, thank you that you have given me everything I need. Please help me use it all well. Amen.

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