Summary of 2 Thessalonians

Summary of 2 Thessalonians             July 27, 2011

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.  2 Thess. 3:3


LET IT GLOW

Well, the clouds moved on yesterday. All we got in my neck of the woods was only a few sprinkles. I probably could have counted the drops on my car windshield. The ground is so dry that our son counldn't pull a fence post out of the ground without help. I know our heavenly Father has a purpose for this extreme hot and dry summer in mid America. Maybe we Americans should pray to Him more often and more intensely, repenting of our sins like the Hebrews in the Old Testament. God does control all things, even the rain.  Wasn't it three years He withheld rain during Elijah's day? Oh, my, what a thought. Friends, let's pray for mercy. The Lord is faithful. He does whatever He pleases.

Can you believe we have finished our walk through another epistle of Paul's? Of course, it was only three chapters long. That's why I went verse by verse and not just picking out a few verses in a chapter to focus on. Shall we review a few main points?

* Paul wrote this letter only a few months after writing the first epistle, during his eighteen month stay in
    Corinth. Silas and Timothy were with him there. However, shortly thereafter, Silas drops out of sight,
    according to the book of Acts.
* Paul's purpose in writing a second time to this church was to correct any errors-second coming of Christ
    was immediate so some they sold everything to wait on the hilltops for His return.
* The flock were discouraged by persecution and needed incentive to persevere.
* They were deceived by false teachers who confused them about the Lord's return.
* They were disobedient to divine commands, particularly by refusing to work.
* Three times in each chapter Paul uses the phrase "the Lord Jesus Christ."
[Resource: The MacArthur Bible Commentary, Liberty Bible Commentary]


LET IT GROW

Were there any particular verses that especially spoke to you in this book?
In reviewing, there were a few phrases Paul used that were significant to me:

Chapter one talks about:
-your faith is growing
-the love of every one of you for one another is increasing
-having perseverence and faith midst persecutions and affliction
-worthy of God's kingdom
-rest for the afflicted
-counted worthy of His calling, fulfilling his goodness, and work of faith (in them)
-glorifying our Lord Jesus Christ.

Chapter two talks about:
-don't be shaken by (false teachers) messages not from us
-there will be a falling away from the faith and the son of perdition will be revealed
-you're the beloved of the Lord
-chosen for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth
-stand fast in the Word
-God has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace
-comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.

Chapter three talks about:
-the Lord is faithful and will strengthen and protect us from the evil one
-direct your hearts in the love of God
-no work, no eat
-some are busybodies
-be not weary in well doing
-don't associate with the disobedient ones
-Lord of Peace give you peace
-grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
[Reference: New American Standard Bible]


LET IT GO

Of what do I need to let go or to do?

Be ready for and count on the second coming of Jesus.

Persevere with faith.

Keep on working for and with Jesus.

Share His love and grace.