Lesson 1: Hold fast to the Word
2 Thessalonians 2:15 (ESV)- So then brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us either by our spoken word or by our letter
The Thessalonian church had a problem- whispers. They were a church who were undergoing great persecution. 2 Thessalonians 1: 3-4.
Amid this persecution, it seems that some wolves crept into the fold and started sowing confusion concerning the second coming of Jesus (sound familiar?).
So great was this confusion that Paul had to write a second letter to the church although he had already written to them concerning the issue (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
In 2 Thessalonians, Paul gives a simple answer to the confusion the church was experiencing: 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (NLT)- So then brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us either by our spoken word or by our letter.
Guess what?
We still have the letters. They're in our Bible.
The remedy to our confusion and uncertainty in the faith is in the word. You need to keep a strong grip on it. In order to do that, you need to know the word. You need to meditate on it day and night. It is your sword.
When the whispers come (and they will) you will need a strong grip on the teachings. Otherwise, like the Thessalonians, you too will be moved.
Lesson 2: Pray for your leaders
2 Thessalonians 3:1-2
Raise your hand if you are guilty of not doing this. I'm sure a lot of hands are up right now.
We are all in a war. Our enemy is vicious and cunning.
Our spiritual leaders are our captains. They lead the way, they train us, they arm us with the word. They are God's gift to us (Ephesians 4:11). The verses after Ephesians 4:11 tell us why God gave them as a gift
Who do you think our cunning enemy will attack the most?
What kind of team doesn't support its captain. We need to step up.
Your prayers have an effect (James 5:16).
Don't worry about what to pray. Paul gave the template.
2 Thessalonians 3:1- Pray that the word of God is spread rapidly and is honored where it goes.
2 Thessalonians 3:2- Pray that your leaders be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer.
Lesson 3: Work hard
2 Thessalonians 3:5-15
Yeah, you need to put your hands to work. Idleness is not of God. Laziness and slothfulness are not of God. In fact, God seems to despise it.
Proverbs 13:4- The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.
See also: Prov 10:4, Prov 18:9, Prov 19:24, Prov 21:25-26, Prov 10:26, Ecclesiastes 10:18.
Notice how those are all wisdom books?
It is the height of foolishness to be a sluggard, yet that is exactly what the world trains us to be. Our gadgets and apps slowly erode our attention spans. We struggle to read. We have been taught that the ends justify the means and that money (or the illusion of it) is the most important thing.
So we cut corners, loosen morals, and even toss them in the trash. We stop working hard. We despise an honest wage.
I am guilty of this too. I write this as much for myself as for you the reader.
Colossians 3:23- Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.
Laziness does not bring God glory. Work hard. Earn an honest living. If it is difficult at first, talk to the Holy Spirit. He is your counselor. He will help you.
Lesson 4; Pray Continually
1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to pray continually. Paul emphasizes this in 2 Thessalonians with his multiple prayers.
Paul wrote 13 books of the Bible. In these 13 books, it is stated that he wrote 32 prayers. A quick search reveals that only Galatians doesn't have a prayer, which is (kinda) understandable. Galatians is the FIRE book. Paul comes in with energy and urgency. Yet still, Galatians 6:18 reads like a prayer: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen."
In his writings, Paul was full of prayer. I have no doubt that his life was even more full. We must follow his example. Pray continuously.
It doesn't have to be complicated. Thank you is a prayer. Asking for strength is a prayer.
Talk to God. He wants to hear you.
Always remember to listen. He wants to speak to you.
Lesson 5: What to pray
Pray these things for yourself and your church.
- Pray to know God and Jesus more
- Pray for Wisdom
- Pray for grace
- Give thanks
- Pray to hear the Holy Spirit
- Pray to be rooted in Love
The list goes on.
I am not asking you to only pray what Paul did. Of course, pray your personal prayers, but I believe the Pauline prayers are a good place to start.
There you have it. 5 lessons picked up while reading 2 Thessalonians. I choose to end this as Paul did in 2 Thessalonians.
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be will be with you all. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all.
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