If we begin to search for what we “need” out in the world, we will quickly sink into the tension-filled uncertainty of our surrounding culture. As Christians, we can stop searching because we already have everything we need in Christ. Specifically, we have the promise of peace and grace from God. There is nothing we truly need that hasn’t already been given to us by God on account of our faith in the death and resurrection of His Son.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 - "Church Discipline"
We tend to operate with a “mind your own business” mentality, even in the Church. But as fellow members of the Body of Christ, we can’t afford to mind our own business. We’re called to something much greater and more loving than that. And that’s where Paul is taking us today. Church discipline is necessary for a truly Christian community, so we need to learn how to do it biblically. Today’s short passage lays out three aspects of biblical church discipline. It must be consistent, clear, and compassionate.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 - "Praying Together"
When we fail to pray and ask for prayer, we leave God out of life’s equations. As Christians, we must acknowledge our dependence on God through prayer. In today’s passage, we see Paul prayerfully acknowledging this dependence in two ways. He requests prayer for the multiplication of his ministry, and he prays for the maturity of believers.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 - "Standing Firm"
We find ourselves on shifting sand when we forget the truth about God. The truth is... God’s love and grace are solid ground, so we can stand firm in this Christian life. In today’s passage Paul lays out these two realities for believers, so that we can know that we have solid footing: 1. We are LOVED by God; and 2. He gives grace for today, tomorrow, and the rest of eternity.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 - "Looking Forward"
Too many of us minimize biblical teachings on the end times. We see that there are many different interpretations and so that becomes our reason for setting it aside. But understanding future events affects how we live in the present, so we need to better understand what God has promised about the future. Like Paul, we must do two things in the church: confront false teaching and confirm biblical teaching concerning the end times.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 - "Praying With Purpose"
What we see in these two verses will help us have a better perspective on how to pray for one another, especially in the current situation we are living through. Praying with purpose for one another will help us persevere. It will also help us point each other to the hope in Christ’s return and how we can live lives that point to His glory in the meantime. In our passage, Paul gives us a great template for how, what, and why to pray with purpose.
2 Thessalonians 1:1-10 - "The Importance of Perseverance"
Christians have what it takes to persevere, but we must learn to see our circumstances in light of our relationship with Christ.
