Don’t Withdraw but….

2 Thessalonians Don’t Withdraw but….

Already in the Sequel that is 2 Thessalonians we have learned that we the soil of adversity gives growth to our faith, we can’t panic, but acknowledge evil will become rampant and our trust in God must increase. Today we are instructed “Don’t withdraw but pray for each other, participate in life and prosper in the peace, presence of God.

Pray for each other 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Pray for me is Paul’s request. Paul’s need for individual support spiritually and to ensure that the Gospel would spread rapidly. Pray that the Gospel of grace and forgiveness be honored. Pray “evil” will not silence the preachers or damping the witness of Christians. Pray for the church folks. Prayer for strengthen the face not replacing affliction, but to overcome it. The divine work of God would happen in each individual.

Participate in life, society because the world is watching. 2 Thessalonians 3:7-15

Withdrawal is NOT an option for Christians! Command is a solemn authority not a mere suggestion. Compare what they are doing with my example. He always earned his way even though he was entitled to be supported by the Church. I Corinthians 9:14 “The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel”. Complete economic independence is honored and expected in Jewish thought. Create a policy in your fellowship concerning idleness. Warning (3:11-15)Christian witness is more than words. Christian witness is harmed because people are watching. James 2:26 “As the body with the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds are dead!” Command:(3:14-15) Refusing to work is an insult to the Jewish mind.

Prosper in our faith in the Lord 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

Peace of the Lord is the ultimate healer. The Lord is with us in each and every circumstance of life. Jesus said in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Presence of the Lord and His grace. Grace is the distinguishing mark of Jesus. Paul signed his letter with a distinguishing John Hancock to show those who read his sequel letter was from him.

Pray, participate and prosper in your relationship with God. Christians are “in the Lord”, Because of this we can’t withdraw we must engage life and society.