1 & 2 Thessalonians: A Study of 2 Letters, Part 4

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Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

2 Thessalonians 2: 13-3: 5 - Relationship of prayer

In this section Paul says how he ought to give thanks (2 Thessalonians 2: 13), a form of prayer, and asks the Thessalonians to pray for him and his group (2 Thessalonians 3: 1-2). This tells us that between Paul and the churches he started there is a relationship of mutuality. Yes, Paul gives instructions, teaching, and challenges but he acknowledges that he needs the support of this congregation just as much as they need him. It is clear that the relationship is a two-way street. Let’s look at the prayers we see in this short section, and see what we can learn and apply to our lives today.

As I read this passage I notice five sections:

1. Paul giving thanks - 2: 13-14

2. A call to stand firm - 2: 15

3. A prayer for strengthening and encouragement - 2: 16-17

4. A request for prayer - 3: 1-2

5. A statement of truth and encouragement - 3: 3-5

Let’s take a look at each of these sections. In 2: 13-14 Paul states that he and his group “ought always to thank God for you”. It must have felt great to hear that said about you for the second time in this letter (see 1: 3). In the first instance Paul is thankful for their growing faith, here he is thankful that these people received salvation and are being sanctified by the Spirit. Paul clearly does not take that kind of outcome for granted. He fully expects God’s word to bear fruit but he is always thankful when it does.

Continuing in this short section we next see the call to stand firm, and some indication on how to do that.

“So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.”

2 Thessalonians 2: 15

Here, having given thanks, Paul is encouraging the Thessalonians to stand firm, and he also knows that they can stand firm. In order to stand firm they are to hold to the teachings they received from Paul – either “word of mouth or by letter”. (I think that “spoken word” may more accurately represent the Greek text that is translated as “word of mouth”, and this would avoid any negative connotations we may have with the phrase “word of mouth”). Paul’s call to hold to the teachings echoes the practice of Jesus that we see in Matthew 4 as He stands firm against the temptations of the devil. For us, today, knowing the Bible, and meditating on it are key to being able to stand firm.

At this point we can see that we ought to give thanks for our fellow believers, and we should let them know of our gratitude. We should also keep studying scripture, it is a powerful tool as we look to stand firm for Jesus.

Paul now turns that instruction into prayer. What Paul knows is that standing firm is not easy; without God strengthening you it is impossible.

If we look closely at this short prayer we see that it is jam packed with truth, encouragement, and expectation.

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”

2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17

First we see relationships. We have a relationship with Jesus. The use of “our” makes a strong connection between us and Jesus. It also shows Paul is putting himself in the same place, he is not setting himself apart from the Thessalonians. Then we have “God our Father”. A strong statement of family relationship, and in line with how Jesus taught His disciples to pray (Matthew 6: 9-13). This relationship, Paul says, is one of love, grace, encouragement, and good hope. It is out of this amazing grace that God loved us, and Jesus sacrificed Himself for us. It is that sacrifice that provides us with eternal encouragement and good hope. As we stand firm we need to be reminded of this encouragement and hope. All of this is telling us who we are, and what relationship we now have with God because of Jesus.

From here Paul asks that God would encourage their hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word. See, when we stand firm it should be noticeable that we stand for Jesus. This is through word and deed. As Paul goes on in chapter 3 to speak against idleness he likely had that in mind. I think we can apply this today. We are to make sure our words and deeds, our speech and actions, line up with Jesus. As we speak it should be marked as different. As we engage with the world around us our actions should seem different and be with different motivations. All that we say and do, as followers of Jesus, should line up with Him and point others to Him. This is what taking a stand means. This is why we need the encouragement and strengthening that comes from our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father.

Having prayed for the Thessalonians, and in some way for us and all who believe, Paul now makes a request for prayer. His request is simple – the rapid spread of the Gospel such that it is honoured and glorified wherever it is shared. Knowing, as he does, that it will be met with opposition he asks for deliverance. Paul knows what it takes to stand firm, he also knows the wisdom of asking for deliverance (see Matthew 6: 13). This isn’t about avoidance, rather it is about being free to continue the work of spreading the gospel.

This simple request is then followed by a declaration of faith, and a final prayer for the believers.

“But the Lord is faithful and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Chrest’s perseverance.”

2 Thessalonians 3: 3-5

What a way to finish a prayer – “But the Lord is faithful and he will…” Paul shows, in these few words, what it is to trust God when we pray. He has made his requests and he declares that God is faithful and in verse 5 shows that it is God’s direction that he seeks most. We know that as Paul prays that over the Thessalonians this is how he lives his life. Acts has numerous accounts of Paul being directed by God. It was following God’s direction that initially led him to Thessalonica. We, even now, can learn from that experience, we can trust our steps to God.

In my own life I have prayed “God, you direct my steps.” On one occasion this was whilst working for a company that I did not suit, and that did not suit me. The morning I prayed this prayer the company let me go. Nine days later I started work at the job I have now been in for over 13 years. God directed my steps. I trusted Him and he strengthened and protected me, He provided for me and my family. We really can trust the direction of our lives to God.

Practical Application

• Whatever you are praying for today, finish by declaring that God is faithful.

• If there are decisions to make, or uncertainties you face, ask God to direct and lead you.

• Ask God to reveal His love to you again and to strengthen you to persevere where needed.

2 Thessalonians 3: 6-15 - The Instruction

It is interesting that at the end of the last section we see Paul declare confidence that the Thessalonians will do what he is commanding (2 Thessalonians 3: 4), and at the very start of this passage we have a command from Paul.

I think it is important to look at this command and try to understand it and apply it to our own context. At first glance it can seem tricky to apply. Paul is encouraging all to work. In the modern world there are many who want to work but can’t. So, as we unpack these verses we must be mindful of that and not be too simplistic in our interpretation and application.

The first thing to point out is this is a reiteration of a topic from Paul’s first letter to this church. From that we can see that there was perhaps something of an ongoing problem of idleness in this community. If we tread carefully, avoiding sweeping statements, I think there are lessons we can apply today.

Reading this passage, I think there are a few key verses that will help us to understand the real heart of this teaching, and how we can apply it today.

“We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busbodies.”

2 Thessalonians 3: 11

“And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.”

2 Thessalonians 3: 13

“Yet do not regard him [the one living in idleness] as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.”

2 Thessalonians 3: 15

From these verses we can see the heart of Paul’s instruction. We should also remember the way Paul taught the same lesson in the first letter. There Paul had a strong emphasis on love and respect. Here, while there is a comment on disassociation and warning, we see that relationship remains key. We are to “warn him as a brother”. Love and unity within the group are still of the utmost importance. In this teaching Paul is working to make sure that there are strong and healthy relationships within this church family. 

In the first of these verses that I pulled out we see Paul’s concern is “busybodies”. Those people who are living in idleness, and causing disruption. This is a nice play on words that works in Greek and in English, I think the NIV does a good job of capturing what Paul is saying. There are people who are stirring up trouble, there are those within the community who are being disruptive. They are actively causing disharmony. 

What we don’t know is why. There are some possible reasons. It could be the result of too strong a focus on Jesus’ return, leading them to think that work is not required. Paul has already tackled this particular topic in chapter 2. Plus, we must surely conclude that the correct response to such a conviction would not be living in idleness, rather it would be increased efforts to spread the gospel; more effort, not less. It may be a rejection of work because they are free in Christ, so why engage in manual labour, an activity normally associated with slavery. 

Whatever the reason it seems Paul is challenging their behaviour. After all he believes Jesus will return, and he is very clear about freedom in Christ yet he works hard throughout his ministry to support himself. He is not calling them to anything he doesn’t practice. In other words we are to “never tire of doing what is right.”

As we ponder this instruction more closely, as we examine the context, and consider the specifics of this church we see Paul’s instruction more clearly. His focus is on church unity, and keeping people grounded in reality. The call is not to stir up division, but to unite in love for Christ and one another, hence “warn as a brother”.

In our current settings this teaching, which is more about heart attitude than it is about employment, is just as valid. Within our own church context are we sewing seeds of division and stirring up discontent? Or are we working together, supporting one another and creating the kind of unity that wins the respect of others? 

Practical Application

• Ask the Holy Spirit to show you any areas where you may have stopped working towards unity.

• Ask God to help you work for unity in your local church.

• Commit to some action that will, in practical terms, help to build up your local church.

2 Thessalonians 3: 16-18 - Conclude with Grace and Peace

As Paul comes to the end of this letter, and we come to the end of this study, there are still some deep truths to be recognised. The ending of this letter is much like the start; there is grace and peace from the Lord. Paul also points out that this conclusion, written in his own hand, is a hallmark of its authenticity. This is a key point when we remember the disruption fake letters have caused (2 Thessalonians 2: 2).

The final line of this letter, a prayer for God’s grace to be with them, is almost identical to the ending of the first letter to this church. The difference is the addition of the word “all”. It seems Paul may be making his final greeting in such a way as to clearly include those causing trouble, those he has sought to instruct most directly. The point being that grace and peace are not just for the well behaved.

Let’s look at the peace Paul writes of. There are a few key points in verse 16 that I think can help us today.

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.”

2 Thessalonians 3: 16

The first thing we see is that real peace comes from the Lord. Only He can give real peace because only He is real peace. This sort of peace is not simply rest, or quiet, the kind of thing we may crave after a busy season, or a child’s birthday party. No, this peace speaks of the prosperity of the whole person, of being in a place of harmony with God. This is why it can only come from God. Paul makes the point quite emphatically. What we see as “himself” in this verse is a way of driving home, of emphasising that Thessalonians should not focus on themselves or their situation to find peace, they should focus on God alone for He alone can bring peace.

Continuing in the verse we have the English phrase “at all times and in every way”. Paul is letting them know that no matter what they face, and remember they were facing opposition and persecution, they can still know real peace. You see even in the midst of great uncertainty, even as everything may seem to be going wrong we can know real peace. I’m not writing this merely as a point of exposition, I have known this. When our daughter was born I nearly lost my wife. In that moment I knew real and tangible peace. The doctor later commented on it. When I was briefly unemployed I had a sense of peace. In both cases God was at work and my peace came from Him. This is not just clever words, or a nice way to close a letter, this is real and practical. At all times, and in every way we can know peace because God is a God of peace.

Practical Application

• Give thanks to God that He is a God of peace.

• Ask Him to make His peace known to you in every area of your life.

• Ask God to make you a person of peace in the lives of others.