Paul finishes off his 2nd letter to the Thessalonians. He asks them to pray for the gospel and to not grow lazy.
2 Thessalonians 3: Pray for Us
1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honoured, as happened among you,
2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.
3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.
4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command.
5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
Warning Against Idleness
6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.
7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,
8 nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labour we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.
9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.
10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.
11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.
12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.
14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.
15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
Benediction
16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Things to think about…
1. Paul asks for prayer, 2Thess 3:1, that the word of God may be spread and honoured. The reason being that they may be delivered from wicked and evil men because not all have faith, vs 2. Can you recall a situation where you knew deliverance from evil? There are many countries where Christians are being persecuted, imprisoned, and killed for their faith. Keep our persecuted and imprisoned brothers and sisters in your prayers.
2. Trail as we have said many times before produces perseverance and develops character. This is Paul’s focus in 2Thess 3:5. Christians are called to be steadfast and not shallow; we are not to be fickle or easily moved. The Lord often uses trial to bring about this reality. Can you honestly say “I praise God for the fiery trial”? It can only be done by a heart that has received the gift of faith through grace.
3. 2Thess 3:6-15 speak about the Christian’s witness in work. A lazy person is a blight upon the name of Christ. Some Thessalonians were waiting for the return of Jesus and as such were becoming lazy busybodies, vs 11. Our theology should never be an excuse for laziness or to cause offense. Hyper Calvinism is also a blight in this way. It is virtually fatalism dressed in different garb. May we never allow our trust in the truth about God’s sovereignty ever be an excuse for laziness or to renege on our responsibility to provide for our families or others in need.
4. Let’s agree with Paul, “may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all”, 2Thess 3:18. Be blessed as you serve Him today!
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Title was “What did you say” – Reading Prov 26:17-28.
1. Have you ever said words you instantly regretted? What was the result following those words. Did you make amends afterward?
2. Look at vss 17-19. Have you ever been involved in an argument not your own or been the subject of someone who was bent on causing division under the guise of saying “I was only joking”. How did you respond?
3. A fire needs fuel and division needs a gossip, vss 20-22. What practical steps should be taken in dealing with gossip in any given context?
4. The world wants to cover itself in a shiny veneer, vs 23, through what is said online etc. But Christ calls us to know that we are all clay pots and that He alone heals us. This allows God’s strength to be made perfect in weakness, 2Cor 12:9. Give an example of how this works out in the life of a believer.
Prayer Points
1. The right choice for a full time Youth and Young Adults Pastor to start Jan 2023.
2. Doug and Joanne Horne after laying Doug’s father to rest.
3. Ministry leaders within the church.
4. Continued peace and growth within the church.
5. Peace to rest over Ukraine.
6. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
7. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Many returning back to full health.
2. Worship on Sunday – thankyou Paul, Gina, Suzy, Ashley, Richard and Maddison looking after Kidz at Church. Dan and Melinda doing the words. Fiona and Suzy in café always do a stellar job. Thankyou for those who welcomed at the door.
3. All those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
4. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Remember to check your duty rosters.
2. Members’ meeting 28th August after the morning service.
3. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
4. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for August...
Q. 7. What is hell? A. A place of dreadful and endless punishment & torment.
