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. Our persecuted and imprisoned brothers and sisters need your prayers, especially in North Korea, China, and Arab countries in the Middle East – Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Syria, Yemen.
2. Trail as we have said many times before produces perseverance which 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’s easier said than done and can only be achieved by a heart that has received the gift of faith through grace.
3. 2Thess 3:6-15 speaks about the Christian’s witness at work. A lazy Chirstian 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 religious garb. May we never allow our trust in the truth about God’s sovereignty ever be an excuse for laziness or be an excuse for our responsibility to provide for our families or others in need.
4. Sometimes we need to cut people out of our lives that do not reflect our values in Christ, 2Thess 3:14. This can be tough when they are family members or friends we have known for years. But Paul is fairly clear on this. A person who does not desire to become like Jesus but wilfully continues to be negative or grieve the Holy Spirit should receive less of our time. Paul says elsewhere that he hands people over to Satan to burn away the flesh, 1Cor 5:5; 1Tim 1:20. Some of our sons and daughters, even parents or worldly believers (not disciples of Christ) need the same.
5. 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 statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Life groups Wednesdays. Ric Benson group Wednesday night 6:30pm. Off this week so that everyone gathers tonight for the combined prayer night. Starts at 7pm.
Pastor Jay has started the young adult’s life group looking at “what is a cult” this Sunday.
Prayer Points
1. Land slide in New Guinea that has claimed around 1000 lives. May God have mercy in the recovery efforts.
2. Keep praying for Anna and the Playgroup, pray for more families to be reached.
3. Conflict in Israel and Ukraine.
4. Church finances to cover all expenses. Budget presently not being met.
5. Pray for Kids@Church, Life groups. Young Adults.
6. Mathys has a prayer time at church on Wednesday afternoons, 5:00pm in the church cafe. He would be happy for you to join him and to send prayer requests.
7. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you to be saved. Pray for the blessing over the new pastoral care and hosting program.
8. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to increase.
Praise Points
1. Combined Baptist One prayer meeting was an encouragement to hear what the Lord is doing in the other churches and to pray for revival in our city.
2. Great meeting on Sunday with new comers – give thanks
3. Tad’s health getting better all the time.
4. Glenys is looking well and receiving good treatment as she recovers from her stroke.
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Playgroup 9:30-11am on Friday.
2. Special Members meeting 30th June after the service.
3. Young Adults study after church on Sunday – “What is a cult?”.
4. Wednesday evening prayer at church 5:30-6pm
5. Life Groups Wednesday 6:30pm at church.
6. Kids@Church every Sunday.
7. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
8. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for June...
Q. 21. In what condition did God make Adam and Eve? A. He made them holy and happy.
Bible References – Gen.1:26-28; Ps.8:4-8.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” Jer 33:3
