2 Thessalonians 03:01-05 – Paul’s Confidence and the Thessalonians’ Prayer – audio

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Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 (Reading by Steven Winland)

Introduction

A. Paul made a request of the Thessalonians that they would pray for him.

B. He prayed that He and others would carry the Word of God as commanded.

C. Knowing that God is faithful, he assured them that God would help them and achieve His purpose.

D. Paul then encourages them to do their part, just as he would do his.

Body

I. Paul requested prayer of the Thessalonians.

A. Paul often requested prayer for his boldness to proclaim the Word of God (Ephesians 6:18-20).

B. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man does avail much (James 5:13-18).

C. Paul prayed here for:

1) The Word of God would run swiftly and be glorified (Acts 6:7; 12:24; 19:20; 2 Timothy 2:9; Philippians 1:14; 1 Thessalonians 1:8).  Others gained boldness and proclaimed it!

2) He and others would be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men (Romans 15:30-32; 2 Timothy 3:11; 4:17-18).

3) God assures us of our deliverance (Psalm 91:15-16; Matthew 6:13; 2 Peter 2:9-10).

4) Those that do not have faith (Acts 28:24; Romans 10:14-18).

II. The Lord is faithful to Paul, the Thessalonians, and to all Christians!

A. Many proclaimed the Lord’s faithfulness (Isaiah 49:7; Deuteronomy 7:9; Hosea 11:12; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Corinthians 1:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; Hebrews 10:23; 1 John 1:9).

B. Christians are established through Christ (James 5:8; 1 Peter 5:10).

C. Christians will be kept from the evil one (John 17:15).

III. Paul had confidence in:

A. The Thessalonians (2 Thessalonians 3:4).

B. The Corinthians (2 Corinthians 7:14-16).

C. The Lord (2 Thessalonians 3:5).

1) He would direct the hearts of men into the love of God (1 Chronicles 29:17-18; Luke 8:15; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Timothy 6:11).

2) He would direct men into the patience of Christ (1 Timothy 6:11; James 1:2-4; Revelation 1:9).

Conclusion

A. As Paul prayed, we should pray for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

B. God’s word must continue to spread!

C. He is faithful toward us, and we must be to Him.

D. We can have confidence in Him, ourselves, and others!