Walking With Jesus XI.
“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith..” 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2
Introduction and Context
Welcome to Part XI, the last of our Walking With Jesus conversations. We will read and consider 2 Thessalonians, Chapters 2 and 3.
In Chapter 2, Paul addresses one of the core beliefs of our Christian faith: the bodily return of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He begins by encouraging them not to be “soon shaken in mind or troubled” regarding this matter. This was because there were those of repute who were teaching a doctrine contrary to the beliefs of the Apostles and the early church as ordained by Christ. He makes it clear in Vs. 3 and 4 that some are out to deceive with false teachings, and he gives us a distinct marker to know what to look for regarding the timing of Christ’s return.
Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 NKJV
Knowing these will help provide the needed guard rails to stay within the teaching of the doctrine of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Paul opens his closing section with a prayer request in Chapter 3. This is something we see consistently in the Apostle’s life. He valued the prayer of the congregation of God’s people and would often open and or end his epistles with an articulated prayer request. Here are four other examples where he asks for prayer pointedly (Please read them all): Romans 15:30-32, 2 Corinthians 1:10-11, Ephesians 6:18-20, and Philippians 1:19. What can you be specific about in your prayer request today? God is “able to do exceeding abundantly above what we can think or ask.”
Guided Conversations
Scripture Text: Read 2 Thessalonians Chapters 2 and 3. Discuss your findings using the questions in this sub-section:
- What came to mind as you were reading both sets of verses? Did any verse or sets of verses stick out to you? What do you feel the Holy Spirit pointing out to you?
- What does it mean to be “shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit word or letter?” Are you sometimes “shaken in mind” when you look at the things happening in the world? Read John 16:33, Isaiah 43:1.
- What are the distinct markers that help determine the timing of Christ’s return, as seen in Vs. 3-4 of Chapter 2 Please Read 2:3-4 and describe what is shown.
- What is Paul’s specific prayer request for his team in Chapters 3:1-2? How can we pray in the same way today? Does it feel like Paul wrote these words for our world today? Would you agree that there are unreasonable and wicked people today? How would you describe the thinking and actions of “wicked and unreasonable” people?
- In Chapter 3:6, 13-15, Paul instructs the local assembly on relating to disorderly people. Who are disorderly people? How do we spot them? And what is the key action word here?
Summary and Conclusion
The divinely inspired epistles of Paul to the early church have served for almost 1970 years in addition to the entire canon of scripture as the doctrinal foundation of the Christian church spread worldwide according to the will of God. This will continue to be so until Jesus returns. Roman authorities killed Paul, according to historical accounts in CE 64. As we close out our series “Walking with Jesus” for this Small Group season, let us read together the fitting closing remarks of the faithful apostle to the Thessalonians in Chapter 3. Those words are for us, too, and remain a powerful prayer that God is still in His faithfulness answering:
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. 17 The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 NKJV
Lord, be with us all and give us your peace always in every way. Amen!
Prayer Time
- Are there any Praise Reports or Prayer Requests to share? Give thanks for praise reports.
- Chapter 3:1-5 Pray that as wickedness increases in the world, the Father will in His faithfulness keep us, that His word be glorified, and that we are delivered from unreasonable and wicked men.
- Chapter 3:16-17 Pray for the Lord to give us His peace in every way and to be with us as He was with those we read about in the Scriptures.
- Commit the coming summer to the Lord. Also, pray for the Canadian election on April 28.
Announcements
- Prayer Summit May 3, 2025, from 12 to 2 pm.
- The Next Small Group Meeting is Wednesday, April 23, 2025. We will wrap up with fellowship and testimonials. You may want to plan a barbecue or something over the summer; it’s all up to you. We will