Scripture: II Thessalonians 3:1-15

Aim: To show the pupil how Jehovah God is faithful to those who are dedicated to His will.

Golden Text: “But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you and keep you from evil” (II Thessalonians 3:3).

As Paul ends this little book, he brings the believer full face to the Lord and His will for the individual’s life. As he closes out this book, he emphasizes the Lord’s faithfulness.

I. Paul asks the people to pray for him and his party (vs. 1-2). As Paul brings the book to a close, he asks that the believers at Thessalonica pray for specific things.

First, “pray for us” (vs. 1). He, Silvanus and Timothy felt the need for God’s people to pray for them. This is a very important part of the work of God among men.

Second, he asks that the people pray that the word of the Lord may have “free course” among the people (vs. 1). It is important that the Word of God move in and among men freely in order that God’s work may be done in the hearts of the people.

Third, Paul prays that the “Word of the Lord” may be glorified (vs. 1). This will be done in the end. However, it is important that the Word have free course in the lives of men today.

Fourth, Paul asks that he and his party may be delivered from wicked and ungodly men who seek to hinder and stop the work of God (vs. 2). It is important that Christians believe the Word of God, dispense the Word of God, and depend upon God’s Spirit to accomplish the will of God in men.

II. The Lord is faithful (vs. 3-5). First, the Lord will establish the believer in the faith (3).

Second, the Lord will keep the believer from evil doings and evil men (vs. 3).

Third, the Lord will direct the heart in the love of God (vs. 5).

Fourth, the Lord will direct the heart into patient waiting for the return of Christ (vs. 5). These are activities of the Lord on behalf of the believer, who surrenders to Him and His will. He asks that the believer act as a result.

III. The believer’s response in the light of God’s faithfulness to him (vs. 4, 6-16). God always asks the believer to respond in obedience to His will in order for the full blessing of God to be showered upon the believer.

First, believers are to be obedient to the commands of the Lord (vs. 4). This is always expected by the Lord and those who represent Him.

Second, the believer is to withdraw himself from those Christians who do not live an orderly Christian life (vs. 6). God expects each and every believer to “act” out his Christian profession.

Third, each believer is to labor and provide for himself and his household, not depend upon others to “give” everything to them (vs. 7-8). Paul further says, “If any would not work, neither should he eat” (vs. 10).

Fourth, each should spend his time in profitable living and activities, not acting as a busy body, but quietly carrying on in his daily living (vs. 10-12).

Fifth, Paul asks each to take a firm stand in regards to his Christian living (vs. 13). He is to be diligent and not become weary.

Sixth, Paul warns that he who does not follow Christian principles of living, should be not fellowshipped with in order that he may become ashamed, repent and rejoin the fellowship (vs. 14-15).

Paul ends with a benediction upon the people.

“Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means” (vs. 16).

Paul then gives his close.

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Amen” (vs. 18).

It is important that we as Christians follow basic Christian principles as set forth in the Holy Scriptures. Not to do so means that we are disregarding and ignoring the truth of God. May God help each of us to be “obedient” Christians for the glory of God.