Stand Firm In Hard Times – 2 Thessalonians 3

From my reading in 2 Thessalonians 3 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

Struggles happen.

Following Jesus is hard. It is a struggle to do what God has called us to do. Paul was concerned for the Thessalonians that they would stay strong in the middle of struggles. He sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage them…

“and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles.” 1 Thessalonians 3:3

Troubles are a part of the believers lot in life. We need encouragement in order to not be shaken.  Knowing that hard times are a part of our calling can help us not wonder where God is in those moments. Paul continued.

“Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know.” 1 Thessalonians 3:4

It is helpful to be warned about hard times in advance so that you can be ready.

A hurricane warning is very helpful, because it gives people time to brace for the storm. As Christians we should brace for the storms of life realizing that even though hard times come in this life we can look forward to the Heaven where there will be no more crying or pain!

Paul was concerned that the devil would not get the best of them in the hard times. His life was connected to how well the Thessalonians were doing.

“It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 3:8

Are you standing firm in hard times?

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Get A Grip On God’s Word – 2 Thessalonians 2

From my reading in 2 Thessalonians 2 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

Get a grip!

Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to do two things in order to stay strong.

“With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.”  2 Thess 2:15

Stand firm.

When we encounter problems in life we are to stand firm. Don’t let any thing keep you from standing on the truth and standing for God.

Keep a strong grip on the teaching.

In his letter to the Ephesians Paul likened God’s word to the sword of the Spirit. In order for a sword to be effective the person handling it must grip it well.

We should keep a strong grip on what God tells us through his Word. Don’t let it slip through your fingers. Hold on to the Word and you will have what you need to get through life.

Do you have a firm grip on God’s Word?

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What God prompts you to do He will give you the power to do. 2 Thessalonians 1

From my reading in 2 Thessalonians 1 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

What God prompts you to do He will give you the power to do.

Here is Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians.

“So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.” 2 Thess 1:11

Paul prayed that they would live worthy of the call of Jesus. If you are a Christian then God has called to to be a part of his mission on this earth. Paul also prayed that whatever we are prompted to do by faith that God would empower us to accomplish it.

Often God prompts people to do things that risky and difficult.

You will always need God’s power to do God’s work. He is the one that makes our efforts for him successful. If you are being prompted to do something than I encourage you to try it and trust God’s power to come through for you!

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Passion For People Is The Heart Of Ministry – 1 Thessalonians 3

From my reading in 1 Thessalonians 3 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

In this chapter you can see Paul’s heart for the Thessalonians. Here are some examples of the things that show his love.

  • He sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage them. 1-5
  • He encourages them for staying strong. 7
  • He share how he get’s new life because they are standing firm. 8
  • He thanks God for them. 9
  • He prays earnestly for their growth. 10
  • He prays that they would be united soon. 11
  • He prays that God would make their love overflow as his love overflows toward them. 12
  • He prays that their hearts would be strong, blameless, and holy. 13

Paul’s life was connected to these people.

“For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 3:8

He was passionate about their growth and longed for them to stay strong in their faith. If you are ministering to people it is okay to give them your heart. Paul did. Jesus did.

Are you deeply connected to the people that you are ministering to? 

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