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And The Lord Direct Your Hearts Into The Love Of God!

April 17, 2011
Evening Service

II Thess. 3

 

Review:

The two letters of Paul to the church at Thessalonica are summed up by saying;

  1. Letter one:

·                     Paul’s commendation on their growth.

·                     Paul speaks of his founding the church.

·                     Satan’s hindering Paul from returning to the church so quickly.

·                     Paul sends Timothy to check on the church, and he brings back an encouraging report.

·                     Paul tells them how he longs to visit them.

·                     He gives them instructions for growth.

·                     Gives them his teaching on the dead in Christ.

·                     A description of the Day of the Lord.  How that we shall not be taken unawares.

·                     Then gives them instructions for living Holy for the Lord..

  1. Letter two:

·                     Again gives thanksgiving for their growth through persecutions.

·                     Gives them a prayer for God’s blessing.

·                     Gives them the events proceeding the Day of the Lord.

·                     Tells them of the comfort of the believer on the Day of the Lord’s return.

 

Now we close the second letter as we look at chapter 3;

 

2Th 3:1-18 KJVR  Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 

  • This is no doubt still a problem in certain parts of the world.  It is even somewhat hindered in our country.
  • Atheists have worked at getting prayer taken out of our schools.  Bible reading is hindered greatly, and they would like nothing more than to shut our mouths concerning the teachings of the Lord.

Look at what he tells them:

(2)  And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. 

  • Paul’s main battle at this time was unbelieving Jews.  They would follow him from city to city trying to stop his preaching that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God.
  • This preaching brought great conviction on them as it was them that crucified the Lord of Glory.
  • But ungodly men today don’t want the gospel preached as it brings to light their sins, and immorality.

NOTICE WHAT HE SAYS;

(3)  But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil. 

  • That is not a question, but a direct statement.  He is faithful, and will establish you, and keep you from evil, IF YOU WANT HIM TOO.
  • As we mentioned this morning Jesus said;  Joh 12:25 KJVR  He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
  • If you love this life, you will not want Him to deliver you.  Therefore losing your life. 
  • But if you hate this life, which means you are not overly involved in the things of this life, letting them control you, and you ask Him for help He will deliver you, and you, by your actions, and desires, will save your life.
  • He also said, “If any man serve me, let him follow Me, and where I am, there shall My servant also be.”  He must be first, and always in your life.

(4)  And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. 

  • Again Paul is giving them words of encouragement through positive thinking. 
  • These people have many difficult battles going on in their lives, and only God can help them overcome.

 

 

 

NOTICE WHAT HE ASKS FOR THEM;

(5)  And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. 

  • Love never fails.  I don’t care what situation or trial you are going through, love never fails.  John said, “God is love.”  Love never fails.   Whatever situation you are struggling with the love of God can see you through it.  Apply love to every situation.
  • And to patiently wait for the return of Jesus.  Keep on keeping on.
  • Like Paul told the Corinthians, ICor. 15:58;  1Co 15:58 KJVR  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
  • And;  Jesus said; Luk 21:19 KJVR  In your patience possess ye your souls.
  • Hebrew writer said, and I really like this;  Heb 12:1 KJVR  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

WHAT ARE WE TO BE PATIENT FOR?

  • Tit 2:13 KJVR  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;

 

(6)  Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 

  • That walks disorderly.  That would be anything contrary to the Lord’s teachings.
  • Paul will define what he means further down in this Scripture.
  • 1Co 5:11  But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an Extortioner; with such a one no not to eat. 1Co 5:12  For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?  1Co 5:13  But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

 

NOW NOTICE WHERE HE GOES WITH THIS;

(7)  For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;  (8)  Neither did we eat any man's bread for naught; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargable to any of you:  (9)  Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an example unto you to follow us. 

  • Because we have not power!  Paul is saying because we labor in the vineyard of the Lord, preaching His Gospel, we have every right to expect you to take care of us, but we don’t.
  • 1Co 9:6 KJVR  Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? 
  • Paul goes on to say; 1Co 9:14 KJVR  Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
  • But we don’t do this so we can be an example for you.

 

NOW HE ADDRESSES THE TOPIC OF WALKING DISORDERLY;

(10)  For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.  (11)  For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.  (12)  Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.  (13)  But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.  (14)  And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.  (15)  Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 

  • You see, the idea is not to throw someone like this under the bus.  It is to help them see their needs, and to help them get on the right path. 
  • If someone is doing this, and is told, if there is anything to this person he will accept the criticism and start to do better.  If he doesn’t don’t fellowship with him.

(16)  Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.  (17)  The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.  (18)  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.