Slices
Prepare
Read 2 Thessalonians 3:5. Make Paul’s prayer your own as you spend time with the Lord.
Bible passage
Stand firm
13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Request for prayer
3 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honoured, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
Explore
In verses 2:13–15 Paul thanks God for the Thessalonians. He comforts them in the face of opposition by reminding them of their identity in Christ (vs 13,14). Paul calls them ‘first fruits’ as they were the first to follow Jesus in Thessalonica. Because they are loved and chosen by God, they are to stand firm (v 15). Think about how these verses encourage you.
Paul prays that they would be strengthened by God (vs 16,17). Notice how Paul describes God (v 16). It is because of who God is that Paul is able to pray in faith (v 17).
In chapter 3 Paul asks the Thessalonians to pray for him (vs 1–5), that as he spreads the message of Jesus, others will come to faith, just as they did (v 1). He asks them to pray that he and his co-workers will be protected from opposition (v 2).
In verses 3–5 Paul is concerned for the Thessalonians. He reminds them that, despite the shaming and opposition by others, the Lord is faithful and they are in his care. Given their circumstances, how might Paul’s prayer in verse 5 have helped them?
Respond
Pray for Christians around the world who are persecuted for their faith. Pray that they will stand firm (2:15); that the Lord will encourage them (2:15,16); that they are delivered from persecution (v 2); and that the faithful Lord will strengthen and protect them (v 3).
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Ezekiel 44,45; Psalms 129–131
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for recently appointed HR Officer Nommie Dube as she navigates her new role within the organisation. Pray that she may have the wisdom to place SU staff at the heart of all decisions and to influence positively the SU work culture, aiming to make SU a satisfying place to work.
