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Sermon Outlines

Principles for the Church (2 Thessalonians 3:1-18)

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Principles for the Church (2 Thessalonians 3:1-18)

(2 Thessalonians 3:1-18)

I. A prayer request (3:1-2), a prayer rendered (3:3-5)

    A. For evangelism (3:1; Eph. 6:19-20)
    B. For deliverance from evil men (3:2; 1 Tim. 2:1-2)
    C. Expressing trust in God (3:3)
    D. To continue in the faith (3:4-5; 1 Cor. 15:58)

II. The precept of withdrawal (3:6-15)

    A. Discipline for the undisciplined (3:6)
    B. Applies to freeloaders (3:7-12), sexual sin (1 Cor. 5), strife-stirrers (Romans 16:17), anyone who refuses to repent (Matthew 18:15-18)
    C. Don’t give up (3:13)
    D. The purpose of discipline: restoration (3:14-15; 2 Cor. 2:6-8; Galatians 6:1; James 5:19-20)

III. The presence of the Lord (3:16-18)

    A. The peace of the Lord (3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:23)
    B. The personal touch of the apostle (3:17)
    C. The grace of Jesus (3:18; Romans 5:21)
Daily Devotional

Read the New Testament in a year, one chapter a day, five days a week

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Day 125/260: Read 2 Thessalonians 3

Paul often asked for prayers from his brethren. It is always interesting to notice the specifics of his requests.

Humility is a mark of Paul’s appeal. He does not plead for personal success, or for his own popularity. Rather, he wants them to pray “that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified.” Is that our prayer today?

Further, he asks for prayers “that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men.” What is the purpose of this request? The answer may lie in one of his letters to Timothy.

The apostle wrote to the young evangelist, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

We will face hardships in life. There is no denying that. But the fewer hardships we face, the more we can work toward the advancement of God’s kingdom through evangelism.

Are you praying “that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified”? Are you living “in all godliness and reverence” so that you can be a profitable servant and effective proclaimer of the gospel?

Memory (Recite to a friend without looking)

1 Thessalonians 5:21. “Test all things; hold fast what is good.”

Pray

Pray that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified.