A SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE. 2nd Thessalonians 3:1-5 It is right for us today, like those saints in the assembly at Thessalonica, to anticipate Christ's imminent return. It is also important for us to understand the two aspects of the Lord's return for His people and with His people. The first part is unseen by the world, as believers are caught up to meet the Lord in the air. The second part is seen by "every eye" and will result in the millennium reign of "peace on earth" for 1000 years, as had been declared at the birth of Christ.
While waiting for His coming, we should rise to the challenge of sincere and faithful service to the Lord. This was Paul's thought as he spoke to the believers with some very important closing remarks to his epistle. His humility, reliance on their prayers, and interest in him teach us the significance of fellowship among the Lord's people with those who work in the Gospel. To keep praying for one another isn't just a casual interest. It requires genuine effort as helpers in the work of the Lord. Such prayer is specific to the need and is passionate in our acknowledgment of our dependence on God to act on our behalf, making our service effective.
Paul asks the Thessalonians for prayers without specifying details. He understood there would be opposition to sharing the Gospel because he had faced it everywhere he preached. He also knew that those who live Godly would suffer because of the differences between those who follow the Lord and those who pursue worldly pleasures. General prayer covers past and present, expressing faith in the Lord as we look ahead.
Spiritual leaders need the prayers of the Lord’s people as they seek to guide those whom the Holy Spirit has placed in their care. There is an ongoing struggle between them and the forces of evil. Those who lead us need divine protection and guidance. The strength required to fulfill the responsibilities God has given us must come from God. The threat of attacks from Satan needs to be taken seriously. The only source of help and strength is God, and studying God’s word enables leaders to understand how God intends difficult matters to be handled. When the word of God is in their hearts, and we see that they counsel each other as leaders, we trust their decisions. We will have no trouble following those who are sound in doctrine and practice.
When God’s Word is proclaimed to fulfill His will, evidence shows it is accomplishing His purpose. The brethren who pray that the message preached will be understood recognize that many listeners hesitate to seek spiritual guidance. The truths that need to be faced, when revealed and presented by those who preach, can reach the hearts of those God intends to reach through prayers and spoken words. When true liberty exists, our emotions can be shown freely without fear. Those who initially listen with skeptical looks often come to realize that what they are hearing is true. Someone else, somewhere, has knelt in prayer to seek the Father for you. Then, the word of the Lord, used like a sword, will, in power, bring new life.
The word comes from the Lord, and it is for the Lord that it is proclaimed. The aim, the desire, is that what has happened will continue. The word of the Lord is preached so that it may have a "free course," running toward a goal just as an athlete pursues the objective before him when he runs a race. The prayer also is that it will run unhindered by men until the desired effect has been realized and the goal reached - the word of God is "glorified." It will stand out in a community where its influence can be seen in God's people and their conduct in an ungodly world.
Paul's ongoing request for prayer was for the Lord's people to pray for his safety and preservation so he could continue the work he was called to do. There are moments in spreading the Gospel when deliverance from irrational people is truly needed. “Unreasonable and wicked men” oppose the Gospel and those who preach it. Justice might never come for those who love and follow the Lord Jesus Christ, but we can pray for deliverance from their wicked, evil ways.
Not everyone who claims to speak for God truly has faith. Deceivers without belief may have charisma, speak well, command large followings, and seem like successful “Christian leaders.” However, the compassion, love, and generosity that genuine believers show are missing or only appear when they gain some personal advantage.
"Unreasonable" opposition can stem from simple ignorance and even fear because people are under Satan's control. Sometimes, it is religious "unreasonable" men who have taken a stance and do not want the personal or financial benefits of their religious position to be threatened or taken away. "Wicked" men are morally unreasonable individuals whose character and actions oppose those who "live godly in Christ Jesus.' The people who opposed the apostle and those with him were probably Jews who had not experienced the blessings of "the faith," were not people of faith, and were not faithful to God's word, even though they had heard it.
In contrast, we serve the Lord Himself, seeking those who oppose the Gospel and the word of the Lord. When we remain aware of the Lord's presence, we can confidently trust in what He has done for us and what He can do for others through us. He is still working on our behalf. No matter what others say or do, we can rely on our Lord in every situation because He is faithful. He will not allow more to happen to us than we can handle. He is the One who keeps us from falling and preserves us. He confirms us in His word and supports our actions when we act in His will. He guards us from evil, from wicked men, from Satan's attacks, and from the world - He indeed "delivers us from evil."
The light of the word, preached in the power of the Lord, can be glorified. The prayers of the saints that are made full of faith bring results. The fellowship in prayer and the preachers who go there make the listeners unable to hide from the striving of the Spirit and the witnesses who boldly proclaim the whole counsel of God. The proof is there to be seen by those who have been to where God is at work. The Lord's word and message bring true light to those in darkness. It is then glorified in women and men who have obeyed the truth from the heart. Where there was hate and great spiritual need before, now there is the peace that God imparts.
Whenever you pray, never say, “My prayers don’t mean very much.” When God’s word flows freely, and those who pray are supported by others who seek God's throne daily, grace is given to make burdens feel real and to bring the relief that the Lord honors. Such faith claims souls in Christ’s name: He answers the prayers of those who trust Him.
In these days of increasing apostasy, we all need to commit to remaining loyal to the Lord. We rely on God's strength and help to spread the Gospel worldwide. Our prayer should be that the blessed influence of the Gospel spreads rapidly across the globe and effectively grants forgiveness of sins and peace to those who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. We are not called to change the world, but to make disciples. They, in turn, do the same, and God’s grace transforms individuals into those who lead lives that produce the sanctifying effect of righteousness wherever it is accepted.
Those who preach the message of the Gospel are especially vulnerable to attack from those who oppose it. Paul requested prayer that the Lord would work similarly in other places, like the Gospel in Thessalonica. For that to happen here, we need to understand what the word of God says and means. This is achieved through studying and memorizing scripture so we can defend and share the Gospel. We should learn from those who teach and speak the truth, practice what we learn personally, and pass it on to others.
The faithfulness of God is unmistakable compared to the appearance of faith. God is trustworthy in every situation. He will establish us by making us spiritually strong through faith in Him. He guards us from attacks and snares of the devil and gives us the ability to do the things taught in the word of God, whether we are leaders or followers. Beneath the surface of a normal day, either here or far away, a battle against the saints is being waged. We can’t hear what they say or how the attack is planned and staged. But this I know: our God is stronger, and we’ll linger in earnest prayer as we go to Him. As we pray and ponder, we know God will protect us whether the battle is short or long. Some of those who oppose it and whose minds are closed hardly know that the one they serve is the devil. They only know that God Himself has chosen to reveal His salvation by grace through faith. Believers in Christ have faith, but unbelievers can’t seem to comprehend it in their minds. That makes them mad; some are sad because they are trying as hard as possible to provoke Christians, and the objects of their attack are not retaliating. Their trust is only in God, not in man.
Earnest prayer to God on behalf of others has a power evil cannot stop. When saints begin to pray for their sisters and brothers, those being attacked always come out victorious. Our God, who hears our prayers, can answer anywhere in the world where the object of intercession is working for the Lord. They fight the battle for souls in dark places, and the struggle is intense. But the person of faith knows that there is more on God’s side than on the side of oppression and open opposition.
The threat is always present, lurking nearby but often unseen. A cunning plan has been devised to try and hinder the work in your hands. Be alert to hidden dangers and take threats seriously, whether they come from inside or outside. Prepare yourself to resist satanic attacks that may come from unexpected places at your most vulnerable moments. Remember, the Lord is faithful! Use the sword of the Spirit to get ready. Take care of your own soul before you try to serve others. Pray for strength that you don't have on your own. Seek help from God, who is stronger than the greatest enemy you'll ever face. Be prepared for subtle attacks you might not recognize as evil, and pray, knowing that the Lord is faithful!
Study the scriptures to learn how others won fierce battles. The opposition will not always use the same tactics. Today, he may appear as an angel of light, and tomorrow, as a roaring lion. Prepare for strategic attacks from various sides and sources. Be open before the Lord and learn through experience that He is faithful! Let the Word of God dwell in you richly in all wisdom and understanding of how to apply God-given wisdom to prepare your mind and heart. Reflect on and memorize words of defense for when you are alone and under internal pressures that make you question yourself and what God is doing through you. The source of help comes from the Word of God hidden in your heart. Prepare for a silent attack; think and trust that the Lord is faithful!
Seek out those with whom you can associate who openly speak the truth. Learn how they dealt with the dangers of living in a godless world. Communicate with them when temptation comes unexpectedly and prepare for spoken attacks. Share with them what you are going through and listen to their suggestions. The Lord is faithful! You have learned from those who are older and more experienced. Take what you learned to heart and apply it to yourself. Review what you have been taught until it is your own; prepare for the sustained attack and listen to the Holy Spirit bearing witness with your own spirit. The Lord is faithful!
Confidence in the Lord, concerning His interests and the well-being of others, allows us to rest in faith that He is doing what is necessary. To be trusted is the highest compliment we can receive. To "trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding" is not denying faith. It is resting in the "Faithful" One. Our confidence in Him should be unshakable. To trust in ourselves and our abilities is to trust in the flesh, which always leads to failure. What God is doing for us inwardly will be done by us outwardly and benefit others as we follow His will.
Paul's command was the Lord's command. His past instructions, when he brought the Gospel to Thessalonica, were divinely given. He was acting under a divine commission. That authority has not changed and will not change in the future. He was faithful to the Lord, and they are to respond faithfully to his faithfulness. Surely, we can say "Ebenezer" because we too have experienced the Lord's faithfulness to us.
There is a true difference; God’s grace is working in the lives of those who, not too long ago, were hurting under the grip of sin. The change God has brought is genuine; it is visible for all to see. When a command is given, they respond quickly and obediently. There is evidence of a new nature and that old things have passed away. They have responded to the truth preached, learning what God reveals. Things that left them uncertain have been clarified and explained in ways new believers can understand. There was no rebellious attitude; they didn’t murmur or complain. The Lord has accomplished His work in them, and they want to do His will. They are committed to fulfilling the service God has gifted them. Love for Christ and a joyful response often go hand in hand as those He has called and sanctified faithfully serve Him the best they can.
God gives us the will and ability to do what is expected of us for Him. The grace that saved us and the faith to obey stop what was once ignored. The body, soul, and spirit, which, in times past, were dead to God, are now stirred with new life imparted and eager to please the Lord. The challenge to live for God continues even as years pass. Confidence in God, who empowers His saints, shows in one’s demeanor. Anxious to please God in every task with the highest motive, we, along with His saints, desire to do everything He asks. Faithfully and steadily, older believers still bear the yoke as years go by. If you ask them why they continue, they will tell you words God spoke, “Them that honor Me, I will honor,” “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” Those people we trust don’t fall for the world’s enchantments.
Prayer relating to current circumstances and future outlooks is that obstacles blocking our love for God will be removed. The patience of Christ, because of His return for us, should inspire us to focus on earthly things that matter for eternity. God's love for His people continues despite our faults and failures. We respond to God's love and the patience of the coming One by being "constrained" by that love to act likewise. When our hearts are moved by divine love and patience, we are influenced to do what the believers in Thessalonica did. A "labor of love" and the "patience of hope" motivate us to earnestly pursue a "work of faith" despite obstacles or wicked people.
The heart is the center of our will and emotions. It is there that spiritual renewal begins when God plants love and patience—traits that lead to good works. We are able to share in God's love shown to us through Christ. We respond to His love by loving God and others. Our Lord Jesus Christ patiently endured suffering and enables us to do the same when we are called to suffer for His name’s sake. Knowing the answers is not enough; we must also believe with a focused mind and be prepared to be guided by the Lord so our convictions align with God’s revealed will and plans, which include the Coming of Christ. This understanding helps us better grasp what happens in life now. Until then, we need Him to lead us into a life characterized by love. If left to ourselves, we would resemble the world, defined by what we possess. The love of God transforms everything into a higher calling. Loving one another is not just something we do; it’s a natural desire of a believer.
Seeing saints rejoice in God's promises comes from the right perspective. We know the Lord is coming, and tribulation as well, all by God’s plan. The doubts that troubled the Thessalonian saints led them to stop working, but they are eased when we rely on God’s unchanging truth. Sometimes, we become anxious while waiting for the Lord to return. We see the darkness gathering around us and long for our heavenly home. Confidence comes from the Lord, reminding us that everything is under control, and from Him flows peace in our hearts, bringing rest to our souls. The ongoing work of the Lord guides our hearts and patience toward the service He has given us. We don’t need to stop working; that would be wrong. Avoid idle waiting; our work will be finished when the Lord comes.
The exhortations and rebukes to not be idle in the following verses help put things into proper perspective by reminding us of God’s love for us. We owe everything to God, so there should be no hard feelings when exhortations are given to get up and serve the Lord we have been called to. Our Lord Jesus Christ, when He was here on earth and seen by the people, was constantly about His “Father’s business.”
From the carpenter's shop to the cross on Calvary, He was involved in every aspect as a faithful servant. Jesus was Jehovah’s Perfect Servant, who came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many. He is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. He had a clear goal before Him and was the perfect example and embodiment of a person of faith.
Like our Lord had “joy set before Him,” and He endured the cross, shame, and humiliation, Christians today may be called to suffer for our faith in God. However, the sufferings are far outweighed by the promise of an eternal weight of glory.