Central Truth

Choosing to live as a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ is not easy.  Satan seeks to steal our joy and testimony of the wonderful things God is doing. Here, the Apostle Paul gives us practical advice for living as overcomers while we are seeking God's will in our lives.

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Reflections

The apostle Paul brings encouragement to the Thessalonian Christians, who are busy establishing the church amidst suffering and persecution.  These believers are experiencing the battle of personal spiritual warfare.  In addition, they are discouraged with other church members who live idle lives, refusing to work and wasting time meddling in other people's business. Paul and his travelling helpers teach the true believers how to overcome their despair and weariness. They teach the believers by example how to work and how to relate to those who chose not to participate in the building and outreach of their church. 

We live in an atmosphere of invisible spiritual warfare, where Satan seeks to disrupt our desire to follow Jesus.  Paul reminds believers that our Lord is faithful to answer our prayers for strength and protection from the schemes of the evil one. Recognize that these battles with powers and principalities are real. Pray for discernment, strength and help. Read your Bible to recognize Satan's tactics. Memorize and meditate on scripture to understand the truth of your situation and to know the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome. Follow the example and teachings of spiritually mature leaders, and seek to be a worthy example and leader for others.

As a practical matter, Paul warns the true believers to stay away from any Christian who lives in idleness. Paul said "if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either." Paul and his helpers set the example by working day and night, earning wages, so that the suffering Thesslonians would not be burdened to feed Paul's team while they planted the church. By staying focused on God's will for our lives, we will hopefully become too busy to have idle thoughts. God will supply our needs, through our own vocation or through His will for another believer to provide in our time of need.  There is joy, not weariness, in serving God and our family in this way. "Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. . ." 2 Thessalonians 3:16

 

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Discussion Questions

1. What is your invisible spiritual battle today? Are you outfitted with your spiritual armour described in Ephesians 6:10-20?
2. Gossip and rumors are tantalizing, exciting to hear, and can make us feel like "insiders."  As a Christian, how might God lead you to reduce this activity within your circle of friends and acquaintances?
3. Lord, thank you for this new morning. I am anxious to see the work you are going to do today. The life, talent and resources you have given me are available for your work as you wish to use me. I am thrilled to be working with you, the God of the universe, with whom all things are possible in the name of Jesus! Amen.

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