2 Thessalonians 3:1–5 “Love and Endurance”

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Ever Be – Kalley | We Will Not Be Shaken
• Christ Be All Around Me – All Sons & Daughters
• Take My Life (Holiness)

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• What is Prayer? – For Kids – | GQKidz.org – Short Lesson for Kids
• 4 Stories on Why Prayer is Important for Kids | Bible Stories for Kids – Long Lesson for Kids
• I’ve Got Peace Like a River 👌 Kids Songs ✨ Hi Heaven – Song for Kids
• God Is Good | Cross Culture Norway VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Made For This | Maker Fun Factory VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

The Apostle asks the Thessalonian believers to pray “for us” (v.1). Except when giving his final greetings, he always uses the first-person plural pronoun, because Silas (Silvanus) and Timothy were with him.

There are two prayer requests. First, that the word they proclaim would “spread rapidly and be honored” (v.1). When people hear and accept the Lord’s word, that word becomes glorious. Second, that they would be delivered “from wicked and evil people” (v.2). It is unavoidable to encounter such people in the process of proclaiming the gospel. However, Paul is asking for prayer so that they would not severely hinder the spread of the gospel.

At the same time, the Apostle assures the believers that the faithful Lord “will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one” (v.3). Here, “the evil one” refers to Satan. The “wicked and evil people” mentioned earlier are agents of “the evil one,” that is, Satan. Therefore, Paul is confident that, just as they have done so far, the believers will continue to carry out “what we command” (v.4).

Finally, the Apostle prays that the Lord would direct their hearts “into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance” (v.5). He is praying that they would grow toward the fullness of love and the fullness of endurance. Paul considered “love” and “endurance” to be the most essential virtues for the Thessalonian believers at that time.

Meditation:

At the time this letter was written, the Apostle was a man held in high esteem among believers. Miracles and signs often took place through him, and his spiritual authority among the faithful must have been great. In the cities of the Roman Empire, various religions were widespread, and religious leaders with outstanding wisdom or power were respected.

As an apostle, Paul could have asserted such authority, but except in special cases, he did not. He could have accepted being exalted by believers, pretending to be reluctant, but Paul did not. He exercised his apostolic authority only when firm spiritual rebuke was necessary. That is why he wrote, “As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children” (1 Thess. 2:7).

In his letters, the Apostle never forgot to ask for prayers for himself. He knew that the work he was doing was not accomplished by his own strength. The Lord’s word could only be proclaimed if he remained spiritually awake, and only then could he withstand discouragement caused by the opposition of evil people.

Paul never forgot that he was engaged in spiritual warfare. He knew that behind those who obstructed the gospel stood “the evil one,” that is, Satan. Human strength cannot oppose Satan’s work. It can be resisted only through prayer. That is why Paul asked the believers to pray for him and why he did not cease praying for them in return. He knew that as long as both he and they remained in the Lord, the Lord Himself would accomplish His work.

When we live always abiding in the Lord, we will grow in “the love of God” and in “the perseverance of Christ” (v.5). Then, through us, the Lord’s word will be proclaimed and glorified.

Prayer:

We remember Paul’s exhortation to “pray without ceasing.” We know it means always walking with the Lord and abiding in Him. To stop praying is to forget the Lord, and we know that is to step into the realm of Satan by our own choice. O Lord, bind our feet to remain in You. Cause us to grow more and more in love and endurance. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: When we stay close to Jesus through prayer, He helps us grow in love and patience. Prayer keeps us strong against evil and allows God’s word to shine through our lives.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Why do you think Paul asked people to pray for him instead of relying only on his own strength?
  • What happens when we stop praying and forget about God?
  • Can you think of one way you can pray this week to show God that you want to stay close to Him?
    
• Youth
  • Paul knew he couldn’t fight spiritual battles on his own. How does prayer help us when we feel weak or face challenges?
  • What does it mean to “abide in the Lord,” and how could that help us grow in love and endurance?
  • What makes it hard for you to pray consistently, and how could your faith community (family, church, or friends) support you in building a life of prayer?