2 Thessalonians: Praying for the Gospel, Part 3
November 19, 2017 Pastor: John Fonville Series: The Glorious Second Coming of Jesus
Topic: Second Coming Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:1–5
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In chapter 3, before Paul addresses the problem of idleness, he asks his young converts for prayer. Paul, as we are learning, understood the necessity of prayer. Just as he ended chapter 2 with a prayer for the Thessalonian believers, he begins Chapter 3 asking for prayer for himself and his apostolic team. Paul writes, “Finally, brethren, pray for us. . .” The “us” in his prayer request refers to Paul, Silas and Timothy (i.e., his apostolic gospel team).
Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians from Corinth in approximately AD 50, perhaps only six months after his hasty departure from Thessalonica. Paul and his apostolic team (Silas and Timothy) faced intense opposition to their gospel work in Corinth. Therefore, Paul asks the Thessalonian believers to pray for the success of the gospel in Corinth. Paul lived for the advancement and honor of the gospel. And he understood that prayer is the key behind the advancement and honoring of the gospel. Thus, to ensure the success of his gospel work in Corinth, Paul, in 3:1-5, makes three prayer requests to the Thessalonians. In v. 1, Paul asks the Thessalonians to pray for the success of the gospel. In v. 2, he aks the Thessalonians to pray for the protection of those who preach the gospel. Finally, in vv 3-5, Paul prays for the faithfulness of those who believe the gospel.
More in The Glorious Second Coming of Jesus
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The Peace of the Church, Part 4October 7, 2018
The Peace of the Church, Part 3September 30, 2018
The Peace of the Church, Part 2