ce I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give to you”
(John 14:27)
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace
at all times in every way. Â Â The Lord be with you all”
(2 Thessalonians 3:16)
Introduction: 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 contains a prayer of benediction for the Thessalonians specifically and the people of God generally. This benediction will point out three avenues of closeness with God-
1. 3:16 – Peace (perfect peace)
2. 3:17 – Apostolic assurance (of genuineness)
3.        3:18 – Grace (as ultimate greeting)
Conclusion: Peace for the people of God is a large theme in the Bible. The prophets foretold it; Jesus fortified it; and, Paul focused upon it. There is peace at the end of the letter. Is there peace in your life, such as within the Scriptures speak?
“…keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness…”
(2 Thessalonians 3:6)
Introduction: Paul will address idleness in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; and indicate why such a lifestyle is against the tone of the Christian faith.
I. Three critical definitions –
A. Command
B. Tradition
C. Example
II. What’s the problem?
A. Supporting what God _______ _____ support.
B. This lifestyle leads to ____________________.
III. Summarizing the Christian work ethic
Conclusion: The Bible praises hard work (Prov. 14:23; 31:27) and ridicules laziness (Prov. 6:6-11; 21:25). The model of Jesus working for his living and living for his work of redemption forever remains the model for all true Christians. The slouch and the leech are Christian counterfeits.
Katarina Kratovac reports in the Associated Press (Southeast Missourian, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008)-Archaeologists have discovered a previously unknown pyramid under the sands of Saqqara, [Egypt]…The 4300-year-old monument most likely belonged to the queen mother of the founder of Egypt’s 6th Dynasty, and was built several hundred years after the famed Great Pyramids of Giza, antiquities chief, Zahi Hawass said while announcing the find. The discovery is part of the sprawling necropolis and burial site of the rulers of ancient Memphis, the capital of Egypt’s Old Kingdom, about 12 miles south of Giza…the structure had been buried under 65 feet of sand. There was so much sand dumped here that no one had any idea there was something buried underneath, Hawaas said….To find a new pyramid is always exciting,..And this one is magical. It belonged to a queen (likely Queen Sesheshet). Calculations suggest that the pyramid was originally some 45 feet tall. The article concludes, “This find is important because it adds to the understanding of the 6th Dynasty, which reigned from 2,322 B.C. to 2,151 B.C. It was the last dynasty of the Old Kingdom…considered the first peak of phararonic civilization.”
The interest of the pyramids to Bible students, although not mentioned in the Scriptures, per se, seems to us to be nestled in several scriptures. These references include: Genesis 12:10; 47:7-11,21; Exodus 1:11; and Matthew 2:13-15. Memphis was in the south-east corner of the land of Goshen. We are not told who, among the Lord’s people, actually viewed the pyramids; but, the possibilities are present.
-Robert M. Housby
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good…
Give thanks to the God of heaven”
(Psalm 136:1,26)
A former teacher in our congregation, Jane Volkerding, was recently reminiscing about an old Thanksgiving poem that she would often share with the children in her class. This lovely and simple poem reads as follows-
Why is there a Thanksgiving Day
in chilly gray November?
So-we can pause and give our thanks
for good things we remember.
As we further reflect upon good things which we remember, we are including the last public prayer that we remember Carl W. Long (recently departed) praying: “Lord, we’ve been better for being here. Bless us Lord, as only you can, and help us to live better lives. And thank you for Jesus’ cross. We love you Lord. Now, bring us back again. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
-Robert M. Housby
(2 Thessalonians 3:1-5)
“…that the gospel may speed ahead”
(2 Thessalonians 3:1)
Introduction: We think that when we encounter obstacles to doing church work, today, that these problems are unique to us. False. They are not unique to us. We think that when someone shows aversion to the gospel that they are just going through a little phase of sorts. False.
I. The Text (3:1-5) –
3:1 – _______________________________________
3:2 – _______________________________________
3:3 – _______________________________________
3:4 – _______________________________________
3:5 – _______________________________________
II. What we may take away from the text –
A.
B.
C.
Conclusion: Whatever else is said, strong aversion to the gospel is ultimately a giving in to “the evil one.” It is more than spiritual emptiness, but it is spiritual emptiness.
(Taken from the Christian Chronicle (November, 2008), Bailey McBride.
This article has been condensed and adapted, RMH)
1. Pay attention to visitors. Seek out people you don’t know.
2. Care for people facing tragedies. Caring for each other proves we have been with Jesus.
3. Support families during illness.
4. Share Jesus. People are drawn to joyous believers.
5. Send cards and/or make calls.
6. Make friends outside your age group.
7. Serve in groups.
8. Love each other.
Our Cape congregation assigns members according to Units. These Units are under the direction of our church leadership. Such Units allow for the above practical suggestions to take place. Paul said, “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26,27). Do your best to serve the Lord while you may. R.H.
(2 Thessalonians 2:13-17)
Introduction: Paul’s thanksgiving is highly theological (vv. 13-15). The well-wish expresses warmth and acceptance (vv. 16-17).
I. The Text
A. 2:13 – “because God chose you…to be saved”
1. “through ___________________”
2. “and _______________________”
B. 2:14 – “To this he called you…that you may obtain the glory”
1. “through our _________________”
C. 2:15 – “So then, brothers…”
1. “___________________”
2. “and ________________________”
II. Applications for Today
(1) ________________________________________
(2) ________________________________________
(3) ________________________________________
Conclusion: The German theologian, Dietrich Bonheoffer wrote, Make up your mind and come out into the tempest of living”. People who know that they are acceptable to God through Christ are freed up to do great things for him.