Praying for Pillars

Praying for Pillars 2 Thess. 2:13-17 Context • FBC Context: Monthly Church-wide Prayer 1. Praying together this way requires collective forethought. 2. We are at the beginning of a new quarter, which means, new prayer partners. • Bible Context: 1. Paul in Thessalonica – Acts 17:1-10 2. Paul writes to the believers after hearing about their condition – 1 Thessalonians 3:6 3. Now, Paul receives another report: 2 Thess. 2:1-2; 3:1-12 1. Thanksgiving (2:13-14) • Present: “We are needing presently to be giving thanks” • Thanks to God: 3-Part Divine Initiative: a. Beloved by the Lord (presumably God the Son) b. God set you apart as firstfruits (see Deuteronomy 26:110) c. Sanctification by the Spirit • Grateful for People: The people of Thessalonica believed, accepted, and continue. Their sensitivity is both commendable and concerning. 2. Encouragement (2:15) • Double – Literally, “Therefore accordingly …” • Present – Be standing firm; Be grasping • Determined – Military term for “Stand Fast!”; “Grasp with a firm hand.” • Apostolic – Paul had at least three interactions with them – (1) An extended preaching stay; (2) 1 Thessalonians; (3) Now, 2 Thessalonians. But, it was likely that this church also received messages sent to nearby cities like Philippi, Ephesus, and Colosse. 3. Requests • Flowing from the Goodness of God 1. He loved us (see Romans 5:8) 2. He gave us eternal encouragement (see John 14:16) 3. He gave us Good Hope (see Titus 2:13) • Comfort your Hearts (establish your religious affections) • Establish your Words and Deeds (forever affix your effectiveness for God) Prayer Helps • Start with Praise for Specific People in Specific Ways: “Thank you, Lord for Pastor Dom. His faithfulness has preserved and inspired me these many years.” • Continue with Specific Requests for that Same Person: “Please encourage Pastor Dom as he encourages us. May his comfort spring from the well of your love, hope, and grace so that the encouragement we get from him is straight from your hand. Hold him up; may he remain faithful.”