Prayers for the Faith-Filled Life

Prayers for the Faith-Filled Life 2 Thessalonians 3:1– 5 Rehearsing Context In July, we prayed 2 Thessalonians 2:13–17 • Paul was close to these believers (1 Thess 3:16) • They believed a lie about the Day of the Lord • Paul’s prayer: thanksgiving, encouragement, request Pray for Us (1–2) Culmination: “finally” starts the letter’s culmination Command: prayer for the apostolic ministry • Frequency: “be praying continually” • Emphatic: “finally, be praying continually, brothers, for us” • Object: Paul needed divine help for ministry (1 Thess 5:25) Consequences: “in order that…in order that…” 1. The Word may run and be glorified Bridge: The Lord is Faithful (3) Contrast: “not all have faith…faithful is the Lord” Care: God personally cares for us • Strengthen you with divine strength (1 Thess 3:2) • Guard you continually (Luke 22:32; Rom 8:28; Heb 7:25) • Against the evil one (Eph 6:12) Obey the Word (4–5) God can help you obey him (4) • “confidence”: We can rely on God’s work in one another. • “command”: apostolic instructions from the Lord (3:6ff) God can help you focus on his work (5) • “May” is a plead to the Lord (Jesus) • “make straight”: remove obstacles, singular focus • Whole focus on God’s work (with resulting response) Applications: Praying for Each Other Pray for gospel advance (1–2) Pray for God’s continued care (3) Pray for faith-filled obedience (4–5)