KBM Peace At All Times

Today, we are continuing our series on “Impact 3:16” by looking at the wonderfully small but impactful second letter Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica. Normally we find ourselves smack dab in the middle of a letter but in our text today we are looking at Paul’s closing remarks. In fact, we are looking at the very last two passages of the letter. Let’s dive right into our text and read 2 Thessalonians 3:16-17.

2 Thessalonians 3:16–17 NKJV

16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. 17 The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write.

What I want us to consider from our text today is “how does the Lord of peace give us peace?” It is a valid question to ask considering we know this is not done by miraculous means, nor is God going to speak directly to us like he did with Joshua when he told him…

Joshua 1:9 NKJV

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

However, if we back up just a one verse prior in that chapter we will find the answer to our question.

Joshua 1:8–9 (NKJV)

8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Now therein is how we the Lord of peace gives us peace, through the assurances his word, the truth, brings. There is no greater way to peace then to know the truth and because God’s word is truth (John 17:17) we can find peace in it. Let’s look at how God gives us peace through his word today.

Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

We can live our lives without anxiety over money because God will always be there to provide for our everyday needs (Matthew 6:25-34) if we seek first his kingdom.

2 Timothy 4:16–18 NKJV

16 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!

How does the Lord of peace give us peace? By “us knowing” he is always standing with his faithful servants, and even if it is the case that we must die for the cause of Christ, we can do so with a peace knowing we are honoring our God and that our God will bring us safely into his heavenly kingdom.