Thriving in A Chaotic World: The Plan of Life: II Thess. 2:13-3:2

I. The Foundation of Our Salvation vs. 13-14

A. We should be thankful, that we hadn’t crossed the line of no return, so that we aren’t given over to a reprobate mind.

B. This verse gives us a the scope of salvation. Past, Present, and Future.

C. The Bible clearly teaches that God is sovereign, and that it is man’s responsibility to surrender to Christ. Here we see election being taught. That is that God chooses us to be saved (Past).

D. Presently we are being sanctified. Made into the image of Christ.

E. One day in the future (at the rapture of the church) we will be glorified.

F. We also must not the trinity in action here. We are beloved by the lord Jesus, and it is on the basis of Jesus’ sacrifice that we are saved. The Father is choosing saving, and sanctifying us, while the Holy Spirit will glorify us.

II Paul’s Prayer for Believers vs. 15-17

A. Paul’s prayer is that we stand firm, and not drift into apostasy. We do this by studying God’s word and holding fast to it.

B. He prays that God comfort our hearts, and strengthens it by knowing that God has a plan that He is carrying out in all of our lives. That is that we will be saved sanctified, and glorified.

III. Paul’s Prayer Request From Believers: 3:1-2

A. Paul asks the Thessalonian believers to pray this for him. This is what they could pray for all pastors/ministers everywhere.

B. Pray that the gospel spread rapidly and be believed (glorified). It literally reads in the Greek that the gospel go before them. That is that they would be in tune with the Holy Spirit, for those divine appointments.

C. Then pray that God would protect them from the enemies of the faith. Both outside and inside the church. Out side the church there are those who subtly steer people away from the gospel, and others who vehemently oppose the gospel. (Acts 18:1-17)

1 Corinthians 1:1 NASB95

Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

D. Inside the church immature Christians and false converts can hinder the gospel. “As you know, in our churches we have the saints and the ‘ain’ts’, and there are a lot of ‘ain’ts’”- J. Vernon Mcgee.

E. Paul didn’t pray for safety or an easy life, but rather that He know God more, and glorify God with his life. His request was that people would be saved. That should be our prayer as well, that we live to know Jesus and make Him known.