January 26, 2021

2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 (NKJV) – 1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.

Our lives should be centered on the Gospel and dependent on God. When we reflect on our lives and our daily experiences we should see the spreading of the Gospel for the salvation of unbelievers and the sanctification of our lives and believers around us. Christ lived His life for our salvation and to bring us closer to Him. In the same way, the foundation of our life and actions should be to bring the Gospel to the world and to bring ourselves and our brothers and sisters closer to the Lord.

Reflecting on you life, in what ways do you see yourself spreading the Gospel to unbelievers?

What ways do you see the Gospel continually sanctifying you and assisting you in helping your brothers and sisters grow in the Lord?

2 Thessalonians 3:3-5 (NJKV) – 3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. 5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

We can be dependent on the Lord and come to God for deliverance from persecution and hardships. Because of Paul’s intimacy with God, he has confidence in how the Lord will respond to his requests.The more intimate our relationship is with the Lord, the easier it is to trust Him, have patience with Him, and stay dependent and focused on Him to provide an answer to our prayers. Just as Paul expected God to protect and direct him and the church we can also expect God to do the same for us. Our problems have a prayer based solution and require us to seek the Lord and be dependent on Him.

Are you dependent on the Lord for deliverance from persecution and hardships? Why or why not?

How have you seen your intimacy with the Lord effect your trust in God to answer your prayers?

How can you be strengthened in living a life fully centered on the Gospel and fully dependent on God?