2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
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. 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.
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. 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.
Paul and company asked for prayer that his ministry of the gospel would be used to quickly spread God’s word far and wide for God’s glory in His work through the Son on the cross. They also requested prayer for protection and deliverance from those opposed to the message, as well as the adversary behind those attacks against the faith. The reassurance is that God is absolutely faithful and able to keep the Thessalonians and us from the evil one’s assaults, as God establishes and protects us. The confidence Paul, Silavanus, and Timothy had for this church (and others) was that they would heed all they were taught in loving and thankful obedience to the Lord through them, and not just to them. Therefore, the admonition ends with the prayer for the Lord Jesus Christ to move them more towards His patience and God’s love. Do we find ourselves moving ever closer to patient endurance in identifying with and serving Christ as our love for God grows?
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