2 THESSALONIANS 3:13-18 - PAUL'S PARTING PRECEPTS

2 THESSALONIANS 3:13-18

PAUL’S PARTING PRECEPTS

2 Thessalonians 3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

It is difficult to remain charitable when we see people who could and should take care of themselves taking advantage of our generosity.  Should we allow this to keep us from giving to those who are truly in need?  Keep benevolence flowing, but monitor the outflow and allocate funds carefully and prayerfully.  If it is suspected that someone is using funds improperly (drugs, alcohol, etc.), it might be wise to actually pay a bill or purchase groceries rather than give cash.  In that way you are able to assist a family without enabling someone.

John MacArthur Study Bible

3:13 do not grow weary. The hard-working believers were tired of having to support the lazy, and were ready to stop all help to those in need, giving up all charity. Paul reminded them that the truly needy still required help and that the Thessalonians must not be negligent toward them.

2 Thessalonians 3:14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

What is the ultimate purpose for refusing to associate with someone who is disobedient to the Lord? The goal is that they would come into understanding and obedience to the instructions of the Lord through Paul. The separation is hoped to be temporary with a full restoration in view as they return to compliance.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

Paul consistently prays for believers to have peace from the Lord. What does he mean by peace? The absence of trouble or something else?  It is not the absence of trouble.  It is the presence of God in the midst of their trouble.  It is the Lord’s power to see them through their trouble. If I thought the Lord’s peace was the absence of trouble, I would be in trouble indeed! His peace is knowing I am in His loving hands no matter what my present circumstances may say to my emotions.  His peace is not dependent on calm surroundings.

2 Thessalonians 3:17 The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.

Although Paul used a secretary, he signed letters in his own handwriting. Why do you think he did this?  It was proof of authorship and authenticity.

2 Thessalonians 3:18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Another blessing Paul bestowed in all his letters is that the grace of Jesus would permeate the believers’ lives. What exactly did he mean by that?  The Greek word Paul used is charis, and one definition is “the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life.”  He was asking that they be filled with the Holy Spirit in a life changing manner.

QUESTIONS:

1.               Do we sometimes grow tired of feeling like we are always the ones having to take care of others? What two things does Paul tell the Thessalonians about this in verses 13-15 of 2 Thessalonians chapter 3?

2.               What might happen if we consistently prayed for God’s peace and grace in the lives of our Christians friends?

3.               How might we use the greetings and partings from Paul’s letters to encourage one another?