[Anglican Devotional 20 May 2023] Topic: Not Everyone Has Faith
TOPIC: Not Everyone Has Faith
READ: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 (NKJV)
1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
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.
16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
17 The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
THE MESSAGE:
Christians need to be conscious that not every person has the faith of Christ. Many people we meet daily are not just unbelievers but intentionally hostile to the faith of Christ. Some are ready to kill at the least provocation of hearing the message of the gospel of Christ. The Thessalonian believers suffered severe persecutions from such people. To make matters worse, they had false brethren in their midst who were disorderly, busybodies, unwilling to work for a living, with lifestyles that are contrary to the gospel. Paul wrote: To comfort and encourage the Thessalonians and present day believers to continue in Christ amidst such challenges. Paul also experienced difficulties in ministry. He traveled frequently to strange cities where he was often not catered for and sometimes was even maltreated. Hence, he resorted to alternative ways to support himself so as not to be a burden to others and to be an example to others (verses 8-9).
This is an admonition for Christians to desist from laziness and idleness, to work willingly with their hands to support themselves and God’s work. Paul also requested for prayers for the quick spread of the gospel with glory (verse 1) and for protection from evil and wicked men (verse 2). We need these kinds of prayers for Christians especially for Ministers of the Gospel in these evil days.
PRAYER: Use verses 1-2 to pray for all Church/Fellowship leaders and ministers of the Gospel.
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