Sermon text

2 Thessalonians 3

[1] Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, [2] and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. [3] But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. [4] And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. [5] May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. [6] Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. [7] For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, [8] nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. [9] It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. [10] For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. [11] For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. [12] Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. [13] As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. [14] If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. [15] Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. [16] Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. [17] I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. [18] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. (ESV)

Call to Worship

Psalm 62:1–7

My Soul Waits for God Alone

[1] For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
[2] He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

[3] How long will all of you attack a man
to batter him,
like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
[4] They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.
They take pleasure in falsehood.
They bless with their mouths,
but inwardly they curse. Selah

[5] For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
[6] He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
[7] On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God. (ESV)

Prayer of Repentance

Father in Heaven, You have loved us and brought us up as children, but we have rebelled against You. We have often been reproved, and yet have stiffened our neck, and have gone on backsliding in the way of our own heart. Knowing the affliction of our hearts, may we look on him whom we have pierced, and grieve with that grief which produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret. Grant that we may bear fruit in keeping with repentance, and may never again turn back to folly. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Benediction

Heavenly Father, You have started a good work in us and will see it through in Jesus Christ. We thank You for the diversity amongst the body, that we are many, that we are unique, but that we are one in Jesus. The union and fellowship of Your people is such a beautiful and glorious thing. Yet Lord, we also acknowledge that You have work for us to do. Use all of us, from the young to the old, to give us a great love for Jesus. Use us to display to our neighbors the glory of Jesus. Use us to proclaim the good news of the gospel. We thank You that You are faithful, that you prepare us for goodworks, and that You are with us wherever we go. We praise You and pray in Jesus name. Amen.

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