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Call to worship: Romans 8:18-30

Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Paul calls for prayer for the succesful spread of the Gospel and encourages the church to follow Jesus' lead as they endure threats from within and without.

Prepare

Questions to Consider:

1. What do your words say about the gospel, the church, and the counsel of God? Do we stand above them, from a place of judgment, or are we pliable to the Spirit working through this Word? This is a great opportunity to pray for those entrusted with communicating the gospel (2 Thessalonians 3:1)
2. Who are the "out of place" and "evil" men Paul seeks prayers of deliverance from? (1 Thessalonians 2:2, 2 Thessalonians 3:2) Why are they singled out? Who stands behind their work? (2 Th 3:3)
3. Jesus instructs the disciples to pray God's kingdom purposes to be accomplished, for their daily needs, for forgiveness, and for deliverance from "the evil (one)". (Matthew 6:9-13) How is forgiveness related to this deliverance? With what does Paul encourage the believers in Thessalonica, as they face spiritual opposition? (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
4. What confidence does Paul have in the church in Thessalonica? (2 Thessalonians 3:4) What are the instructions/commands Paul refers to? How are Paul's words encouraging? How do they demonstrate the qualities he encourages in believers (Philippians 4:4-7)
5. What two things does Paul pray that the Lord will lead the church at Thessalonica towards? How are these things supportive of the prayers Paul has called for? How does the hope of resurrection relate to these prayers, and Paul's instructions? (2 Thessalonians 3:5)