2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Lest we think the gospel message is a private and esoteric thing, Paul gives us an interesting picture in verse 1. The word translated “spread rapidly” can also be translated “run rapidly.” He puts this in the context of “be glorified.” Paul may be drawing a picture of the games at the stadium. The various religions, philosophies, and worldviews are competing, and it is Christianity that will win. Is it because of the prayers of the church that the Christian faith wins in the arena of the worldviews? Sadly, most Christians are content with insulation and isolation from the world. We are comfortable praying for sick people who are only vaguely known to us or we just hear about, but we are rarely praying for the victory of the Gospel. Perhaps this is the case because of what Paul said next. 

In addition to praying for the gospel to win, Paul is aware that not everyone is a good guy. There is no “live and let live” tolerance in the spiritual realm. The opposition we face is from people who are “perverse and evil.” The word perverse literally means “no place”. It means that these people are unfit to be anywhere. The word evil is the root from which we get the English word porn. The concept is pure and absolute evil. Note that Paul presumes that such people will attack us. It is much easier for Christians to retreat into the safety of their building and gathering places and fellowship and pray for the sick people. But in doing so, they miss the opportunity to run the championship race in the stadium.

Should we choose to enter the arena, we will enjoy the strength and protection of our Savior. Often we don't engage because we are afraid. Fear would be the reasonable emotion if we were doing this alone. But if we live in the protection and strength of the Lord, fear need not be part of our consideration. The word protection is at the root of phalanx, the word used to describe the military battle formation. The reason for the success of the phalanx was the close proximity of the formation. God's protection while we are in battle is not far away; He is close to us in the battle. 

“Lord, may Your presence be the source of my strength. AMEN”