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Preparing for the Sermon - 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3

September 7, 2023 by Campbell Bortel Preparing for Sunday
2 Thessalonians Sermon Image Square
PREPARE YOUR HEART FOR THE SERMON BY LOOKING THROUGH THESE SUGGESTIONS THAT WILL ASSIST YOU IN MAKING THE MOST OF OUR TIME TOGETHER HEARING GOD'S WORD.

You will find suggestions for thinking more critically through the passage, meditating more intently on the text, and prayerfully seeking wisdom to deepen your understanding of the passage to be preached this Sunday.

Carefully Think

  • The passage begins with the word “finally.” What is this the final portion of? What preceded this section?
  • What are the senders of this letter urging the Thessalonians to do in verse 1?
  • What are the two/three primary components of this prayer being urged? In other words, what are they asking prayer for?
  • What would it mean for the word of the Lord to spread rapidly?
  • How can the word of the Lord be glorified? What does that mean?
  • What is the nature of the contrast in verse three? What is being contrasted?
  • What two actions is the Lord attributed with in verse three?

Prayerfully Meditate

  • Review the structure of the book. What are the main sections of the book? Consider reviewing past sermons on the church website and/or outlines of the book in an exegetical commentary to understand the main structure of 2 Thessalonians. Develop your own outline.
  • What role does the faithfulness of God have in this specific conversation? In other words, why might Paul mention this attribute of God here instead of any other?
  • Why would Paul talk about the protection and strengthening of the Thessalonians in a request for prayer regarding his own rescue? 
  • How does the call for all the Thessalonian believers to participate in evangelistic prayer for the advancement of the gospel impact the way you consider evangelism? What other passages would support the biblical precedent that all believers are to partake in evangelism?
  • Develop a prayer plan for this week considering this passage. How could you add the content of this prayer into your prayer life?
  • Reflect on the grace of God at work in your life that led to your own salvation. How could this encourage you, lead you to be faithful, and promote evangelistic activity in your interactions with nonbelievers this week?