Pre-sermon Passage Orientation
November 2
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
Head:
The section beginning in verse 13 largly relates to Paul’s concerns in chapter one. There are several parallel expressions. He builds on what he previously said and joins the teaching with the previous section concerning some who were falling for lies and letting it affect the way they held the gospel in hope.
Heart:
The section build up the original audience (and the reader). Paul’s prayer recites God’s work and prays for His intervention in the specific areas the Thessalonian church was struggling. How do the different aspects of God’s character and the various ways He works encourage you?
Hands:
Like many of Paul’s letters and on a smaller level, paragraphs, Paul says in verse 15, “so then.” Paul intertwines orthodoxy (right thinking) and orthopraxy (right doing). Here, the challenge is to stand firm. Sometimes application is as simple as keep on keeping on. When is it difficult for you to stand firm?
Habits:
How do you keep God’s goodness fresh in your mind? How do you build a repertoire of knowledge of Who God is and ways you can depend on Him? You may not need it today, but store it up for the day of need.