2Th 3:16; Ahhh, Peace in Every Place.

Class Outline:

Thursday October 19, 2023

 

Peace: Often used by God.

NT - eirene

OT - shalom

 

It is one of the big three that are fruit as a result of our walk with God: Love, joy, and peace.

 

Peace means more than calm or a truce between enemies. Like shalom in the OT, peace means universal flourishing, wholeness, and delight. It is a rich state of affairs that inspires joyful wonder as its Creator and Savior opens doors and welcomes the creatures in whom He delights. Peace is the way things ought to be.

 

Hence, Paul opens every letter with it. It was then a common address in letters, but under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit it takes on a heavenly meaning, “grace and peace to you.”

 

2TH 3:16

Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!

 

Peace is free from worry or fear:

PSA 4:7-8

You have put gladness in my heart,

More than when their grain and new wine abound.

8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep,

For You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.

 

The sin in the world has destroyed any hope of peace. Empires in various parts of the world, small and large, are currently working to destroy everything good.

 

Peace: Soul prosperity, wholeness, delight.

Vs. evil powers in the world.

 

The Thessalonians were persecuted by their unbelieving families and neighbors.

 

MAT 10:34

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”

 

A man’s enemies would be the members of his own household.

 

Peace: Soul prosperity, wholeness, delight.

Vs. persecution from unbelievers.

 

Paul tells them in the final paragraph to imitate him. He toiled and labored night and day, even though as an apostle, he could have demanded to have all his needs provided for - “those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel” (1CO 9:14). Why is it so important?

 

Idleness is not peace.

The works from the Father are.

 

Paul told them to avoid them and not associate with them. Again this shows the importance of doing the work that the Father has given us to do. If it wasn’t that important, Paul wouldn’t have given the instruction to not associate with them so that they would be shamed.

 

2TH 3:6

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.

 

2TH 3:14-15

If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 

 

ROM 16:17

Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them

 

1CO 5:11

But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler — not even to eat with such a one.

 

Still: 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

 

Our walk with God in the valley of peace is more important than keeping the peace with everyone.

 

Peace: Soul prosperity, wholeness, delight.

Vs. the undisciplined believers in your life.

 

A sure way to void your heart of peace is to become the type of believer who demands that everyone do their duty.

 

Paul ends the letter with two wish prayers.

 

2TH 3:16

Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!

 

It shows Paul’s concern for the churches. He cannot be with them and so he has to give them to God, exhorting and admonishing them.

 

We can only pray for them and leave them in the Lord’s hands. We can write to them like Paul did (we have more technology obviously).

 

 Peace: Soul prosperity, wholeness, delight.

Vs. Not able to be with those you love.

 

The Lord has given us His peace. He was persecuted by unbelievers. He had to constantly deal with believers who were undisciplined. He had to be without those He loved. He would be misunderstood and forsaken by the entire world. And, He had peace.

 

JOH 14:27

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”

Things are going to go wrong all over the world until the Lord’s second coming.

 

JOH 16:32-33

"Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.  33 "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

 

I wonder how many times He prayed the priestly prayer of Num 6.

NUM 6:24-26

The Lord bless you, and keep you;

The Lord make His face shine on you,

And be gracious to you;

The Lord lift up His countenance on you,

And give you peace.'

 

All believers are called to peace, no matter who and no matter what. Peace is soul prosperity, wholeness, and delight. Do you have the peace of the Lord, or can you only find temporary peace in other places.

 

Heed the letters to the Thessalonians. Do not be deceived.