The Lord Is Faithful

Read aloud

Paul begins the final chapter by asking the Thessalonians to pray for the missionaries. He wants the word of the Lord to spread quickly and be held in honor, just as it was among them. The church that once received the message is now invited to participate in its advance through prayer.

He also asks to be delivered from wicked and evil people, because not everyone holds to the faith. He asks for real protection from those who would harm them. Trust in God includes bringing that need to Him.

The contrast arrives in a short sentence: “But the Lord is faithful.” Human beings may be unreliable, hostile, or confused, but the Lord will strengthen the Thessalonians and guard them from the evil one. The Lord's faithfulness sustains them against the evil one even as they face the opposition described in this letter.

Paul says he has confidence in the Lord that they are doing and will continue to do what he commands. His confidence is not blind optimism about their personalities. It is confidence that the Lord is at work in a church that can receive instruction and continue in obedience.

He then prays that the Lord will direct their hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance. Love is not merely a warm feeling, and perseverance is not grim self-reliance. Both are directions God gives: learning to love as God loves and to endure with the steadfastness seen in Christ.