"And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you..."
Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:4
TWO SIDES
Success in life and ministry is best understood when we see things from two sides. On the one hand, we must see the Lord’s involvement. On the other hand we must see human effort put in.
“And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you,
both that you do and will do the things we command you.”
2 Thessalonians 3:4
1. “And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you”
a) This is a reference to the involvement of the Lord.
b) His involvement includes the following:-
i) God’s choosing 2 Thessalonians 2:13
ii) God’s giving of His Spirit 2 Thessalonians 2:13
iii) God’s calling 2 Thessalonians 2:14
iv) God’s gift of salvation 2 Thessalonians 2:13
v) God’s word (the gospel) 2 Thessalonians 2:14
c) This confidence is in the Lord.
i) His active involvement in our life.
ii) His power given to all who trust in Him.
iii) His protection.
2. “Concerning you”
a) The Thessalonian had exhibited features that speak of genuine salvation (2 Thessalonians 1:3).
b) They kept growing in their faith (2 Thessalonians 1:3).
3. Further confidence
a) “That you do”
i) The Thessalonians had complied well.
ii) They were following through with their expressions of faith.
b) “And will do the things we command you”
i) There was evidence that the Thessalonians will continue persevering in their faith.
ii) They showed that they will do what was “commanded”.
iii) They took to heart all that they had been taught, seeing them as “commands” from the Lord.