Day 18

2 Thessalonians

from the This Is the New Testament reading plan


2 Thessalonians 2:13-17, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5, Psalm 22:25-31, Matthew 26:36-46, Hebrews 12:1-2, James 5:7-11

BY She Reads Truth

This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll continue reading the Pauline Epistles.

What Is 2 Thessalonians? A follow-up to Paul’s first letter to the church in Thessalonica, the book of 2 Thessalonians offers further clarification on how to live the Christian life in light of Christ’s promised return. This letter calls believers to stand firm in their faith, following Christ’s example.

How 2 Thessalonians Fits Into the Story: Second Thessalonians continues the themes found in 1 Thessalonians: persecution, sanctification, and the second coming of Jesus. The letter proclaims that salvation in Christ, though already true, will be ultimately fulfilled when He comes again, overthrowing evil and bringing rest and glory. This letter reminds us that God loves His people and gives them great comfort and hope, even in the midst of persecution. 

Reflection Questions: 
1. How does Christ’s endurance provide you with hope in your current circumstances?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?

Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.

Post Comments (41)

41 thoughts on "2 Thessalonians"

  1. Rhonda J says:

    Here is another song that is so encouraging during the storms of life. Peace Be Still- Lauren Daigle’s live version-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUpKZz0Nm7c

  2. Rhonda J says:

    We think of the things that way on our hearts, and then read how Jesus prayed and had a heavy heart…wow. That is just so profound to think about, the suffering he knew that was coming, and why he was here, for us! So powerful, and so encouraging that we can turn that heaviness over to him. Here’s my Heart Lord, speak what is true. Here’s my Life Lord, speak what is true. (song I’m listening to right now by Casting Crowns)
    I hope all of you can lay your heart down, and trust the Lord to do only what he can do.

    1. Mari V says:

      Rhonda, you don’t know how much I needed to hear this, this morning. I will search this song and listen to it.

  3. Aimee DiCicco-Ruhl says:

    Praying. Grateful for His mercy and grace.

  4. Angie says:

    Victoria E – I am praising God with you for your wonderful news at the doctor. I prayed so often during the day on Tuesday and Wednesday. The teens stayed until almost 1 am after watching, The Passion of Christ, then talked, and dealt, with some struggles they are having. That means I did not do my usual, pass through the requests before bed and pray, which means I missed your update. Wednesday I had time for the Bible reading and praying for requests, but not responding. I read people’s comments of praise for your news and was searching for it. I was praising and thankful but wanted details! Then, lying in bed last night I realized you might have posted on Tuesday after your appointment and updated. Hoorah! Praising God for the joy in hearing that precious heartbeat and seeing the life He has created. He is in the details and loves you completely. Amen!

  5. Angie says:

    As I read today’s scripture I decided both Thessalonians verses and the Hebrews verse are perfect to pass on to my teenage ladies, which is such a blessing! The girls are being pressured tremendously right now as they go into their senior year. Some have given in and feel shame and guilt, others are teetering, and some have stood strong. Interestingly, the ones who have stood the strongest have stayed away from situations that would put them into temptation.
    Paul’s use of the word command, in 2 Thessalonians 3:4, grabbed me. I feel like we don’t “command” the following of the principles God laid out for us well in today’s world. Command is a term we would rarely use. We don’t command little children to obey unless it is a serious situation. (I told my sons growing up that, “delayed obedience is disobedience,” not so much because I wanted immediate obedience to me but because when they were little I was the authority, I wanted them to obey the true authority, God, immediately and not delay, when they were old enough to chose obedience to Him.) In my classroom I get the children to obey by constant gentle, consistent, love and relationship. I seldom command – only regarding lying, stealing, or hurting someone else – those are command type, do not do…rules. In life, I tend to “present” the truth of His word and share the good and bad consequences I have experienced as I obeyed or not. I guess I am thinking about my teen girls and wondering if the freedom and little boundaries their parents are giving them is best? Right now they seem to be crying out for an authority figure in their life to give them some “commands” to help them be strong. At the same time they are crying out for them, I know they would fight them. Our own sons used to get frustrated with us for being the “mean” parents who set boundaries, and yet both came to us in their early years of college and later in adulthood and thanked us for the boundaries we set. They said it helped them not get into some of the situations others did. We were an easy excuse to avoid temptation. Praise God for the commands, statutes, rules, love and guidance He has provided and continues to provide through the Holy Spirit. We are a blessed people. Oh how much better things are when we lean into the love of God, trust Him, and obey.

  6. Foster Mama says:

    “This letter reminds us that God loves His people and gives them great comfort and hope, even in the midst of persecution.”…Thank You Jesus! Please give me Your eyes to see…”See, we count as blessed those who have endured…Job’s endurance and have seen the outcome that the Lord brought about—the Lord is compassionate and merciful.”
    Please help me to be faithful, patient and surrendered to You, even when “it’s not fair”…I LOVE YOU! I look forward to writing the praise that I know will come. I want to write “But God…”

  7. Melanie says:

    Today’s reading was so moving for me. Sometimes I read passages and feel God is hugging me saying it will be ok. My heart has been heavy with the upcoming school year and all the unknowns. I did to follow Jesus example and lay it down at the feet of Jesus. Thank you for your prayers I did sleep better last night, but please continue to pray for my sleep and my healing. My muscles in my chest and back spasm often and it’s so painful.

  8. Taylor says:

    Stand firm. Be patient. Wait on the Lord. These were phrases that stuck out to me during the passages. In my current circumstances I feel confident I’m walking within God’s will for my life in this season, but because of that I also feel more attacks from the devil on my mind trying to sway me with doubt and fear. These verses were such an encouragement to STAND FIRM. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 “BUT GOD is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” Hebrews 12:1-2 (my paraphrase): Throw off EVERYTHING that hinders; fix my eyes on JESUS.” Jesus fought His fight and gives us the Holy Spirit to fight ours as well. Our hope is built on NOTHING LESS!!! May everyone fight their fights and run their races will hope and encouragement today <3 Suiting up with the armor of God!

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