July 05, 2026

BUILT TO LAST: GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE:

BE STRONG, BE SURE!

July 05, 2026

Senior Pastor Jonathan Falwell

In the middle of the chaos, busyness, pain, work, or even the excitement of celebrating our country’s 250th birthday, it is with a sense of expectation to go to church and fellowship with other believers! The atmosphere is unlike anything out in the world as we join other believers who live a life focused on God, His sovereignty, His love, and His peace. We rejoice, knowing Christians from around the globe join us through technology as we worship Jesus Christ. Today, we finish 2 Thessalonians as Pastor Jonathan reiterates that our mission in life is to be strong as we carry out the plan God has given each of us as we follow Him. Our walk is not an easy one, but we have a future that is beyond comparison to anything an earthly king can offer us. Let us stand firm, stay strong, and be confident!

Focal Passages: 2 Thessalonians 3.

He’s already given you what you need:

  • Read 2 Thess. 2:16-17. As Paul was finishing his letter in chapter two, he begins his closing remarks. Even though Paul is the one writing, whom should they consider to be the source? What does he say God has done for you?
  • Do you recall the literal meaning of ‘everlasting consolation’? Why do you have this comfort forever? What did you do to deserve it?
  • What does Paul ask God to do for you in vs. 17? What does ‘establish you’ mean? If God makes you ‘firm’ and strengthens you, will you be able to make it through the times of trials and testing?
  • Can you paraphrase vv. 16-17, so that you see, while in a great storm, God is giving you strength to stand firm and overwhelming comfort to know He is with you? Does this encourage you that you will make it? Read 2 Thess. 3:3. Does this verse give you courage?
  • What else do you need to make it through the rough times? When you are praying in those days when life is heavy, do you pray with a heart respecting God’s will in the answer? Why is this necessary? Why are you never hopeless?
  • Read Matthew 6:31-33. What does God promise us in this passage? Read Phil. 4:19 and 2 Cor. 9:8. What does God promise in these verses? Read Psalm 37:25 and Isa. 41:10. Can you trust Him to give you all you need?

So be strong, and be sure:

  • Read 2 Thess. 3:4-6. What did Paul feel confident about, concerning the church at Thessalonica? What did he mean, in all they do? Why was he so confident?
  • Do you ever consider that it is God directing your heart into loving Him? Read 1 John 4:19. Does He still love you? Does He love you as much as He loved you when you first believed on Him?
  • Do you recall what the ‘patience of Christ’ is? Do you have a word you use when you feel you are going to make it through a situation?
  • Paul had one more command: that they withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly. What did he mean? What did disorderly mean in Jesus’ day? (Do you recall Thessalonians is the only place in the Bible where this Greek word is used?) What are the two groups it seemed possible he referred to?
  • Paul doesn’t say what the disorderly brother is doing, but two other passages indicate the disorderly person deviates from common decency or order; what are some words you might use to describe a disorderly person? What is the second lifestyle of a brother that Paul tells this church to withdraw from? Do you know anyone like this? Are you strong enough to withdraw your friendship during a time so the brother repents?
  • The believers in the church at Thessalonica are doing what they are supposed to be doing, even though there are ‘many adversaries’: What is Paul’s encouragement to them? Is he saying, “Keep on doing what you’re supposed to be doing. Don’t let them keep you from what you need to do”?

And don’t give up and don’t give in:

  • Read 2 Thes. 3:10-15. Does it sound like Paul was having some people criticize him besides those who walk disorderly; what does he call them? Why do we usually think of women being the busy-bodies? What did that word mean? Who was Pastor’s example?
  • How do you generally really feel about someone who is slack while he is working? How do you handle such a person? Do you ever use encouragement so they might work harder?

Close:

Even while preparing this sermon study, the telephone rang. A grandmother wanted to share the story of her 16-year-old grandson, who has been working for a local pizza chain in his town. He was grateful to get the job—his first—anxious to save his money and purchase a car. He wanted to be ready when he would be able to get his license. He shared with her that he didn’t mind doing whatever needed to be done, even if it wasn’t on his list. He noted many of the others would not help in any job that was someone else’s, and it was getting them fired. He wasn’t trying to earn ‘Brownie points,’ but was genuinely glad to have the job, and therefore had no care about whether it was his responsibility or not as he helped others. Consequently, managers were noting his work ethic, and had already increased his pay twice. One told him the only reason he wasn’t being made a manager was his youth—no manager could be 16! As the grandmother relayed this, it fit today’s sermon perfectly. The Bible has much to say about work, doing a good job for the pay one receives, and not being ‘slack’ while at the jobsite. It not only fulfills the ‘royal law,’ but also is a great testimony about the doer. May we all be grateful to have work that provides needs for our families, and brings glory to God.

Sandy Day

July 05, 2026

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