Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18
I continue my pause of my study of 1 Corinthians as I participate in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church. This morning, on week 3-day 5, my focus is a deeper review of 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 with the assistance of DesiringGod.com's Look at the Book (Lab) "Peaceful Relations Are Precious, Not Ultimate, 2 Thessalonians 3:16–18, Part 1" to unpack the text. In the lab, John Piper first describes how in v16, Paul refers to Jesus as the "the Lord of peace" noting that no where else in scripture do we have this description of Jesus. Piper breaks down this description of Jesus in two ways: (1) Jesus is Himself peace, he is not in tumult or inner conflict, he is in perfect harmony; (2) Jesus loves to make peace, it is in His nature to bring about peace, His flesh was torn so that we can have peace - see also Ephesians 2:14-17, Colossians 1:19-20. Second, Piper describes the prayer Paul offers in vv16-18 as Paul prays that Jesus gives peace to the church in Thessalonica. This is key because as Piper describes Paul expects tension in the church as he commands them earlier in the chapter to confront idleness in the church - there were some in the church who viewed (falsely) that the end times were near so they need not work. Piper then shares how this is an example where comfortable and peaceful relations in the church are not the ultimate value - greater things such as obedience have higher value - we are referred to Philippians 4:6-9. Then Paul moves to assuage concerns about false letters and forgeries first raised in 2 Thessalonians 2:2 as he attests to the "genuineness" of his letter. Piper concludes the lab by looking at Paul's salutation in vv17-18. Piper emphasizes how Paul begins all of his 13 letters in the New Testament with "grace to you" and ends with "grace with you" and Piper suggests that this is done to remind readers of the letter that the letter is the inspired Word of God and the reading is grace flowing to readers and as it remains with you and in your heart (grace with you) - and this grace goes with you not just on Sundays but every day for the rest of your life.
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a good, good God who is peace and makes peace that surpasses all understanding and You are always with me. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such grace. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
