1. Taking our Christian Identity Seriously 2 Thessalonians 3 1

2. Introduction: Introduction How are we suppose to live as Christians waiting for the Lord’s return? 2 2 Thess 3 Praying. Modelling. Living

3. Introduction: Introduction #1: Praying for gospel to advance #2: Modelling after/as gospel-minded Christians #3: Living out the gospel as a community gospel to advance 3 2 Thess 3 Praying. Modelling. Living

4. Introduction: 1.Praying for gospel to advance 4 2 Thess 3:1 …brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 Thess 3 Praying. Modelling. Living

5. Introduction: 1.Praying for gospel to advance 5 Acts 17:4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women. 2 Thess 3 Praying. Modelling. Living

6. Introduction: 1.Praying for gospel to advance 6 2 Thess 3:2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. 2 Thess 3 Praying. Modelling. Living

7. Introduction: 1.Praying for gospel to advance 7 2 Timothy 4:14–18 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 2 Thess 3 Praying. Modelling. Living

8. Introduction: 1.Praying for gospel to advance 8 2 Timothy 4:14–18 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 2 Thess 3 Praying. Modelling. Living

9. Introduction: 1.Praying for gospel to advance 9 2 Timothy 4:14–18 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 2 Thess 3 Praying. Modelling. Living

10. Introduction: 1.Praying for gospel to advance 10 2 Thess 3:2-5 …not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 2 Thess 3 Praying. Modelling. Living

11. Introduction: 1.Praying for gospel to advance 11 2 Thess 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. 2 Thess 3 Praying. Modelling. Living

12. Introduction: 2. Modelling after/as gospel-minded people 12 2 Thess 3:6-7 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. 2 Thess 3 Praying. Modelling. Living

13. Introduction: 2. Modelling after/as gospel-minded people 13 2 Thess 3:7-9 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 2 Thess 3 Praying. Modelling. Living

14. Introduction: 3. Living out the gospel as a community 14 2 Thess 3:10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” 2 Thess 3 Praying. Modelling. Living

15. Introduction: 3. Living out the gospel as a community 15 2 Thess 3:11-15 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. 14 Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer. 2 Thess 3 Praying. Modelling. Living

16. Introduction: How are we suppose to live as Christians waiting for the Lord’s return? 16 2 Thess 3 Praying. Modelling. Living

17. John Stott: “What is God’s purpose for His people?” 17 2 Thess 3 Praying. Modelling. Living Picture taken from https://pilgrimpathways.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/john-stott.jpg

18. John Stott: “What is God’s purpose for His people?” “… I want to share with you where my mind has come to rest as I approach the end of my pilgrimage on earth and it is – God wants His people to become like Christ. Christlikeness is the will of God for the people of God.” John Stott's Final Sermon: The Model - Becoming More Like Christ 18 2 Thess 3 Praying. Modelling. Living Picture taken from https://pilgrimpathways.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/john-stott.jpg

19. Introduction: 19