Established by grace

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:3-5

Sermon notes 

Paul writes against the background of developing apostasy. That apostasy is already at work and has already had an impact upon these believers. They had been de-stabilized by error and false teaching.

As Paul has laboured to correct them, it is his desire for them to join with him in the work of advancing the gospel. Stability in the faith is always to produce this desire and action to see the gospel go forward. Even in the last days, such advance will be possible and desirable. He therefore asks them to pray!

He is asking young believers who have already staggered and wavered to help in the gospel work because he has confidence in the work of grace that God has done and will continue to do in them. Our potential role in helping to advance the work of the gospel is not based on what we are of ourselves but on what God’s grace can make us. Paul speaks here of how they are stabilized by Divine grace to assist in the advance of the gospel.

I  GOD STABILIZES HIS PEOPLE BY WORKING TO RESTRAIN SIN.

This is clear from v3. Paul speaks against the background of his words in Chapter 2 about the advancing apostasy which is controlled by Divine power and purpose.

1. He works to keep His people from sin. The Lord is the guardian of His people. He watches over them. One of His chief purposes in doing so is to guard them against sin. Cp John 17:15, 1Chron 4:10, Ps 19:11,13, Matt 6:13, Gal 1:4. He warns faithfully and constantly against the dangers of sin and wickedness. His Spirit working through the Scriptures and the enlightened conscience of the believer cries an alarm against sin and urges us to flee from it. Stability in the Christian life is the companion of holiness.
2. God works in this way to stablish you, v3. Sin is a destabilizing force. Sin occasioned man’s original fall! To be truly stable in the Christian life, sin must be curtailed. Stablish > ‘to be resolute, firm’. A strong, stable, unflinching stand is the purpose of God for His people. Cp Eph 4:11-16, 6:10, Col 2:6-8.
3. God is faithful in this work. He is a guard who can be depended upon! Our own guard drops/fails and we are often overcome! He never fails in this regard. This aspect of the work of grace is assured and certain.

II  GOD STABILIZES HIS PEOPLE BY WORKING TO PRODUCE OBEDIENCE.

Stability and obedience go hand in hand.

1. The nature of this obedience. It was both present and future. Obedience is something that is present and will continue to develop in the Christian. Regeneration produces obedience. Cp 1Jn 2:3-5. The ideal for the believer is this progress in obedience of God. In the context this is the distinguishing feature of the saint from those who are part of the apostasy and those wicked men who are the opponents of the gospel.
2. This obedience is directed and measured by the commands of God. There is no other standard of Christian obedience. The commands of God contained in Scripture, issued by the Apostles in the authority of Christ, are in view. These saints had given themselves to obey those words.
3. Paul’s confidence rested in God. He does not reference their love for him or gratitude for his ministry—which he could have done. The obedience he speaks of is the product of Divine grace. Paul was confident they would obey because he was confident in God at work in them. Obedience is a primary fruit of grace.

III   THE END DIVINE ESTABLISHMENT LEADS TO.

1. An experience of the love of God, v5. Cp John 15:10, Jude 21. This is where obedience and the gracious stabilizing work of God conducts His people. Their experience was to be one of the heart. It is with the heart that we perceive love and return it!
2. A patient waiting for Christ. ‘Patience/endurance’ and stability are closely linked. It is very striking to see that Paul in combatting the error of 2:2 insists upon them living looking forward to that event! This is ever our duty.
3. The Lord must direct in this way. Such stability is the product of effectual grace. Paul prays that the Lord will make a straight way for these believers. This idea is parallel to the free course of v1. His prayer is that the Lord will take these saints directly and quickly to this happy spiritual condition. They are to learn to pray this for themselves! They must submit as servants to His authority and direction.