Letters From PaulSample

PREPARE

Take a moment to quiet your heart as you set aside today’s distractions.

Ask God to prepare you to read and receive his holy Word.

READ: 2 Thessalonians 2:13–17

Dear Friend,

We must thank God at all times for you, friends, you whom the Lord loves. For God chose you as the first to be saved by the Spirit’s power to make you his holy people and by your faith in the truth. God called you to this through the Good News we preached to you; he called you to possess your share of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, our friends, stand firm and hold on to those truths which we taught you, both in our preaching and in our letter.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good.

With gratitude,

Paul

REFLECT

This is the second letter Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica, one of the first churches he helped plant. While only a short time passed between his first and second letters, persecution in Thessalonica worsened. The church was struggling to hold on to the truth of the gospel, so Paul wrote to remind them of God’s promises in Jesus Christ. How does meditating on God’s promises help strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ?

Consider the difficulties you face in your own life. Where does your faith need to be strengthened? Which promises of God can you turn to for encouragement?

PRAY

Paul tells his fellow believers to “stand firm and hold on to those truths which we taught you.” As you pray, ask God to help you hold onto the truths of his Word throughout your day. Pray that he will strengthen your faith and encourage your heart with his eternal promises.

Did you find this plan helpful?

Thank you for completing this reading plan. We pray that God will bless you as you spend time in His Word. Visit us at American Bible Society to learn more about the ways God is changing lives through the Bible!