THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
THIS WEEK'S GUIDES
READ
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
CONSIDER
1. What is Paul asking for in this passage, and why does it matter?
Take time to read 2 Thessalonians 3:1–5 slowly. What stands out to you about Paul’s requests and confidence in God? What does this teach you about what matters most in a life of faith?
2. When was the last time I asked someone to pray for me specifically?
Paul wasn’t afraid to ask for prayer. Am I? What keeps me from inviting others into my spiritual struggles or hopes? What’s something I need prayer for right now—but haven’t shared?
3. Do I long for God's word to spread and be honored through my life?
Paul prays that the word of the Lord would run freely and be honored. Do I care about that? Where in my life do I want to see God’s truth take deeper root or reach others?
4. What kind of resistance am I facing in my walk with Jesus?
Paul mentions wicked people and spiritual danger. What is pulling me away from faithfulness right now—external pressures or inner struggles? Where do I feel under attack?
5. Where do I need to remember that the Lord is faithful?
Verse 3 says “the Lord is faithful.” Where in my life am I struggling to believe that? What would it look like to rest in His protection and strength instead of my own efforts?
6. How has God strengthened or guarded me recently?
Can I name a time when I know God sustained me—even if it didn’t feel dramatic? What helps me stay strong in faith, and where do I feel spiritually vulnerable right now?
7. Am I growing in Christ’s kind of steadfastness?
Paul prays they would be directed to the “steadfastness of Christ.” Am I learning to endure with joy like Jesus did? Where do I want to quit right now instead of persevere?
PRAY
READ
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
CONSIDER
1. What’s happening in this passage?
Read 2 Thessalonians 3:1–5 aloud together. What specific things does Paul ask the Thessalonians to pray for? What does this reveal about his priorities, the challenges he faced, and what he believes God can do?
2. What does “the word of the Lord” running and being honored look like today?
In verse 1, Paul asks that the gospel would “spread rapidly and be honored.” Where do we long to see that happen—in our church, community, workplace, or family?
3. What opposition do we face today, and how do we remain faithful in it?
Paul speaks of being delivered from “wicked and evil people.” How have you experienced resistance or spiritual opposition when trying to live out or share your faith?
4. Where do we need to be reminded that "the Lord is faithful"?
Verse 3 is a powerful reminder. When have you recently needed to rely on the faithfulness of God? Where are you struggling to trust Him right now?
5. How does the Lord “strengthen and guard” us?
Paul says the Lord will strengthen and guard us from the evil one. In what ways have you felt spiritually weak or vulnerable lately? How can the group encourage or walk with you in that?
6. Where do we need to grow in “steadfastness of Christ”?
Paul’s final hope is that their hearts would be directed to God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. Where do you need more endurance? How would remembering Jesus’ love and steadfastness change your perspective?
7. How can we pray like Paul?
Paul boldly asks for prayer. What keeps us from asking others to pray for us with that kind of honesty and specificity? What’s one area where you need others to pray for you this week—either personally or for something you're doing in ministry?
→ Take a moment to pray specifically for each person’s need, just as Paul asked the church to do for him.
PRAY
Spend time praying for your group.
READ
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
CONSIDER
1. What is Paul asking for in this passage?
Let’s read 2 Thessalonians 3:1–5 together. What are the things Paul is asking the church to pray about? Why do you think those things were important to him?
→ Parents can summarize key ideas like “help the good news about Jesus spread,” “be kept safe from people who want to stop us,” and “grow strong in trusting God.”
2. What’s something I need help or prayer for right now?
Paul asked others to pray for him. That’s a good example! Is there anything at school, home, work, or in a friendship where you need prayer or help this week?
3. Where do we want to see more people know and love Jesus?
Paul wanted God’s word to spread and be honored. Who do we know that doesn’t know Jesus yet? Where do we want to see people follow God more—maybe in our neighborhood, school, or sports team?
4. What’s been hard for you lately when it comes to doing what’s right?
Sometimes people or situations make it hard to follow Jesus. Have you had a moment recently where it was hard to be kind, honest, brave, or faithful?
5. What does it mean that “the Lord is faithful”?
Verse 3 says God is faithful—He keeps His promises and is always with us. Can you think of a time God helped you, even in a small way? Where do you need His help now?
6. How does God protect or strengthen us?
Paul says God guards our hearts and makes us strong. What do you think that means? What helps you stay strong in your faith—like praying, reading the Bible, or singing worship songs?
7. What does it look like to be steady and not give up like Jesus?
Paul wants our hearts to grow in love and in the kind of steady faith Jesus had. Is there something in your life that’s hard to keep doing—like being patient, practicing something, or trusting God when it’s slow?
→ Pray for each person to be steady and strong in one area this week.
PRAY
Pray with your family for one another, allowing each family member to request a specific area of prayer, and pray for another.