Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

How does the Lord "protect us from the evil one"? 
2 Thessalonians 3:3

Aspects of how this protection works include:

1: Strengthening believers: God provides inner, spiritual fortitude to withstand trials, endure hardships, and stand firm in faith when believers feel weak or overwhelmed.

2: Guarding from attacks: The protection is a safeguard against the spiritual, mental, and emotional attacks and schemes of Satan, who seeks to disrupt peace and divert believers from God's path. It does not necessarily mean the absence of trials, but assurance that the enemy cannot ultimately overcome the believer.

3: Establishing a firm foundation: The Lord establishes believers, meaning they are rooted in their identity and purpose in Christ, unshaken by the world's chaos and evil influences.

4: Providing an escape from temptation: God is faithful to provide a "way of escape" when believers are tempted and tried, so they are not tested beyond what they can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13).

5: Active involvement: God's protection is an active and unwavering involvement in the lives of those who trust in Him, reminding them that they do not fight spiritual battles alone.

6: Through the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit guides believers, helping them recognise and resist evil influences and call on God for protection. 

2 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV Bible: “The Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and guard you from the evil one.”

How the Lord protects us:

1: God's faithfulness: The primary promise is that God is faithful and can be trusted to keep His word, even when people disappoint. His protection results from His unchanging character.

2: Spiritual strength: God provides inner strength to persevere through spiritual, emotional, and physical battles. This strength is available to us when we feel weak.

3: Active guarding: God's protection acts as a shield, guarding our hearts and minds against the attacks of the enemy. It reassures us that while spiritual warfare is real, God is our refuge and protection.

4: Guidance: The Holy Spirit is available to guide and help believers stay away from trouble and call on God for protection.

5: And Reliance on God's word: We can trust in God's promise by relying on His Word, praying, seeking His presence, and taking time to trust in His faithfulness. 

When we reflect on Bible verses like this one, we can see how Paul and his coworkers express their confidence in the Lord. 

The reason is that God is faithful; He can be trusted to strengthen the Thessalonians and protect them from Satan. Because God is faithful, He will not allow evil men to gain the upper hand over believers.

Also, Timothy's presence and preaching at Thessalonica would stabilise the believers and keep them from falling victim to the pressures of persecution. This was the reason Paul was willing to be left alone, sending Timothy to these Christians for their own support (1 Thessalonians 3:1–2). Paul reminds his readers, in this verse, that afflictions are a regular part of the Christian's experience. 

Now that Paul was absent from them, he was concerned that the Devil might have tempted them, thereby disrupting what Paul's ministry had begun.

And according to later verses, Timothy's visit was also to see whether the Thessalonians had endured their trials. (1 Thessalonians 3:5) This verse also reminds us that God will protect and strengthen us against all attacks from the enemy [Satan] as soldiers for Christ.

13 days ago • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Donna Williams Supporter

2 Thessalonians 3:3 is very encouraging and let's us know that in the time of persecution and suffering, the Lord will strengthen and guard us from the evil one, the devil. 

I believe that He protects us by His presence and by the power of His Word! 

He has given us instructions to equip us for spiritual warfare. He prepares us before we are sent into the world to be shining lights.

Here are a few scriptures that I would like to share:

John 10:10: "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." Jesus is our Good Shepherd and He watches over us.

Ephesians 6:11: "Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil." We are protected by being clothed in the whole armor of God.

And lastly, 1 Peter 5:8: "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He growls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." 9."Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith."

These verses were taken from the New Living Translation of the Bible.

12 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Leslie Coutinho Supporter

2 Thessalonians 3:3: But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil.

The Pharisees and the Greeks who came to the temple to worship at the feast then came to Philip and said, 'We desire to see Jesus.' Lord Jesus then revealed unto them, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me." Apostle John, who reveals unto us through the scriptures, though He had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on Him. The chief rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees, they did not confess Him, lest they be put out of the synagogue. They walked in darkness, not knowing where they were going. They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God, as for the saying of E-sa’-ias (Isaiah), the prophet, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their hearts. That they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and that He should heal them. (John 12:19-20,32,35,38-43)

Now seeing the righteous things with God the Father, who recompenses the tribulation with rapture to them that trouble you, those who are left need to rest in faith when He shall be revealed with His mighty angels. The ones who are left and rest in faith, going through trouble, as the Gal-i-lae’-ans, whose blood Pilate mingled with their sacrifice, need to repent. Or you shall all likewise perish as the Lord Jesus reveals unto us. There shall be a flaming fire that taketh vengeance on them that know not God and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thes 1:6-9/Rev 14:1/Luk 13:1-3) The son of perdition of sin shall be revealed, who opposeth and exalteth himself above God and sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Those who rest not in faith, and believe not the truth, God shall send them strong delusion. They shall then be condemned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thes 2:3-4,10-12)

As the apostle John, who reveals unto us through the scriptures as the Lord Jesus spoke unto him, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me." (John 12:32) Paul the apostle, who was led to reveal unto us, God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. Finally, for the remainder, the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified even as it is with you, that you may be delivered from the unreasonable and wicked men, for all men have not faith. (2 Thes 2:13,3:1-2) For His feet shall stand on that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem, and you shall flee to the valley of the mountains. For you shall then be with the Lord God and all His saints with thee. (Zec 14:4-5) 

John 8:34-36: Jesus answered them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

5 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

How does 2 Thessalonians 3:3 assure us of God's faithfulness and protection?

According to what my Quest Study Bible says, the context contains the answer to this question. The Lord "protects us from the evil one" 2 Thessalonians 3:3 "through prayer [2 Thessalonians 3:2], 'God's love,' [2 Thessalonians 3:5] and 'Christ's perseverance' [2 Thessalonians 3:5)."

I'd say God protects us when we PRAY! 

Lord, let our earnest prayers be heard,
The prayer Thy Son hath bid us pray;
For lo, Thy children’s hearts are stirred
In every land in this our day
To cry with fervent soul to Thee,
Oh, help us, Lord! So let it be!

--Christian hymn (Awake, Thou Spirit, Who Didst Fire)

5 days ago • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report