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.

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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.

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