Verses 1-5
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Verses 1-3. We can pray to be delivered from unnecessary persecutions from unbelievers, and from attacks of the enemy (Matthew 6:13), but remember that “the Lord is faithful.” God promises that He will guard us from the evil one. How so?
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God does not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear (1 Corinthians 10:13).
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Don't fear, pray, and know that God is protecting you from the devil to the extent that you must be protected. He will never let the devil do anything to you that you can't handle.
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In addition, make sure you are careful to obey what the Word says, and you will be secure (1 John 5:18).
Verses 6-15
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Paul set the example that we are responsible to work to provide for our own necessities, and to do so without complaining.
- An orderly person is someone who provides for his house and follows the commands of Scripture faithfully. A disorderly person fails in these things.
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It is sin for a believer to be unwilling to work. Even more so, we are worse than an unbeliever if we do not work to provide for our own (1 Timothy 5:8).
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Especially if you're a man, keep a job, and work hard!
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If a fellow believer is unwilling to work, or continues willfully in disobedience to the Word, warn them and try to correct them (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
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If, after several rebukes, they do not change, leave them to themselves—do not fellowship with them.
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But still let them know that you love them.
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This brings a healthy shame that can motivate a person to repent.
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Verses 16-18
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God is a God of peace, and He desires to give peace.
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To receive more peace from God, pray and give thanks often, and keep your mind on good things (Philippians 4:6-8).
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The Lord Himself is the source of peace. Keep your mind on Him (Isaiah 26:3).