June 5

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

PAUL commences this chapter, by requesting an interest in the prayers of the believing Thessalonians, for the general diffusion of the Gospel, that it might have "free course;" for its special application, that it might "be glorified" in the conversion of sinners and the consistency of saints; for the preservation and safety of himself and his fellow-laborers; "that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men." In this passage we have

AN ENCOURAGING TRUTH. Here are two things God engages to do for his people: the one regards our progress in that which is good; the other respects our protection from that which is evil.

Our establishment. "Who shall stablish you." This implies the reception of certain things in which we are established. All believers have received the truth; and it is desirable, for their Christian prosperity and comfort, that they should be established in it. 1 Peter 5:10. God establishes his people in knowledge, faith, love, hope, and every gift of grace. This is opposed to a wavering, undecided state of mind. Those who are unstable in religious things cannot excel; it is the steady, firm, and deeply-rooted tree that is likely to bear most fruit; and not that which is continually being transplanted into different soils. There are some who are as wandering stars in the spiritual firmament, having no regular course, and shining in no fixed sphere, instead of blending their light with some constellation in the church below, that it may appear more visible to those who are surrounded with darkness in the world.

Our preservation. "And keep you from evil." There is much evil to which we are exposed, both within and without; there is an evil heart of unbelief, which discovers itself in departing from the living God; and an evil world, full of snares and temptations: we cannot keep ourselves, but God has promised to do it, and to preserve us to his heavenly kingdom.

THE CERTAINTY OF ITS PERFORMANCE. The argument is drawn from the faithfulness of God. "The Lord is faithful."

In his essential character. His name is truth. He cannot act on contrary principles to those of faithfulness and truth; it would be inconsistent with his very nature to do so. He is faithful

To his covenant engagements. He has made a covenant with his people: here every necessary arrangement and adequate provision is made; it is ordered in all things, and sure, as it rests on an immutable Jehovah. He is faithful

To his gracious promise. In the world how often are expectations raised, that are never realized; but not so with regard to the believer. Friends may betray, and, leaning on the flattering promises of the world, we may be the subjects of the most gracious disappointment; but, trusting in God, we cannot be ashamed.

"None that attend his gates shall find A God unfaithful or unkind."