Book of Common Prayer
Pray That The Word May Spread Quickly And That We May Be Protected From Evil People
3 Finally, brothers, be praying for us that the word of the Lord may run[a] and be glorified, just as also with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from out-of-place[b] and evil people. For faith[c] is not possessed by everyone. 3 But the Lord is faithful— Who will establish you, and protect you from the evil one[d]. 4 And we are confident in the Lord concerning you that the things which we are commanding, you also[e] are doing and will do. 5 And may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of [f] God and into the endurance of [g] Christ.
Imitate Us, And Keep Away From Those Who Don’t
6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you be keeping-away[h] from every brother walking disorderly[i] and not according to the tradition which they received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought-to be imitating us. Because we were not disorderly among you, 8 nor did we eat bread as-a-gift[j] from anyone, but were working with labor and hardship by night and by day so-as not to be a burden-on any of you— 9 not because we do not have the right, but in order that we might give ourselves as a pattern to you, so that you may be imitating us. 10 For even when we were with you, we commanded this to you— that “if anyone does not want to work, neither let him eat”. 11 For we are hearing of some among you walking disorderly, not working at all, but being-busybodies[k]. 12 Now to such ones we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ that while working with quietness, they eat their own bread. 13 But you, brothers, do not grow-weary while doing-good. 14 And if anyone does not obey our word through this letter, be taking-note-of [l] this one— to not be associating-with him, in order that he may be ashamed. 15 And do not be regarding him as an enemy, but be admonishing him as a brother. 16 And may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace continually[m] in every way. The Lord be with you all.
17 The greeting of Paul by my own hand, which is a sign in every letter— I write in this manner. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Enter God’s Kingdom Through The Narrow Gate, Which Is Found By Few
13 “Enter through the narrow gate, because wide is the gate and broad[a] is the road leading-away to destruction— and many are the ones entering through it. 14 How narrow is the gate and constricted[b] is the road leading-away to life— and few are the ones finding it.
Beware of False Prophets. The Nature of What They Produce Will Reveal Them
15 “Beware of the false-prophets— who come to you in the clothing of sheep, but inside are ravenous[c] wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. They do not collect grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles, do they? 17 Thus, every good tree produces good fruit, but the bad tree produces bad[d] fruit. 18 A good tree is not able to produce bad fruit, nor is a bad tree able to produce good[e] fruit. 19 Every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So indeed, you will know them by their fruits.
Not Everyone Talking About God Knows Him. Only Those Doing His Will Enter His Kingdom
21 “Not everyone saying to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’, will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of My Father in the heavens.
Disciples' Literal New Testament: Serving Modern Disciples by More Fully Reflecting the Writing Style of the Ancient Disciples, Copyright © 2011 Michael J. Magill. All Rights Reserved. Published by Reyma Publishing