Free Bible Commentary
2 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians 3:16-18
Thursday, December 06, 2018“Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all! I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, and this is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.”
---End of Scripture Verses---
“Peace in every circumstance” (verse 16). Friends this is only available and promised to the faithful disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. You may have a calm disposition and a peaceful demeanor, but unless you give your life to the Lord and obey Him at His word, life’s ups and downs will make a complete mess of you, and your soul will suffer eternal wreckage.
Jesus Christ is “the Lord of peace.” He offers a peace that surpasses all understanding and an inner serenity that flies in the face of any adversity and suffering that Satan and this world can throw at you. But, more importantly, Jesus, and He alone, can reconcile you to the Father in heaven, and bring a peaceful relationship between you and the Creator whom your sins estrange you from.
“For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” (Colossians 1:19-20)
“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us…For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” (Romans 5:6-10)
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. You heard that I said to you, ‘I go away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.” (John 14:27-28).
Jesus is God who came to earth in the form of a human being. He lived a perfect life and died a sacrificial death in order to pay the ransom price for our sins that keep us separated from God. Afterwards He ascended back to the right hand of the Father, but He promises to return for His faithful servants in order to take them back to heaven to be with Him forever.
Until then, if we place our faith and trust in Him, and obey His word and commandments that the Holy Spirit revealed in the Bible, God will give us “peace in every circumstance.” Peace when we are young and peace when we are old. Peace when we are healthy and peace when we are sick. Peace when we prosper and peace when we are deprived.
The Prince of Peace is the only One worthy of entrusting your life and eternity to.
We will have some introductory remarks on the letter of 1 Timothy for tomorrow if the Lord is willing.
Have a great day!
- Louie Taylor
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15
Wednesday, December 05, 2018“If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”
---End of Scripture Verses---
Just going to quote what Wilson Adam’s has to say in his Courageous Living workbook about these verses for today:
“What about the brother or sister who refused to hear and heed this letter?
“1. Take special note of that person…(v.14a). The idea is the same as in Romans 16:17: ‘Mark them which cause divisions’ (KJV). Here is one who needs to be noted publicly as walking out of step (‘unruly’ v.6) with Scripture.
“2. And do not associate with him…(v.14b). Here is one seeking fellowship and connection with the Lord’s church while, at the same time, engaging in behavior unbecoming to a follower of Christ. It cannot be ignored. To sweep it under the rug or look the other way sends a two-fold message: (1) approval to the guilty, and (2) hypocrisy to the world. Any kind of social contact that would give comfort to one in sin must be avoided.
“3. So that he will be put to shame (v.14c.). The purpose of church discipline (tough spiritual love) is to reach the heart of the sinner. He cannot live as he wishes and enjoy the blessings of fellowship.
“4. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother (v.15). Now the tables are turned as Paul issues a warning about the attitudes of others. Don’t look down on him with an air of superiority. Don’t be ugly in your response to him. Don’t ignore him. Here’s what you do: Admonish him as a brother! Admonish him implies an effort at talking, encouraging, warning, and pleading with him to change and…doing it all in a humble spirit (Gal.6:1).”
Please read 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Tuesday, December 04, 2018“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example. For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.”
---End of Scripture Verses---
“If Anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either” (verse 10). Some people are not ABLE to work, and God would never require us to do something that we have not the capacity to do. But there are others who are not WILLING to work. No matter how great a sense of entitlement that the sluggard may possess, in God’s economy he should not be rewarded for his lack of contribution and self-motivation. Where willingness to work meets with ability and opportunity, great blessings from God ensue. “Every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—it is the gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 3:13). “The sleep of the working man is pleasant…” (Ecclesiastes 5:12).
“For we hear that some among you are…acting like busybodies” (verse 11). When people are not busy about the Lord’s business and their own business, they will likely keep their noses firmly planted in other people’s business. Let’s remember Paul’s command to these brethren and God’s will for His people the world over: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands” (1 Thessalonians 4:11). When our hands are idle and our minds are unfocused we tend to drift into regions of unprofitability and even sinfulness.
“Do not grow weary of doing good” (verse 13). No matter what other people may choose to spend their time doing, God’s faithful must consistently maintain the pursuit of His good will. We all get tired, no matter how we choose to expend our energy. We grow weary when we study hard and work hard and play hard. But we must take great care to never grow weary in doing what is good and right and appropriate. There is, and always will be, an internal struggle between our willing spirits and our weak flesh that churns within each of us. And that battle is tiresome. But if we keep trying and keep fighting, God will give us the strength to overcome, and we will gain the victory through our dynamic faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Please read 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Monday, December 03, 2018“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example. For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.”
---End of Scripture Verses---
In his first letter, Paul had given the following command with the apostolic authority granted to him by Jesus Christ: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). It is obvious that many of the brethren had not heeded this command, and some were leading “an unruly life and not according to the tradition which” they had received from Paul and his companions (verse 6).
To exhibit “unruly” behavior is to “walk disorderly” or be “out of rank”. Some of the brethren had stopped working in anticipation of Christ’s Second Coming, and refused to work even after Paul had ordered them to do so in order to support themselves and their families. Paul used the examples of himself and his fellow workers to show the brethren how they ought to work hard for a living and not be lazy (verses 7 and 9). Even though Paul had every right to earn his living by preaching the Gospel among them, instead, he gave up his privilege in order to show them how to work “night and day so” as to “not be a burden to any” of their brethren (verse 8).
Paul gave the “command…in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” that they “keep away from” unruly, disobedient, slothful brethren. This is the idea of “withdrawing” ourselves from unfaithful Christians who refuse to repent of their sinful behavior, in order to persuade them to obey the Lord and live their lives right; and also to keep the body of Christ pure, without the leaven of bad influence. As unpleasant as congregational discipline can be, when we refuse to utilize the measures revealed by New Testament inspiration to deal with sinfulness in the church, we disobey the will and the direct command of the Lord God in heaven.
Let’s stay with 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
Sunday, December 02, 2018“Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.”
---End of Scripture Verses---
Paul knew he needed the powerful prayers of his faithful brethren to help propel him along the paths of life, and to help keep him safe as he proliferated the word of God. But Paul’s prayer request was not a selfish one. His main concern was that “the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified” (verse 1). If Paul encouraged Christians to pray for the spread of the Gospel in his lifetime, then God’s people need to be petitioning the Lord for the successful dissemination of the word today as well.
God tells us clearly and confidently that the word which goes forth from His mouth will not return to Him empty, without accomplishing what He desires, and without succeeding in the matter for which He sent it (Isaiah 55:11). But do not underestimate the capacity of our prayers to assist the reach of God’s word into the hearts of sinful men. The Gospel is powerful (Hebrews 4:12), and so are the prayers of righteous people (James 5:16). What a potent pair the word of the Lord and the prayers of His people are in achieving His good and perfect will!
Unfortunately, when a door opens for the spread of the Gospel, Satan often slips through as well. Humanity’s greatest adversary wastes no time in trying to discourage young converts to the truth and defeat their fledgling faith in the Lord. This was true for the Christians in Thessalonica (1:3-4), and the deceiver has not changed his tactics through the ages. But, our God is exponentially stronger than the slanderer, and He is faithful to “strengthen and protect you from the evil one” (verse 3).
Take courage in knowing that, if you belong to Christ, the power of the Creator of the Universe is on your side to help you and protect you from eternal harm. If you devote yourself to the word and to prayer, the Lord will “direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ” (verse 5). When we acquire a good understanding of how much the Lord truly loves us, that knowledge will help us, and HE will help us, to possess a firm resolve to remain faithful until the very end!
You are invited to worship God with us today at the Taylorsville Road church of Christ.
We assemble at 3741 Taylorsville Road in Louisville Kentucky.
9:30 AM Bible classes for all ages. 10:30 PM and 5:00 PM worship services.
Please read 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed Lord’s Day!
- Louie Taylor
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
Saturday, December 01, 2018“But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.”
---End of Scripture Verses---
“God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation” (verse 13). Why has God chosen those whom He has chosen? Because of the good hearts that they have. Because He knew before the beginning (foreknew) who would be humble and holy enough to have “faith in the truth” and “stand firm and hold to the traditions” (verse 15) that have been revealed by the perfect revelation of the mind of God in the Bible.
Yahweh God, who wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4), has “called” us all through the gospel (verse 14). The precious souls who humbly and obediently respond to this gospel call in faith, these are the chosen ones. These are the “choice” ones. These are the saved ones who allow themselves to be transformed “through the sanctification of the Spirit,” and become chosen vessels of honor to be used in devoted service to the Holy Creator.
Those of us who respond favorably to the Father’s calling of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ by the Spirit-inspired word, should take great “comfort” in knowing that God will “strengthen” our “hearts in every good work and word” (verse 17). As long we take His word to heart and do all the good works of faith that He commands and empowers us to do, we will “gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (verse 14).
I can’t imagine an exhortation and promise that could be more encouraging than this during our times of trials and struggles. Have faith in the truth. Live a sanctified life. Stand firm in the written word. God will comfort you. God will strengthen you. God will give you the glory of His Son Jesus Christ. Friends, this alone makes life worth living, and this is all that we should be living for!
Please read 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 for tomorrow.
Praying you all Have a blessed and wonderful day!
- Louie Taylor
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Friday, November 30, 2018“Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.”
---End of Scripture Verses---
Okay let’s wrap up this section by quoting from Wilson Adam’s Courageous Living workbook on 1&2 Thessalonians one last time. I just want to add that we have no animosity toward the members of any one particular denomination. Wilson’s explanation just seems to me to be the best fit, and history appears to bear out the truth of his theory.
“And who is behind this defection from the faith? ‘Satan’ (v.9)—along with an accompaniment of ‘power and signs and false wonders.’ Catholicism has long professed miraculous cures performed by the bones of martyrs, crying statues, and the miracle of the mass (the emblems becoming the literal body and blood of Jesus).
“‘…and with all the deception of wickedness’ (v.10). Has there ever been a more wicked misrepresentation than the Catholic Church selling indulgences (forgiveness of sins in exchange for money)? Roman Catholicism was built on the foundation of superstition and deception. Yet because people love pomp and pageantry, God allowed man to have his way (v.11). In other words, if you desire to embrace the false while refusing the truth, God allows it.
“The result, however, will be judgment (v.12). To this day, Catholicism rejects the truth by standing upon a three tier system of authority: (1) Papal decree, (2) Church tradition, and (3) the Scriptures (in that order). The words of the Pope and tradition have always taken precedence over what God has communicated in His word.”
The full-blown apostasy has taken place, and we still see its aftermath today in the confusing denominational religious world all around us. The man of lawlessness has been revealed—the one who claims to be inspired, and infallible who has taken “his seat in the temple of God,” so to speak. There is nothing restraining the Lord’s return. The end could come at any moment. Are you ready for the Judgment Day? It will come at a time that will catch you off of your guard unless you take care of your spiritual condition this moment. “Today is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2)!
Please read 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 for tomorrow.
Blessings!
- Louie Taylor
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Wednesday, November 28, 2018“Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.”
---End of Scripture Verses---
This is one of the most difficult passages in all the Scriptures to get a good handle on. I have read a number of commentaries and heard many people’s opinions on the meaning, and all the views are numerous and varied. While every theory presents its own problem or set of problems, I like Wilson Adams’ take on this passage the best (right now). I will be quoting from Wilson’s Courageous Living series workbook on 1 & 2 Thessalonians for today on “the apostasy,” and tomorrow on “the man of lawlessness” Lord willing.
When we think about general apostasy, please keep in mind that a “falling away” had already begun to take place in the first century, and the inspired writers wrote about various departures in the New Testament. People and congregations were deviating from the authorized pattern for the church and its teaching as is attested to by the Apostle Paul in his epistles, and by the Apostle John in his epistles (Gnosticism), and in Revelation chapters 2-3 (the seven churches of Asia).
But this is what Wilson had to say about “The” specific “Apostasy” that Paul wrote about in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2:
“Not long after Paul’s departure and the end of the apostolic era, churches began to defect from the simple teaching regarding organization. Originally, each church was autonomous and under their own elders (Phil. 1:1). Each time elders were mentioned, there was always a plurality (Acts 11:30; 14:23; 20:17; Titus 1:5). There was never a ‘head-elder’ as each leader was co-equal.
“Eventually, however, one elder from a congregation was chosen as ‘head’ over the others and deemed a ‘bishop.’ Acts 20:17, 28 reveal the terms ‘elders,’ ‘overseers’ (bishops) and ‘shepherds’ (pastors) refer to the same men—each word describing something unique about the same office.
“In time the ‘head-elders’ (bishops) of the larger city churches were considered more important than those in smaller outlying churches. Ultimately, the bishops in the five leading cities (Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, Constantinople, and Rome) took the lead. It wasn’t long before there was infighting among the five for ultimate supremacy. In 606 the title was bestowed upon Boniface III, the bishop of Rome.
“For the first time, one man was recognized as head of the church on earth. It was a far cry from the simple New Testament teaching and pattern.”
Stay with 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 for tomorrow and we will read about “the man of lawlessness”.
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12
Tuesday, November 27, 2018“Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.”
---End of Scripture Verses---
Paul had stressed the certainty and imminence of the Lord’s return in his first letter, and the Thessalonians really took it to heart. It is important for Christians to have a wholehearted belief and expectation in Christ’s Second Coming, and that He could return at literally any moment. But Paul told the brethren who lived in the first century that, even though no one knows for certain when Jesus will come back, there were some notable events that had to transpire before that astounding day would come that will end all days.
Rumors were flying around that Jesus would either return immediately or that He had already returned and that they had missed His coming. Paul set the record straight that this (mis)information had not come from himself or his companions. Paul encouraged them to not be shaken up or upset about this false teaching, and if they had heard or read something in this regard, it did not have divine origin (verse 2).
Don’t let the “religious prognosticators” distress you or deceive you with their predictions of the end of the world. They do not speak for God. There is even one large religious group that teaches that Jesus already returned years ago in secret. They do not teach the truth. The Lord is coming at a time, that could be anytime, but it will be a time that people least expect—like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2). But, unlike a thief, the Lord’s coming will be blatant and blaring (1 Corinthians 15:52, Revelation 1:7).
Paul said two things must first happen (which were future events for them, but past events for us) before the Lord comes to gather His disciples together to Him. First “the apostasy” must take place. The word “apostasy” means “falling away,” and it signifies a departure from the faith by deviation from the truth. The second event that must transpire is the revealing of “the man of lawlessness” (verse 3). Lord willing we will go into the details of the apostasy and “the son of destruction” over the next couple of days.
Please read these verses again for tomorrow.
Have a great day!
- Louie Taylor
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Monday, November 26, 2018“To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
---End of Scripture Verses---
Paul and his companions had a special prayer for the Christians in Thessalonica. They had been truly converted to the Lord and their young faith had weathered the storms of persecutions and tribulations, and that was very encouraging. But they still had a long way to go and a tough row to hoe, and they needed God’s strength and perseverance to help them stay faithful to the very end. The prayer is as follows:
“That our God will count you worthy of your calling” (verse 11). God calls us to live a life of holiness and sanctification through the Gospel of Jesus Christ (2:14), and it is God alone who can count us worthy of our calling. But it is up to us to conduct ourselves in a worthy manner. If we live our lives to please and glorify the Lord, He will present us “without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).
That our God will “fulfill every desire for goodness” (verse 11). We need to try our very hardest to do the good will of God. But, no matter how earnestly we endeavor to do the right things, we will always come up short if we try to do it alone without the help of the Lord who created us. Paul exhorts us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling in Philippians 2:12. But he goes on in verse 13 to tell us that, “it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” God would never leave us alone to do this because He knows we cannot do it alone.
“And the work of faith with power” (verse 11). Biblical faith always requires works of obedience (Ephesians 2:10; James 2:18). As we have seen earlier in this chapter, it is never enough to just believe the Gospel. We also must obey the Gospel (1:8). Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to everyone who obeys Him (Hebrews 5:8-9), and God will always assist us with His mighty “power” when we try to do what is good and right in His sight.
When we serve the Lord in holiness, and we allow Him to work His power within us, only then can we bring glory to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ by our lives of faith (verse 12). There is no better way to live the life that God has blessed us with.
Please read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 for tomorrow. We will likely spend a few days on this passage.
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
2 Thessalonians 1:6-10
Sunday, November 25, 2018“For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—for our testimony to you was believed.”
---End of Scripture Verses---
“It is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you” (verse 6). Righteous vengeance is not necessarily a bad thing, it’s just not ours to pursue. Vengeance is the Lord’s work. “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:9-21)
We should not only avoid taking our own revenge, God wants us to actually go out of our way to be kind to those who treat us poorly. The hope is that they will feel the pain of shame and humiliation for their evil deeds, and repent and turn to the Lord before it is eternally too late for them. But, eventually it will be too late. “When the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire,” He will “deal out retribution” to the ungodly abusers and oppressors (verses 7-8).
But please don’t miss the scope of the people who will suffer the “penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His power” (verse 9). Eternal punishment awaits all those “who do not know God and…who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (verse 8). Every person who has not taken the time to know God and learn His will and obey His commands will be lost for eternity!
Have you obeyed the initial Gospel commands associated with salvation? Have you repented of your sins and confessed your faith in Christ Jesus and been baptized in order to have your sins forgiven? If you have not, when you die or when Jesus returns (whichever comes first), it will be too late. If you have obeyed those first commands, are you living your life in faithful service to Him, worshipping Him in spirit and in truth, and trying your best to observe all that the Lord has commanded you (Matthew 28:20)?
Eternity is on the line friend. We don’t like to think or talk about it very much (or at all), but Paul is talking about the choice of heaven and hell in 2 Thessalonians chapter 1. My prayer is that we all will choose eternal life over eternal destruction (verse 9). The choice is ours to make…
You are invited to worship God with us today at the Taylorsville Road church of Christ – 3741 Taylorsville Road.
9:30 AM Bible classes for all ages. 10:30 PM and 5:00 PM worship services.
Please read 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed Lord’s Day!
- Louie Taylor
2 Thessalonians 1:1-5
Saturday, November 24, 2018“Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. This is a plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering.”
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When Paul (and Silvanus and Timothy) said they “ought” always to give thanks to God for the Thessalonian brethren, and that it was “only fitting,” they were saying that the brethren really deserved the praise they were getting (verse 2). Paul and friends had written previously that they had earnestly desired to “complete what was lacking” in their faith (1 Thessalonians 3:10), and had prayed that the Lord would cause them to “increase and abound in” their love for one another (1 Thessalonians 3:12). And, even though they had some problems that still needed to be addressed, they had responded favorably to the first letter and Paul’s prayers had been answered.
The faith of the Thessalonian brethren had “greatly enlarged” (verse 3). This is the Greek word “huperauxano” which means “to increase beyond measure,” and is compared to the “internal, organic growth, as of a tree” (Vine’s Dictionary). Their faith had burgeoned and blossomed, and this “in the midst of…persecutions and afflictions” (verse 4); and they were to be greatly commended for their wonderful example. It is often the case that hardships foster growth in our faith, and comfort and ease promote complacency.
And the love that the Thessalonian brethren had for each other grew “even greater” (verse 3). As “greatly enlarged” suggests the idea of the organic growth of a tree, the Greek word “pleonazo” indicates growth of “a diffusive or expansive character, as of a flood irrigating the land” (Vine’s Dictionary). I love this vivid imagery of their faith (love toward God) reaching vertically, high into the sky like a tree stretching its branches towards the heavens; and their love for one another spreading out horizontally, deluging one another with care and concern, as a flood extends its waters over the face of the earth.
As for the “persecutions and afflictions” that they endured (verse 4), this was a “plain indication” that they were living lives that were right in the sight of God (verse 5). The fact that they were experiencing persecution indicated that they were opposing the sinful ways of the world and embracing the righteous ways of the Lord. And the fact that they were able to bear up under their difficulties was proof that God was pleased with them, and supplying the help that they needed to remain steadfast and loyal. The world is a testing ground, and the trials and tribulations we experience will either help to make or break our faith. When we keep the faith under the pressures of trials, we “will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God.”
Please read 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
Introduction to 2 Thessalonians
Friday, November 23, 2018The Apostle Paul wrote this second letter to the church in Thessalonica very shortly after the first letter had been delivered. Most scholars say that no more than two months had passed before Paul felt the urgency to write the brethren a second time. As mentioned in the introduction to the first epistle, Paul stressed the certainty of the Lord’s Second Coming by declaring it on five separate occasions. Even though chapters and verses were not a part of the original article, each chapter’s end gives reference to that great final day.
Evidently some of the Thessalonians had become so convinced that the Lord would return immediately, they quit working to support themselves and their families, and literally decided to “wait” for the Lord to come back from heaven (1 Thessalonians 1:10). I will give them credit for their eager expectation of the Lord’s return. Being nearly 2,000 years removed from Christ’s ascension, we have the tendency to be numbed to the nearness and the certainty of His spectacular return. It could be another 2,000 years before Jesus comes back, but it could also be in next two seconds!
We all need to be living our lives as if Jesus could come back today! But, unlike the Thessalonians, that anticipation should prompt us to be ever more eager and active in our faith, and not slothful and meddlesome as some of these brethren had become (3:10-12). Paul’s exhortation to them is just as important and applicable to us today: “But as for you brethren, do not grow weary of doing good” (3:13)! The Lord is coming at a time that we do not know (Mark 13:33). When He returns it will be to deal “out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus,” and to “be glorified in His saints on that day” (1:8-10). The key is to be ready so that you are in the second category and not the first!
Praise be to God, it was not all gloom and doom for the Thessalonians. Paul was encouraged by their faithfulness, and had some good words of encouragement for them because of their steadfastness. “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure.” (1:3-4)
We will look at these verses more closely tomorrow, Lord willing.
Please read 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5 for tomorrow.
- Louie Taylor