Tag Archives: Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians 3- Lord of Peace

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Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

No matter who you are in this world, you are looking for peace. Everyone is searching for inner peace, the nations are searching for civil peace, marriages and families are striving for relational peace. So how do we obtain peace? And what causes us to be in such distress in our lives?

The answer is very simple, its Jesus Christ. The prophet Isaiah called The Lord the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) When Christ was incarnated, the angels declared “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will to man” (Luke 2:14) It’s very apparent and evident, that Jesus Christ is our source for peace

So why don’t we have peace on Earth right now? It’s very simple, because of our sins against God and the curse of sin on this Earth. The Apostle Paul tells us “The whole Earth groans and travails in pain together “ (Romans 8:22) We live in a fallen world, therefore there is going to be alot of pain and trouble for us all. But also sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2) when we sin, it grieves our soul because of our longing to be with our Creator, our Heavenly Father. Sin also has consequences, and usually creates even more problems for us and everyone around us, it’s a vicous cycle that only Christ can break!

Christ paid the wrath of our sin on the cross, therefore reconciled us back to our Heavenly Father. (Isaiah 53) This is why Jesus Christ is only souce of peace, you will never find peace until you turn away from your sin and put your faith in Jesus Christ. As Paul said “The peace of God surpasses all understanding or comprehension” (Philippians 4:7) When you surrender to Christ, you will be not only washed by his blood and baptized by the Holy Spirit, but you will feel a wave of peace that renews your soul

The prophet Isaiah also said this “If you would just have listened to my commandments, then you would have peace like a river” (Isaiah 48:18) If you would just listen to the voice of Christ, calling you to come home, then you would have peace like a river! Jesus paid it all for you, so you can live for him in peace!

As Paul ends his epistle “May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, be with you all” The amazing grace of our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, may his peace flow over you Amen!

2 Thessalonians 3- Lazy Christians?

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For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 2 Thessalonians 3:11-15

The Apostle Paul is a straight shooter and doesn’t mince words when it comes to teaching the Church self discipline. Here Paul is not correcting the “lazy” Christians. There are a couple ways to look at this, first there are Christians who don’t really do any work for The Lord. In fact, in my experiences with Churches today, the majority of “Christians” are not “working” for The Lord at all. They check off their required boxes each week to be considered a Christian, but they are not actually living the Christian calling.

Nowadays everyone seems to have a social media channel these days, however what annoys me mostly is how they want you to pay them money every month, and some even withhold content unless you’re a paid subscriber. Nobody should ever be charging to share the gospel, this in my opinion is blasphemy to make a business selling the word of God. What does the Apostle Paul say “For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all” Do you think the early Church expected people to financially support every Christian who was sharing the gospel? Absolutely not, but this is where we are at today in Christianity.

In fact if you go back a few verses Paul says “If you don’t work, you don’t eat” (v14) Everyone was expected to pull their weight and work besides serving in ministry. Even Paul himself worked as a tentmaker (Acts 18:3-4) Now I understand, some people do supply Paul with money, food, or housing, but this wasn’t the normal requirement. Paul never told anyone if you don’t pay me, I’m not going to share the gospel. In fact Paul says “We don’t peddle the word of God for a profit” (2 Corinthians 2:17)

While I understand there are some cases where a Pastor/Preacher needs some financial support to live, the financial burdens shouldn’t all fall on the people of the Church. And ministries today should never require someone to pay a subscription, to hear the word of God. This in my opinion is exploiting Jesus and as Paul said, its just being very lazy. And actually I think this whole financial system that has been created by the Church, has turned off alot of non-believers because they see the greed and corruption in the system

Should we make a career from working in the Church? When did the Bible ever teach this is a career or occupation? This is a calling by God, and every Christian in some capacity is expected to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone they meet (Matthew 28:19) Amen

2 Thessalonians 3- Withdrawal Yourselves

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Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10

We live in a generation where the Church is trying to normalize sin, where the Church is not only telling its members they don’t have to repent but they are also elevating them to leaders in the Body of Christ. What does Paul have to say about this “You withdraw yourselves from every brother that walk disorderly and not after the tradition that you received from us”

The Church today is trying normalize homosexuality and sexual immorality, is this in alignment or tradition of what Christ taught? Jesus said “From the beginning God created them male and female” (Matthew 19:4) This destroys any liberal nonsense that God is fine with transgenderism. Jesus goes on to say “The man will leave his father and mother, be united with his wife, and the two will become one flesh” (Matthew 19:5) Jesus is quoting Genesis, the Covenant of marriage is between One man and One woman, period. This makes any gay marriage, totally illegal and void under the eyes of God. Secondly any sex outside the covenant of marriage is immoral. This includes heterosexual people “shacking up” or “hooking up” The only sex in the Bible that is permissible, is between a husband and a wife

Those who teach that Jesus is accepting of homosexuality or gay marriage are liars and blasphemers. They twist the word of God for financial gain. As the Apostle James taught “Not many of you should become teachers, because you will be judged more strictly “ (James 3:1) These false teachers and false prophets will be judged by God more severely on judgment day. So be careful what blasphemous propaganda you are supporting or promoting within your Church

What did Paul say “Don’t be deceived , neither homosexuals or the sexually immoral , will inherit the Kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10) Jesus and the Apostles made it very clear, sexual immortality will never be tolerated in the Kingdom of God, in fact Jesus said “Unless you are Born Again, you will not see the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3) Is a homosexual Born Again? They can’t be, they are not regenerated, they are still depraved living in their old sin. As the Apostle Peter said “As a dog returns to its vomit” (2 Peter 2:22) How do we know if someone is not saved, they are like a dog going back to its vomit, they are people who continue to live in their sin, there is no regeneration, there is no change of heart, there is no love for God or obedience to Christ

I understand this is a strong message, however the Body of Christ is under a deceptive attack. Don’t be deceived, God will not ordain sin, Jesus said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15) Do you really love Jesus? Then your actions or fruits should demonstrate this! (Matthew 7) Amen!

2 Thessalonians 3- Mission of The Church

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Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

What was the main goal of the Church here? Paul says “Pray for us, that the word of The Lord may have free course or spread quickly” The Church was sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, this was the command giving us by our Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19) This should be the mission statement for every Church, the gospel needs to be spread by whatever means possible

Sounds like an easy job, right? Wrong, anytime you share the gospel, heavy opposition usually follows. Paul says “That we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men” doesn’t that sound like today’s society also? Wicked and unreasonable, these are the type of people usually you face when trying to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. However it’s our calling and duty 

But even though it’s a struggle, we always have hope because as Paul says “The Lord is faithful, who shall establish you and keep you from evil” God will never leave or forsake us, Jesus is faithful. Whatever Christ promised us, we can count it as a guarantee, we never have to wonder and hope that God will save us, it is already finished! We may not always understand the plan or the path, but we should know God will always use things for our good and his glory (Romans 8:28)

So how do we know what to do as the Church? Paul says “May The Lord directs your hearts”, follow the will of God being filled and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Whatever you are doing for your Church or your daily life, ask “Is Jesus Christ leading my heart”? Again what is the mission of the Church? Doing the will of God, being led by the Holy Spirit, having Jesus Christ lead your heart to fulfill the Great Commision, Amen!

2 Thessalonians 2- Stand Fast

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But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15

This is a great message Paul is giving the Church, and I believe this is a message the Church really needs to hear today, stand firm in your faith in Jesus Christ! We live in a depraved and wicked society today, influenced by demons, and many lost or fallen away from false teachers and false doctrine. 

As Paul says here “Stand fast or firm and hold the traditions you have been taught” We see this alot today, “Christians” who keep jumping from doctrine to doctrine because of someone we saw on social media, you need to stand firm in what the Bible says, not what a slick talker says.  The Church is continually under attack, however deep Church tradition affirms many essential doctrines such as the Trinity, the Virgin Birth, Communion, the Holy Spirit, ect. While there may be varying differences in interpretation, these were essential doctrines and teachings of the Church. 

How do we know who the Church is? Paul states it in the beginning of this teaching “God has from the beginning , chosen you to salvation” We didn’t wake up one day and just say “I choose Jesus” or “i’m going to Church today”, God has chosen us , we were called by the Great Shepherd to be his sheep (John 10) Christ saved us, we didn’t save ourselves. 

Now how do we understand the gospel or truth? Paul says “Through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of truth” The unsaved world rejects the gospel and doesn’t believe it’s true, why? Because they are not sanctified by the Holy Spirit. As Paul says also “The natural man doesn’t understand spiritual things” (1 Corinthians 2:14) That’s why when you go out on the streets and evangelize, people look at you like you have three heads, they can’t understand spiritual wisdom from God, unless they are converted by the Holy Spirit

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

In a world that is in total chaos, take comfort or encouragement, that Jesus Christ is already victorious. Every good word that Christ spoke is a promise and guarantee, there is no need to question, anything Jesus said is a done deal, Christ has already overcome the world (John 16:33)

So instead of wavering in your faith, being tossed back and forth from false doctrine and false teachers, stand firm in your faith in Jesus Christ, be sanctified and led by the Holy Spirit, all glory to God our Father, Amen!

2 Thessalonians 2- The AntiChrist Part 2

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Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:. 2 Thessalonians 2:5-8

 As we continue to look at Paul’s teaching on the AntiChrist, the first thing we see is Paul states “Now you know what withholdeth or restrain that He (AntiChrist) might be revealed”. The great debate in Christianity has been, who is the restrainer? Who is withholding or restraining the AntiChrist, so that he is revealed at the proper time? Some would says its the Holy Spirit, others will say it’s the Church. The fact is , God is still and always in complete control. God may allow Satan and the AntiChrist to commit evil for a limited amount of time, but the ultimate purpose will be for God’s glory and his eternal kingdom to be established

Paul then reveals , Satan and the AntiChrist are already at work, however they are currently being restrained by God. Now think about all the evil that is already in this world, now imagine how its going to be when God allows Satan to have his way? This will be the great tribulation. 

Now before you get all upset and anxious about this great wave of evil to come, read Pauls words “Whom The Lord shall consume” It is written, Satan is already defeated. We already know this from the cross, when Christ said “It Is Finished” (John 19:30) Jesus crushed the head of Satan (Genesis 3:15) defeating sin and death forever. However for the rest of the unsaved world, it will be “Hell” on Earth, there is victory in Jesus Christ!

Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11

When the AntiChrist comes there will be a great deception upon those who don’t have the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. The AntiChirst will come will all power , signs, and lying wonders. Remember the First Horseman (Revealtion 6), the AntiChrist will try to mimic Jesus Christ, those who don’t know the real Christ will fall for the AntiChrist. Because of people’s hardened hearts, God will send them strong delusion and they will believe the lies of the AntiChrist. Time is running out, stop hardening your hearts and worship The Lord Jesus Christ!

Paul says “they received not or refused the love of the truth” Those who reject the true gospel of Jesus Christ, will fall under control of the AntiChrist and will be condemned to Hell. Time is running out, call out to The Lord Jesus Christ before its too late, Amen!

2 Thessalonians 2- The AntiChrist Part 1

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Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4

The topic of the AntiChrist is again one of the most debated and popular topics in Christianity today. There have been many books written, many commentaries given, however I believe Paul here, inspired by the Holy Spirit, gives us a very clear and easy explanation of the AntiChrist. 

Now many have the idea that the AntiChrist is not just one specific person but a group of people. The Apostle John says this “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.” (1 John 2:18) Now notice what John says “You have heard that antichrist shall come” This implies the Church has been taught by Christ that an AntiChrist will come, and the Church is expecting him (Revelation 6:2), the First Horseman. John goes on to say “even now are many antichrists” and this is true. Anyone who rejects Christ is an antiChrist, anyone doing the works of Satan is an antiChrist, many antiChrists have come into the world, but the First Horseman will be coming in the end

Paul says “That day (Return of Christ) will not come unless the falling away comes first, and man of sin is revealed” This destroys the Preterist view who believe the book of Revelation is completely fulfilled. Christ will not return until the AntiChrist is revealed first. Some will claim Christ already came and the AntiChrist is Nero or Antiochus, if one of these men were the AntiChrist, we would have already been raptured to God

It’s clear by Paul’s description of the Antichrist that it’s a single person, man of lawlessness and son of perdition. Some might ask why does it matter? Well as Paul was teaching the Church “let no one deceive you by any means” Many false prophets claiming this person is the AntiChrist or that person is the AntiChrist, is confusing and dividing the body of Christ. (Matthew 24:5) Listen to the Word of God, not the doctrine of man

The AntiChrist opposes God and exalts himself above God, and will try to decieve the world that He is God, how? It’s clearly explained in Revelation 6, the First Horseman. Many will believe the AntiChrist is the actual Christ, and will deceive many into worshiping him. This is why Jesus said “don’t be deceived” this is why Paul said “don’t be deceived” Be ready for the Man of Lawlessness is coming!

2 Thessalonians 1- Judgement of God

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Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Thessalonians 1:5-8

 The martyrs from the book of Revelation say “How long O Lord until you judge and avenge our blood” (Revelation 6:10) This has probably been the cry from the Church from the 1rst century to even today. Many Christians around the world are still being persecuted and even killed for their faith in Christ. So when will this suffering end? When will justice be served?

The Apostle Paul says here “when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty angels” As I talked about previously, I believe the Rapture of the Church and the second coming of Christ, are the same simultaneous event. When Jesus Christ returns , the suffering will end for the Church, because we are being Raptured to God, and judgment is now coming upon the world

So who will receive judgment from God? “Them that know not God” and “they  that don’t obey the gospel of Jesus Christ” Those who reject God and the gospel message of Christ, will come under judgment for their sins, for the wages or penalty of sin is death (Romans 6:23) This is why salvation is found in Christ alone (John 14:6) only Christ can atone and forgive for your sins

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:9-12

What is the penalty of the judgment of Christ? Everlasting destruction from the presence of The Lord. Now some will claim this refutes the doctrine of Hell, because it says “destruction”. However if annihilationism is true, how can the punishment be everlasting? The soul is eternal , therefore your condemnation will be everlasting. You can’t have an everlasting punishment for something that is not eternal

Paul ends this teaching with “We pray for you always , the our God would count you worthy of this calling” How many pastors and preachers do you hear preaching this message? The judgment of God should strike fear in the hearts of every soul, those who don’t fear God are those who don’t understand their depraved state and how Holy our God truly is

All our hope is in Jesus Christ, put your faith in Christ, he shall redeem you , restore you, and give you eternal life Amen!

1 Thessalonians 5- The Blessing

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And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28

One thing I love reading in the Epistles of Paul are the closing statements, or what we may refer to as the benediction or blessing. Often if I’m preaching at a Church, I like to use one of his benedictions for the closing of a service. And while we might usually, skip over the final closing of a letter from Paul, there is still some useful teachings in his statements.

First Paul says “The God of Peace”, now this is an interesting statement, as you could say Paul is referring to Jesus as God here. Let’s remember one of Chist’s titles is “the Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) and Paul also taught the “Peace of God” can only be obtained through Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:7) So we could probably assume, Paul is addressing Christ’s deity in the opening of his benediction.

Secondly Paul says “Sanctify you wholly or completely” . We talked previously about Paul’s in depth teachings on sanctification. Paul here seems to indicate,  sanctification is expected for Christians. Again, this is only possible by the Holy Spirit and becoming Born Again in Jesus Christ (John 3:3) The Lord said “We will be known by our fruits” (Matthew 7) The Church will be known by its sanctification in the Holy Spirit

Paul makes another interesting theological statement here “your soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” Many Christians accept the teaching of “soul-sleep”, however here Paul makes it very clear we have a soul and a body. Just as Jesus said “Fear the one who can destroy both body and soul into Hell” (Matthew 10:28) Christ also indicates , we have a body and soul

Lastly, Paul orders that this letter be read to “all the holy brethren” These letters are not just for the Church of Thessalonica, these letters all for all Christians. We here many arguments by liberal theologians, certain epistles are only for certain Christians, this is not Biblical. As Paul says “ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” (2 Timothy 3:16) The Bible is for everyone, not just a specific group of people. 

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you! Amen!

1 Thessalonians 5- Christian Living Part 2

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Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

The Apostle Paul continues to give us practical and applicable advice for our daily Christian lives. The first lesson is to “Rejoice at all times”. Think about all the things Paul suffered during his ministry, imprisonment, beatings, and illnesses, yet Paul continues to rejoice always. Why? Because Paul knows this is not our “best life now”, this is actually our worst life now. The best is yet to come, the New Heavens and Earth (Rev.22) because Christ is Risen!

Secondly we should “pray without ceasing”. Prayer should be central to our daily lives. Prayer should be like oxygen for our souls. How can we have a relationship with Christ, if we are not praying? How can we know our Fathers will, if we are not praying? How can the Holy Spirit fill us up , if we are not praying? Pray without ceasing in all circumstances!

Give thanks for everything! All these actions tie into each other, if you don’t know what to pray, give thanks to God! We have been blessed with so many things, we have so much to be thankful for, we need to keep an eternal perspective on our daily lives. Be Thankful that God created us and breathed life into our lungs. Be Thankful , that Jesus chose us and died for our sins. Be Thankful, the Holy Spirit has baptized us and made us Born Again

Listen to the Holy Spirit! Jesus called the Holy Spirit our advocate, our counselor, our helper (John 14:26) To deny or neglect the wisdom of the Holy Spirit is to deny God. Remember blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an unforgivable sin (Matthew 12:31-32) We need to be willing to be led by the Holy Spirit as our guide and counselor

Finally, another application is to “Abstain from all evil” As Born Again Christians (John 3:3), our bodies are the Temple of God with the Holy Spirit living inside of us (1 Cor.6). We can’t pollute our temples or bodies with sin and evil, this is an abomination before God. As the Apostle Peter said “Be holy because He (God) is Holy” ( 1 Peter 1:16)

Being a Child of God, a Born Again Christian is the greatest honor and calling anyone could receive, walk worthy of being a servant of Christ, Amen