Growing up into the full measure of Christ (Including preaching the Gospel, healing the sick and setting the captives free) & Embracing our New Identity in Him
51 thoughts on “Friday May 1, 2020 2 Thessalonians”
2 Thessalonians 1 World English Bible (WEB)
1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers, even as it is appropriate, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of each and every one of you toward one another abounds, 4 so that we ourselves boast about you in the assemblies of God for your perseverance and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you endure. 5 This is an obvious sign of the righteous judgment of God, to the end that you may be counted worthy of God’s Kingdom, for which you also suffer. 6 Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay affliction to those who afflict you, 7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted with us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, 8 punishing those who don’t know God, and to those who don’t obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus, 9 who will pay the penalty: eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might, 10 when he comes in that day to be glorified in his saints and to be admired among all those who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.
11 To this end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Good morning everyone.. I know KC mentioned she may not be able to join us today. I have beautiful yellow flowers blooming all over my front yard. We have these tulips that go from yellow to a gorgeous orange. Love watching the world turn green and full of colour at this time of year
Good morning all! The sun is beginning to shine as we head up to the cottage and I thank my God for all of you! The bright light of hope and encouragement in this passage is what stood out for me .
10 when he comes in that day to be glorified in his saints and to be admired among all those who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. The preceding verses are sobering as they speak of lines drawn and final judgements and consequences. My hope is in knots time comes when the Lord will be admired and seen in His people. KC
vs 4″for your perseverance and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you endure.” this is an interesting glimpse of “our part”. They perserered without losing hope and as a result their faith was growing exceedling along with brotherly love. I believe that PERSEVERANCE is a key of the Kingdom.
11 To this end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Amplified
11 With this in view, we constantly pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of your calling [to faith] and with [His]11 With this in view, we constantly pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of your calling [to faith] and with [His] power fulfill every desire for goodness, and complete [your] every work of faith, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you [by what you do], and you in Him, according to the [precious] grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I declare that the Power of God will fill our lives and the body of Christ!
Rob
Ephesians 6:13 Amp
Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious].
vs 6 highlights God as a righteous Judge. He does not let evil go un punished. He has in fact guaranteed many times over that He will execute vengeance on those who act against us. When we get a revelation of this part of His character, we can be released from all the need to weigh and judge people in our own hearts and minds. This is a repeating theme for me. More and more I am released to love people and commit the things that people to that are harmful to me to Him. This frees me to pray for them sincerely with desire that they will be redeemed and set free just as I have been. Yes I still fall, but I am far quicker to admit it and make amends and less and less inclined to do so. Praise the Lord
I struggle with fact that in the end some people will be separated from Him eternally. I’m much more comfortable with the concept of Universalism… but there are too many scriptural references that don’t support this view… so there is a sadness in me recognizing this reality as I don’t rejoice in anyone being in a place of eternal judgement except Satan himself and his angelic hoards. I can only hope that when I am finally in His Presence fully revealed any sadness and memory of those lost will be overwhelmed and forgotten KC
Good Morning. Today is His day and I’m going to rejoice in it.
I love vs2&3, where Paul so often opens his letters with speaking grace and peace to those he is writing to. Then again Paul talks about giving thanks for these people and says he is “bound”or “ought always to give thanks to God for you” I think that is an important modelling for us to look at in our relating to others.
Wendy
We seem to be living in a time when I don’t see much evidence of the Lord “being admired “ in all those who have believed so perhaps this is speaking of believers only saluting the Christ in each other and seeing the full impact of how He has brought each of through victoriously? Perhaps it’s not talking about unbelievers finally admiring Him in His body. Don’t really have a clear picture of this. KC
2 Thessalonians 1:10 The Passion Translation (TPT)
10 This will happen on that day when he outwardly adorns his holy ones with glory, and they will be marveled at among all believers—including you, since in fact, you believed our message.
Yes this verse sounds like the ‘marvelling and admiring’ will only happen among all believers..like a mutual admiration society. I was kind of believing that the time will come when He is such a light within us that unbelievers will be drawn to that light and believe because of who they are admiring… I’ll have to find scriptures to support this previous personal view now so I can actually be encouraged scripturally.KC
2 Thessalonians 1:10 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
10 When He comes to be glorified in His saints [on that day He will be made more glorious in His consecrated people], and [He will] be marveled at and admired [in His glory reflected] in all who have believed [who have adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Him], because our witnessing among you was confidently accepted and believed [and confirmed in your lives].
Perhaps this goes back to 1 John 3 that we read yesterday. When He comes back, we will be transformed into His likeness and at that time we will reflect His glory and nature truly. Love that His glory will be refleted in all who believe.
vs 11-12. I am a bit of a novice in understanding scriptural prophesy, but something I have noted as a trend is the fact even when God prophesies something as His will, the people often have a central role to play .I am thinking of how Daniel recalled the prophesy spoken 70 years before and then prayed the reality in. Often God reveals things (like our purpose and calling be excellent and the fulfillment of which will glorify God) that we need to pray into and act on to see the fulfillment on earth. Our part often brings into this sphere (the sense realm) what God desires and has prepared for us. Neglecting our part can mean things that God wills not happening here on earth as they are in heaven. Again, this suggests to be that God has appointed us to have important and even pivotal roles for our generation. I am totally convinced no man can derail God’s big picture plan, but equally convinced that our lives, the lives of those who surround us, and potentionally our nation, our generation and the whole world can be impacted when people refuse to fulfill the callings on their lives. I am thinking about how David did not get to build the temple because of the blood he shed and how Solomon did not see the dismantling of the kingdom he built up because of the covenant promises God had made to David
2 Thessalonians 2 New Living Translation (NLT)
2 Now, dear brothers and sisters, let us clarify some things about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered to meet him. 2 Don’t be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us. 3 Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction. 4 He will exalt himself and defy everything that people call god and every object of worship. He will even sit in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God.
5 Don’t you remember that I told you about all this when I was with you? 6 And you know what is holding him back, for he can be revealed only when his time comes. 7 For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way. 8 Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by the splendor of his coming.
9 This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. 10 He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. 11 So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies. 12 Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth.
13 As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. 14 He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, 17 comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.
Yes ,very clear picture of the anti Christ individual to come…. a s subject more and more people are talking about , have opinions about and are seeking to understand.KC
vs 7 is particularly interesting in light of Psalm 64. Much of what is plotted happens under the blanket of secrecy and the attacks directed at the innocent and righteous are very much from a position of ambush and covering. If I am understanding this rightly, these things will become overt before the Lord comes back. Potentially these verses are here to prepare us mentally and spiritually for the things that are coming.. specifically so that we will not be subject to fear and intimidation and also so that we will not be easy prey to the plans against us. Knowing the future joy and the coming of the Lord’s imminency I am sure are essential things to meditate on. This is how our Lord was able to walk through the pain and shame of the crucifixion. Cannot help but feel the Lord is once again preparing the saints for the darker hour that proceeds the bursting in of the light.
vs 15. We just read a book this morning to the kids called “The Squire and the Scroll” and it is all about holding firm to the truth regardless of what things look like to the natural eye. Truly, for me, this season of quarantine is one to fix my eyes on Christ through and to get even further established in the truth.
15 With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.
Stand firm, again. Constant theme throughout scripture.
Rob
Yes I love the theme of standing firm that runs through the bible. The scripture in Ephesians 6:13 that Rob quoted, I love when it says “and stand your ground in the evil day and having done everything to stand firm(in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious)”. And it is only through Him that makes this possible. That is what I pray to have deep in my spirit at all times.
Wendy
vs 13 “makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. ” This brings to mind the verse that says our work is to “believe the one sent”. We are made holy when we believe and let the Word of God transform us. One of the most difficult tasks we face is pushing off the dust of unbelief and sensual data that bombards our gates daily. The reward for doing so is total transformation and freedom from all elements and powers that were ushered in through the Fall . I find it far easier to resist when I have a heart understanding as to what is being accomplished via the “trials” of this life.
Vs 3 If we look at our world right now it would seem that the apostasy has already come or at least is in play, we don’t know where we are in the process of it. I’ve always wondered if the Anti-Christ person that Paul is talking about is an actual person or could be many people acting as one, or even not a human thing, but a huge entity. Social media and the media in general certainly have set themselves up to be a sort of God figure and you can very much be deceived by all of it. But of course that is just speculation on my part. He also could very well be an actual person. Just my musings.
Wendy
Well whatever the correct view is ,my constant prayer is that I will not be caught unaware and unprepared to ‘stand firm in the evil day’ but will be enabled by His Spirit to stand firm and encourage others to do so as well. KC
2 Thessalonians 3 World English Bible (WEB)
3 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, even as also with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you both do and will do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love, and into the perseverance of Christ.
6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us. 7 For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn’t behave ourselves rebelliously among you, 8 neither did we eat bread from anyone’s hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you, 9 not because we don’t have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us. 10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone is not willing to work, don’t let him eat.” 11 For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they work with quietness and eat their own bread.
13 But you, brothers, don’t be weary in doing what is right. 14 If any man doesn’t obey our word in this letter, note that man, that you have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. 15 Don’t count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all.
17 The greeting of me, Paul, with my own hand, which is the sign in every letter: this is how I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
vs 3. We see this ongoing theme.. Jesus sent out His disciples with protection. Luke 10:19 “nothing shall harm you” Psalm 91 also echoes this. We are protected from evil IF we walk with the Lord in submission to His protection. In my experience this comes through the combination of being in the Word AND spending time with the Lord. Howard Katz (such a beautiful teacher of the Word) shared that there are three things the saints need to stay strong in the Lord. Time in the Word AND a relationship with the Lord (consistent time in His presence) and fellowship with other saints. These were powerful words and ones reflect the truths I see in scripture
vs 4-5. The reality is that we will receive very little benefit from hearing God’s counsel, offered via the Word, or sometimes via the saints (and confirmed by the Word) if we hear and do not act on what we hear. I love that God will even give us the right desires if we welcome Him in.
Yes I agree.
Blessings all on the next couple of days before we meet again. Hope your weekend at the cottage is beautiful Karen. I find myself longing to go somewhere right now. Enjoy your tulips Lisa.
Love you all, Wendy❤️
this continues in vs 13-14. Excommunication has clearly been taken to excess at times… is it possible the pendulum has swung to far the other way and we have lost the razor edge of actual biblical living? A theme I see all through Thessalonians and scripture is that we become like the one we fix our attention on. A solid reminder that which company we keeps impacts our lives for much much better or for worse
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us.
Not taught much in churches is so true as far as my experience and to obey this command I’m inclined to ask what that actually looks like today! Do we not need some sort of ‘discernment or judgement ‘ to know what ‘brothers’ ( believers) we are to distance ourselves from or withdraw from? And I need a clearer picture of what believers or brothers are walking ‘in rebellion’ looks like too but of course these things are hardly ever talked about and certainly not taught clearly that I’m aware of.KC
You too Lisa Rob and Wendy. Should be one to enjoy withe hope that springlike warmer weather will increase and remain. I can’t help believe that sunshine , warmth and light will be healing .. if not physically but emotionally and phycologically for people who have been inside for three months. I’m grateful for any space around my home that allows me to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful days ahead.KC
Healing and Discipleship 
2 Thessalonians 1 World English Bible (WEB)
1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers, even as it is appropriate, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of each and every one of you toward one another abounds, 4 so that we ourselves boast about you in the assemblies of God for your perseverance and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you endure. 5 This is an obvious sign of the righteous judgment of God, to the end that you may be counted worthy of God’s Kingdom, for which you also suffer. 6 Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay affliction to those who afflict you, 7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted with us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, 8 punishing those who don’t know God, and to those who don’t obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus, 9 who will pay the penalty: eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might, 10 when he comes in that day to be glorified in his saints and to be admired among all those who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.
11 To this end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Good morning everyone.. I know KC mentioned she may not be able to join us today. I have beautiful yellow flowers blooming all over my front yard. We have these tulips that go from yellow to a gorgeous orange. Love watching the world turn green and full of colour at this time of year
beautiful time of year.
Rob
Yes I love it. Your tulips sound gorgeous.
Wendy
Good morning all! The sun is beginning to shine as we head up to the cottage and I thank my God for all of you! The bright light of hope and encouragement in this passage is what stood out for me .
10 when he comes in that day to be glorified in his saints and to be admired among all those who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. The preceding verses are sobering as they speak of lines drawn and final judgements and consequences. My hope is in knots time comes when the Lord will be admired and seen in His people. KC
Hi KC, Nice to have you with us today.
vs 4″for your perseverance and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you endure.” this is an interesting glimpse of “our part”. They perserered without losing hope and as a result their faith was growing exceedling along with brotherly love. I believe that PERSEVERANCE is a key of the Kingdom.
11 To this end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Amplified
11 With this in view, we constantly pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of your calling [to faith] and with [His]11 With this in view, we constantly pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of your calling [to faith] and with [His] power fulfill every desire for goodness, and complete [your] every work of faith, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you [by what you do], and you in Him, according to the [precious] grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I declare that the Power of God will fill our lives and the body of Christ!
Rob
Amen! WR
Amen!
Amen!!!
Ephesians 6:13 Amp
Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious].
Perseverance or “stand firm”
Rob
vs 6 highlights God as a righteous Judge. He does not let evil go un punished. He has in fact guaranteed many times over that He will execute vengeance on those who act against us. When we get a revelation of this part of His character, we can be released from all the need to weigh and judge people in our own hearts and minds. This is a repeating theme for me. More and more I am released to love people and commit the things that people to that are harmful to me to Him. This frees me to pray for them sincerely with desire that they will be redeemed and set free just as I have been. Yes I still fall, but I am far quicker to admit it and make amends and less and less inclined to do so. Praise the Lord
Amen! WR
I struggle with fact that in the end some people will be separated from Him eternally. I’m much more comfortable with the concept of Universalism… but there are too many scriptural references that don’t support this view… so there is a sadness in me recognizing this reality as I don’t rejoice in anyone being in a place of eternal judgement except Satan himself and his angelic hoards. I can only hope that when I am finally in His Presence fully revealed any sadness and memory of those lost will be overwhelmed and forgotten KC
Good Morning. Today is His day and I’m going to rejoice in it.
I love vs2&3, where Paul so often opens his letters with speaking grace and peace to those he is writing to. Then again Paul talks about giving thanks for these people and says he is “bound”or “ought always to give thanks to God for you” I think that is an important modelling for us to look at in our relating to others.
Wendy
Amen!!!! Cure for gossip and criticism
v10 What do you make of this verse?
We seem to be living in a time when I don’t see much evidence of the Lord “being admired “ in all those who have believed so perhaps this is speaking of believers only saluting the Christ in each other and seeing the full impact of how He has brought each of through victoriously? Perhaps it’s not talking about unbelievers finally admiring Him in His body. Don’t really have a clear picture of this. KC
2 Thessalonians 1:10 The Passion Translation (TPT)
10 This will happen on that day when he outwardly adorns his holy ones with glory, and they will be marveled at among all believers—including you, since in fact, you believed our message.
Yes this verse sounds like the ‘marvelling and admiring’ will only happen among all believers..like a mutual admiration society. I was kind of believing that the time will come when He is such a light within us that unbelievers will be drawn to that light and believe because of who they are admiring… I’ll have to find scriptures to support this previous personal view now so I can actually be encouraged scripturally.KC
2 Thessalonians 1:10 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
10 When He comes to be glorified in His saints [on that day He will be made more glorious in His consecrated people], and [He will] be marveled at and admired [in His glory reflected] in all who have believed [who have adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Him], because our witnessing among you was confidently accepted and believed [and confirmed in your lives].
Perhaps this goes back to 1 John 3 that we read yesterday. When He comes back, we will be transformed into His likeness and at that time we will reflect His glory and nature truly. Love that His glory will be refleted in all who believe.
vs 11-12. I am a bit of a novice in understanding scriptural prophesy, but something I have noted as a trend is the fact even when God prophesies something as His will, the people often have a central role to play .I am thinking of how Daniel recalled the prophesy spoken 70 years before and then prayed the reality in. Often God reveals things (like our purpose and calling be excellent and the fulfillment of which will glorify God) that we need to pray into and act on to see the fulfillment on earth. Our part often brings into this sphere (the sense realm) what God desires and has prepared for us. Neglecting our part can mean things that God wills not happening here on earth as they are in heaven. Again, this suggests to be that God has appointed us to have important and even pivotal roles for our generation. I am totally convinced no man can derail God’s big picture plan, but equally convinced that our lives, the lives of those who surround us, and potentionally our nation, our generation and the whole world can be impacted when people refuse to fulfill the callings on their lives. I am thinking about how David did not get to build the temple because of the blood he shed and how Solomon did not see the dismantling of the kingdom he built up because of the covenant promises God had made to David
2 Thessalonians 2 New Living Translation (NLT)
2 Now, dear brothers and sisters, let us clarify some things about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered to meet him. 2 Don’t be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us. 3 Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction. 4 He will exalt himself and defy everything that people call god and every object of worship. He will even sit in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God.
5 Don’t you remember that I told you about all this when I was with you? 6 And you know what is holding him back, for he can be revealed only when his time comes. 7 For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way. 8 Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by the splendor of his coming.
9 This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. 10 He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. 11 So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies. 12 Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth.
13 As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. 14 He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, 17 comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.
LOL… just switched this to NLT from WEB as I could not make heads or tails of it in the WEB version
This says to me that we will see at least in part the lawlessness of the one who will unrighteously sit on the throne in the Temple
Yes ,very clear picture of the anti Christ individual to come…. a s subject more and more people are talking about , have opinions about and are seeking to understand.KC
vs 7 is particularly interesting in light of Psalm 64. Much of what is plotted happens under the blanket of secrecy and the attacks directed at the innocent and righteous are very much from a position of ambush and covering. If I am understanding this rightly, these things will become overt before the Lord comes back. Potentially these verses are here to prepare us mentally and spiritually for the things that are coming.. specifically so that we will not be subject to fear and intimidation and also so that we will not be easy prey to the plans against us. Knowing the future joy and the coming of the Lord’s imminency I am sure are essential things to meditate on. This is how our Lord was able to walk through the pain and shame of the crucifixion. Cannot help but feel the Lord is once again preparing the saints for the darker hour that proceeds the bursting in of the light.
Yes agreed. Amen! kC
vs 15. We just read a book this morning to the kids called “The Squire and the Scroll” and it is all about holding firm to the truth regardless of what things look like to the natural eye. Truly, for me, this season of quarantine is one to fix my eyes on Christ through and to get even further established in the truth.
15 With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.
Stand firm, again. Constant theme throughout scripture.
Rob
Yes I love the theme of standing firm that runs through the bible. The scripture in Ephesians 6:13 that Rob quoted, I love when it says “and stand your ground in the evil day and having done everything to stand firm(in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious)”. And it is only through Him that makes this possible. That is what I pray to have deep in my spirit at all times.
Wendy
I Love that Wendy!!
Rob
vs 13 “makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. ” This brings to mind the verse that says our work is to “believe the one sent”. We are made holy when we believe and let the Word of God transform us. One of the most difficult tasks we face is pushing off the dust of unbelief and sensual data that bombards our gates daily. The reward for doing so is total transformation and freedom from all elements and powers that were ushered in through the Fall . I find it far easier to resist when I have a heart understanding as to what is being accomplished via the “trials” of this life.
Vs 3 If we look at our world right now it would seem that the apostasy has already come or at least is in play, we don’t know where we are in the process of it. I’ve always wondered if the Anti-Christ person that Paul is talking about is an actual person or could be many people acting as one, or even not a human thing, but a huge entity. Social media and the media in general certainly have set themselves up to be a sort of God figure and you can very much be deceived by all of it. But of course that is just speculation on my part. He also could very well be an actual person. Just my musings.
Wendy
I agree. We will have glimpses, but pieces of the complete puzzle. Let be like in Luke 24:
16 But their eyes were [miraculously] prevented from recognizing Him.
31 Then their eyes were [suddenly] opened [by God] and they [clearly] recognized Him;
Even though theirs burned, they couldn’t fully recognize Him.
Maybe that is what we will experience with these endgame events and players.
Rob
Well whatever the correct view is ,my constant prayer is that I will not be caught unaware and unprepared to ‘stand firm in the evil day’ but will be enabled by His Spirit to stand firm and encourage others to do so as well. KC
Yes I agree Karen, that is what I want also.
Wendy
2 Thessalonians 3 World English Bible (WEB)
3 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, even as also with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you both do and will do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love, and into the perseverance of Christ.
6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us. 7 For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn’t behave ourselves rebelliously among you, 8 neither did we eat bread from anyone’s hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you, 9 not because we don’t have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us. 10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone is not willing to work, don’t let him eat.” 11 For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they work with quietness and eat their own bread.
13 But you, brothers, don’t be weary in doing what is right. 14 If any man doesn’t obey our word in this letter, note that man, that you have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. 15 Don’t count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all.
17 The greeting of me, Paul, with my own hand, which is the sign in every letter: this is how I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
vs 3. We see this ongoing theme.. Jesus sent out His disciples with protection. Luke 10:19 “nothing shall harm you” Psalm 91 also echoes this. We are protected from evil IF we walk with the Lord in submission to His protection. In my experience this comes through the combination of being in the Word AND spending time with the Lord. Howard Katz (such a beautiful teacher of the Word) shared that there are three things the saints need to stay strong in the Lord. Time in the Word AND a relationship with the Lord (consistent time in His presence) and fellowship with other saints. These were powerful words and ones reflect the truths I see in scripture
Excellent!!
Rob
vs 4-5. The reality is that we will receive very little benefit from hearing God’s counsel, offered via the Word, or sometimes via the saints (and confirmed by the Word) if we hear and do not act on what we hear. I love that God will even give us the right desires if we welcome Him in.
An underlying principal to a relationship with God. Faith and works, believe and obey etc.
Rob
vs 6-12. Hmmmm… i don’t think I hear this talked about much in the church today? What do you hear when you read these verses?
will take some time to comprehend the Spirit and Truth in this. Holy Spirit, unveil for us, the Fathers heart.
Rob
Yes I agree.
Blessings all on the next couple of days before we meet again. Hope your weekend at the cottage is beautiful Karen. I find myself longing to go somewhere right now. Enjoy your tulips Lisa.
Love you all, Wendy❤️
this continues in vs 13-14. Excommunication has clearly been taken to excess at times… is it possible the pendulum has swung to far the other way and we have lost the razor edge of actual biblical living? A theme I see all through Thessalonians and scripture is that we become like the one we fix our attention on. A solid reminder that which company we keeps impacts our lives for much much better or for worse
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us.
Not taught much in churches is so true as far as my experience and to obey this command I’m inclined to ask what that actually looks like today! Do we not need some sort of ‘discernment or judgement ‘ to know what ‘brothers’ ( believers) we are to distance ourselves from or withdraw from? And I need a clearer picture of what believers or brothers are walking ‘in rebellion’ looks like too but of course these things are hardly ever talked about and certainly not taught clearly that I’m aware of.KC
Blessings dear friends, We will see you back on Monday! Have a fantastic weekend!
You too Lisa Rob and Wendy. Should be one to enjoy withe hope that springlike warmer weather will increase and remain. I can’t help believe that sunshine , warmth and light will be healing .. if not physically but emotionally and phycologically for people who have been inside for three months. I’m grateful for any space around my home that allows me to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful days ahead.KC