Withdraw from the Disorderly 2 Thessalonians 3:6

Paul the apostle had “confidence in the Lord” that the Thessalonian church members would “do and will do the things” which he and his traveling companions “commanded” them rather than follow after “unreasonable and wicked men”. In chapter three and verse six of this second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul tells them to “withdraw from every brother that walks disorderly” where we read:

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

The verse begins, “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly,...” Paul began with the words, “Now we command you” or “transmit a message alone from one to another, declare, announce, order and charge” “brethren” which refers to “a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother and a fellow believer who is united to another by the bond of affection” “in the name” or “rank, authority, interests, pleasure, command, excellences and deeds” “of our Lord” which refers to “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title give to God the Messiah” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” and is “the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “Christ” which means “the anointed One” and is “the Messiah and the Son of God” “that you withdraw yourselves from” which means “abstain from associating, avoid and separate from” “every brother” or “each, every, any, all, the whole and everyone who is “a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother and a fellow believer who is united to another by the bond of affection” “that walks” which means “makes his way, progresses, lives and conducts himself” “disorderly” or “out of ranks, irregular, inordinate and deviating from the prescribed order of rule”. Paul “commanded” the Thessalonians that they avoid people who lived their lives in opposition and resistance to the doctrine he and his companions taught to them.

The verse goes on to say, “...and not after the tradition which he received of us.” Paul continued, “and not after” or “not down from, through out, according to, toward and along” “the tradition” which means “giving over which is done by word of mouth or in writing such as instruction, narrative and precept” “which he received” or “accepted or acknowledged to be such as he professes to be” “of us” which refers to Paul and his traveling companions. Paul and his companions gave “instructions” or “doctrine” of Jesus Christ to the Thessalonian church members, and they received it from him. However, there were those among them who later opposed Paul's teachings and the remaining church members were to avoid them.

When we consider these words of Paul, we may be able to relate to those who oppose the gospel of Jesus Christ. Perhaps at one time they followed the teachings of Jesus, but now they have heard other ideas, precepts and thoughts which have given them over to their own philosophy or way of living. Paul told the Thessalonians to “withdraw” from these people, and although they may promote their “new way of living” or “new philosophy and doctrine”, we are to continue in the word of God which is presented in the Bible. Let us be aware. False teachers and doctrines will continually attempt to sway people to their way of thinking, but there is no compromise to the gospel of Jesus Christ. May He give us the wisdom to know when others are attempting to persuade us otherwise, and may we be wise enough to “withdraw” from them.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians to “follow” he and his companions, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Hearts Directed into the Love of God and Waiting for Christ 2 Thessalonians 3:5

Paul the apostle had “confidence in the Lord” concerning the Thessalonian church members as he knew they were doing and would do “the things” he and his traveling companions commanded. In chapter three and verse five of this second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul shared how he wanted “the Lord” to “direct” their “hearts into the love of God” and the “patient waiting for Christ” where we read:

And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

The verse begins, “And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God,...” Paul began with the words, “And the Lord” which refers to “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God the Messiah” “direct” or “make straight, guide and remove the hindrances which are coming to one” “your hearts” which means “the middle, central or inmost part of all physical and spiritual life” “into the love” which is the Greek word “agapē” which means “affection, good will, benevolence and unconditional brotherly love” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. Paul's prayer and desire for the Thessalonian church members was for the Lord Jesus to “guide” them into His unconditional love, and he wanted the Lord to remove all hindrances for them doing so.

The verse goes on to say, “... and into the patient waiting for Christ.” Paul continued, “and into the patient waiting” which means “steadfastness, constancy, endurance and perseverance” “for Christ” which means “the anointed One” and refers to “the Messiah who is the Son of God”. Not only did Paul desire God's “unconditional love” to be among the Thessalonians, but he also wanted them to persevere in waiting for Jesus Christ's return.

As we think about Paul's words, we too are exhorted by Paul. We should make it our prayer for our hearts to be “directed” “into the love of God”, and let us learn to be “patient” as we “wait for Christ” to return. Even though opposition to the gospel of Jesus is found in the world, we are to “love” as God loves and be in expectation of His return at any time. Jesus was sent to the world to redeem people from their sins, and because He died upon the cross and rose from the dead, everyone who believes in Him may be saved. After He rose from the grave, He ascended into heaven where angels promised He would return, and until that time we are to share His “love” with everyone we encounter. May we be “directed into the love of God”, and realize as we “patiently wait” for His return, we are to be examples of the gospel of Jesus Christ for all the world to see.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians to “withdraw” themselves “from every brother that walks disorderly”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Confidence in the Lord 2 Thessalonians 3:4

Paul the apostle asked the Thessalonian church members to pray for he and his traveling companions. He desired for “the word of the Lord to have free course, and be glorified” and to “be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith”. He knew the “Lord is faithful, who shall establish” the Thessalonians, “and keep” them “from evil”. In chapter three and verse four of his second letter to them, Paul shared how he and his companions “have confidence in the Lord” concerning them where we read:

And we have confidence in the Lord touching you,

that you both do and will do the things which we command you.

The verse begins, “And we have confidence in the Lord touching you,...” Paul began with the phrase, “And we have confidence” or “are persuaded, trust and are confident” “in the Lord” which refers to “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God the Messiah” “touching you” or “upon, on, at, by, before and across the church members”. Paul and his companions' trust was in the Lord concerning the Thessalonians.

The verse goes on to say, “...that you both do and will do the things which we command you.” Paul added, “that you” which refers to the Thessalonian church members “both do” or “make ready, prepare, produce, bear, shoot forth, acquire and provide a thing for one's self” “and will do” which means “in the future make ready, prepare, produce, bear, shoot forth, acquire and provide a thing for one's self ” “the things” or “that or what” “which we” which refers to Paul and his companions “command you” or “order, charge, declare and enjoin unto them”. Paul confidently knew the Thessalonian church members would actually “do” what he and his companions declared unto them.

When we meditate upon Paul's words, we discover where he put his trust - “in the Lord”. He knew “the Lord” was willing and capable to keep the Thessalonian church members following the “commands” which he and his companions gave them. Though there were “unreasonable and wicked” men who were sowing seeds of doubt and heresy, Paul knew the Thessalonians would follow after “the things” which he and his companions gave to them. We have been given great “commands” within this letter as well, and if our “confidence” is “in the Lord”, we will “both do and will do the things” which we have read. May the Lord Jesus keep us living according to His “commands” both now and in the future.

Next time Paul asks the Lord to “direct” the Thessalonians “hearts into the love of God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Established and Kept from Evil 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Paul the apostle asked the Thessalonian church members to pray for he and his companions “that the word of the Lord may have free course”, and that they “may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men” because “all men have not faith”. In chapter three and verse three of this second letter to the Thessalonians Paul reassured them “the Lord is faithful” and “shall establish” them and “keep” them “from evil” where we read:

But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil.

The verse begins, “But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you,...” Paul began with the word, “But” is a disassociation which means what is about to be stated takes precedence over what was previous stated. It means, “moreover, and, also, now” “the Lord” which refers to “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God the Messiah” “is faithful” or “trusty, one who kept his plighted faith, worthy of trust, can be relied upon and confident in” “who shall establish you” or “make stable, place firmly, set fast, fix, strengthen and make firm the Thessalonian church members in their faith”. Though Paul and his traveling companions desired to be “delivered from unreasonable and wicked men” and had to deal with non-believing people, the Thessalonian church members were promised to be “made firm and stable” by our “faithful Lord”.

The verse goes on to say, “...and keep you from evil.” Paul continued, “and keep you from” which means “guard, keep watch, have an eye upon, protect and preserve the church members from” “evil” which means “full of labors, annoyances, hardships, toils and perils” and refers to “bad, of a bad nature or condition, disease and wickedness”. Paul knew our “faithful Lord” would also “watch and guard” over the Thessalonians whenever “bad and wickedness” might attempt to come upon them.

When we meditate upon Paul's words, we find comfort in our “Lord Jesus” guarding over and watching over us. To be “established” by him, and kept “from evil” by Him is a great blessing in our lives. For those who “rely upon, trust in and cling to” Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, these promises are available, however, should a person “reject” the gospel of Jesus Christ, they are open for the enemy to attack and continually annoy them with bad conditions, evil and disease. May we find the Lord faithful in setting us firm in our faith, and keeping us “from evil” and “wickedness” as was promised to the Thessalonians.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians he has “confidence in the Lord” about them, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Delivered from Unreasonable and Wicked Men 2 Thessalonians 3:2

Paul desired for the Thessalonian church members to “pray for” he and his companions “that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with” them, and in chapter three and verse two of this second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul also asks them to pray that they “may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men” where we read:

And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

The verse begins, “And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men:” Paul began, “And that we” which refers to Paul and his traveling companions “may be delivered” or “rescued as in a rush” “from unreasonable” or “out of place, not befitting, unbecoming, improper, unrighteous, inconvenient and harmful” “and wicked men” which means “full of labors, annoyances, hardships, toils, perils, causing pain and trouble, of bad nature and condition, diseased, blind and evil”. There was opposition to Paul, his companions and the gospel of Jesus Christ, and Paul wanted to be rescued from their influence and capture.

The verse goes on to say, “...for all men have not faith.” Paul gave the reason these “men” were “unreasonable and wicked” as he continued, “for all men” which refers to “each, every, any, all, the whole and everyone” “have not faith” or “do not the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ or that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God”. Paul knew the rejection of faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ leads people to “unrighteous and evil” behavior.

When we consider Paul's words, we may begin to understand why people treat us in the manner they do. Some people do not believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, came to die for our sins and was resurrected on the third day. This leads them to follow their natural nature which is “wicked”, “unreasonable” and unrighteous. Paul's desire to be “delivered” from this type of people should not surprise us as we also want the same, and when we encounter those who are in opposition to us, we should remember, they are actually fighting against the plan of Salvation designed by Almighty God who is the Creator of the entire Universe.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians about the “faithfulness of God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Pray for Us 2 Thessalonians 3:1

Paul the apostle's desire and prayer for the Thessalonian church members was for the “Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which has loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace” to “comfort” their “hearts, and establish” them “in every good word and work”. In chapter three and verse one of his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul asks the church members to “pray” for he and his companions where we read:

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course,

and be glorified, even as it is with you:

The verse begins, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course,...” Paul began with the word, “Finally” which means “hereafter, at last, for the future, henceforth, besides and moreover” “brethren” or “a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother and a fellow believer united to another by the bond of affection” “pray for us” which means “offer prayers, supplicate and worship” “that the word” or “speech and utterance by a living voice which embodies a concept or idea” “of the Lord” which refers to “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God the Messiah” “may have free course” which means literally means “to run like those who run in a race” and metaphorically means “to have rapid propagation, strength in performance or attaining and exertion of all one's effort to overcome”. Paul's desire for prayer from the Thessalonians concerned the “free course” of the “word of the Lord” which ranked higher in importance than his personal needs.

The verse goes on to say, “...and be glorified, even as it is with you:” Paul continued, “and be glorified” which means “praised, extolled, magnified, celebrated, honored and clothed with splendor” “even as it is” or “also and indeed in the same manner as” “with you” which refers to the Thessalonian church members. Paul and his companions' desire was for others “celebrate” and “honor” the gospel of Jesus Christ in the same way the Thessalonian church members did.

When we meditate upon Paul's words, we understand Paul's desire for the church members in Thessalonica to pray for he and his companions. It is interesting to note what Paul specifically asked for in prayer - “that the word of the Lord may have free course” and not his personal needs. Paul wanted as many people as possible to know and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, and for this to be realized, God's word had to be propagated and set free like those who run in a race. Perhaps we will be inspired by Paul's words as we ask the Lord to allow His word to have “free course” in and through us when we share with others, and may the Lord Jesus' words “be glorified” in others “even as it is” in us.

Next time Paul asks the Thessalonians to pray that he and his companions “be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Comforted and Established 2 Thessalonians 2:17

Paul the apostle desired for the Thessalonian church members to be blessed by the “Lord Jesus Christ, and God” whom he called “our Father” who “has loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace”. In chapter two and verse seventeen of his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul continues his request as he adds “comfort” and “established” as blessings to them. We read:

Comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work.

The verse begins, “Comfort your hearts,...” Paul began with the word, “Comfort” which means “call to one's side, call for, summon, address, admonish, exhort, entreat and beseech” “your hearts” or “the Thessalonian church members' souls, minds, and seat of thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes and endeavors”. Because the Thessalonians were “unsettled” in their thoughts and emotions concerning the coming of the Lord and the propagation of false teaching, Paul felt it necessary to pray they be “comforted” in their souls.

The verse continues, “...and establish you in every good word and work.” Paul added, “and establish” which is the Greek word “stērizō” and means “make stable, place firmly, set fast, strengthen, fix, render constant and confirm” “you” which refers to the Thessalonian church members “in every good word” or “speech, utterance or decree” “and work” which means “business, employment, enterprise, undertaking, deed, act, thing done and that with which any one is occupied”. The idea was for the Thessalonians to be stable and strengthened in every word they heard and every act of work they practiced in their lives.

Because there was opposition to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, Paul knew it was necessary for the Thessalonians not only to be “comforted” in their “hearts”, but also “established” in their “words” and “works”. Unstable and fearful Christians do not present a good witness of the “gospel”, and when the church members were firmly set in their doctrine and works, they would not only be stable within themselves,but also exhibit their assurance to others. We should examine our lives and discover whether we are “comforted” and “established” in the word of God, and may the Lord Jesus bring “comfort” to those who are weary in soul, and may He make stable all who waver in their “words” and “works” before Him.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see Paul tell the Thessalonians to “pray” for he and his companions so “the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Everlasting Consolation and Good Hope 2 Thessalonians 2:16

Because the Thessalonian church members were “chosen” “to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth” and “called” by Paul and his companions' “gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ”, Paul encouraged them to “stand fast, and hold the traditions” which had been “taught” to them “whether by word, or by” Paul's letter. In chapter two and verse sixteen of this second letter from Paul to the Thessalonians, Paul shares how the “Lord Jesus” has given “us everlasting consolation and good hope” where we read:

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which has loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

The verse begins, “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which has loved us,...” Paul began with the word, “Now” which means “but, moreover, also, and” “our Lord” which means “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God, the Messiah” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” and is “the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “Christ himself” which means “the anointed one” and is “the Messiah and Son of God himself” “and God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “even our Father” or “generator or male ancestor who is the originator and transmitter of anything” “which has loved us” which is the Greek word “agapaō” and means “is well pleased, contented at or with, fond of and unconditionally loved toward Paul, his companions and the Thessalonians”. Paul's preliminary benedictory phrase included the fact that the “Lord Jesus” and “God our Father” greatly loves both those who are writing this epistle and the ones to whom he is writing it.

The verse goes on to say, “...and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,” Paul continued, “and has given” or “granted, supplied, furnished and delivered” “us” which refers to Paul, his companions and the Thessalonian church members “everlasting” which means “without beginning and end, and that which has always been and always will be” “consolation” or “a calling near, summons, exhortation, admonition, encouragement, comfort and solace” “and good hope” which means “useful, salutary, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy, excellent, distinguished, upright and honorable expectation of eternal salvation” “through grace” which is “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, good will, merciful kindness and unmerited favor”. Not only has “the Lord Jesus” and “God our Father” loved us, but also has “granted” and “supplied” to us “a calling near and summons” that is eternal and an “excellent expectation” of eternal salvation.

When we think through these words of Paul, we find ourselves amazed that God would love us, never mind grant unto us the “eternal hope” of being with Him. Paul desired for the Thessalonians to be watchful of those who would attempt to persuade them otherwise, and he assured them of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ's love and promise of eternal life. Only by His “grace” or “unmerited favor” is anyone given these great gifts. May all who read these words give thanks unto God for His marvelous favor, and may we constantly keep the idea of living with Him eternally as our motivation for serving Him today.

Next time we finish the second chapter of this letter as see Paul tell the Thessalonians his desire for God to “comfort” their “hearts” and “establish” them “in every good work”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Stand Fast and Hold the Traditions 2 Thessalonians 2:15

Paul the apostle felt “bound to give thanks always to God” for the Thessalonian church members because “from the beginning” God had “chosen” them “to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth”. They were “called” by Paul and his traveling companions' “gospel” and would therefore “obtain the glory” of the “Lord Jesus Christ”. In chapter two and verse fifteen of his second letter to them, Paul told the Thessalonians to “stand fast” and “hold the traditions which have been taught” where we read:

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught,

whether by word, or our epistle.

The verse begins, “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught,...” Paul began with the word, “Therefore” which means “so then, wherefore, then, accordingly, consequently and these things being so” “brethren” which refers to “a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother and a fellow believer which is united to another by the bond of affection” “stand fast” or “stand firm, persevere, persist and keep one's standing” “and hold” which means “have power, be powerful, chief, master of , rule, get possession of, obtain, take hold of, seize, do not let go of, continue and retain” “the traditions” which is the Greek word “paradosis” and means “giving up or over and surrender to that which is done by word of mouth or in writing” these are “traditions by instruction, narrative, precepts and rituals” “which you”, “the Thessalonian church members” “have been taught” or “had discourses in order to instruct, give didactic discourses and instill doctrine”. Because false teachings by those outside of the faith were prevalent among the Thessalonians, Paul wanted to insure the church members followed after the doctrine and teachings he and his companions taught them.

The verse continues, “...whether by word, or our epistle.” Paul went on to add, “whether” which means “if and or” “by word” which is the Greek word “logos” and refers to “speech, utterance, decree, mandate or order which include the moral precepts given by God” “or our epistle” which means “letter or written message”. Whether the Thessalonians were privy to the doctrine of the gospel by Paul and his entourage's speaking or through his previous letter, Paul wanted to insure the church members kept true to what he and his men taught them.

When we think through these words of Paul, we begin to understand the importance of “laying hold of” and “not letting go” of the true teachings of the gospel. Paul used the word “traditions” to describe these truths, and since they were directly from he and his companions through speech and letter, they were the doctrine of God. We too must “continue in and retain” the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and should anyone seek to sway us to something other than the word of God, let us put those ideas away and hold fast to what God Almighty has given us to believe through His word.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians how God has “given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Obtaining of the Glory of Our Lord Jesus 2 Thessalonians 2:14

Paul the apostle felt an obligation or “bound” to “give thanks to God” for the Thessalonian church members “because God” “from the beginning” chose them “to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth”, and in chapter two and verse fourteen of his second letter to them, Paul referred to how God “called” the Thessalonians to he and his companions' “gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ”. We read:

Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The verse begins, “Whereunto he called you by our gospel,...” Paul began with the word, “Whereunto” which means “into, towards, for and among” “he called” which refers to “how God invited, uttered aloud, saluted and has given a name to” “you” which refers to the Thessalonian church members “by our gospel” or “through Paul and his traveling companions' good and glad tidings of the kingdom of God soon to be set up, and subsequently also of Jesus the Messiah, the founder of this kingdom”. Paul was grateful for God “calling” the Thessalonians through the “gospel” or “good news” which he and his companions shared with them.

The verse goes on to say, “...to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul added, “to the obtaining” which means “preserving, possession and owning” “of the glory” or “opinion, judgment, view, estimate, splendor, brightness, magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, grace and majesty” “of our Lord” who is “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God the Messiah” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” and is “the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “Christ” which means “the anointed one, Messiah and Son of God”. The benefit of being “called” by God by Paul and his companions' “gospel” was the Thessalonians were destined to “own and possess” the “splendor, brightness, magnificence and majesty” of the Lord Jesus.

When we consider Paul's words, we should be excited by this “calling” by Paul and his companions' doctrine because we now have opportunity for this “good news”. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners from their sins, and He promised they will live with Him eternally and “obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ”. This “glory” of which Paul shares will be beyond anyone's imagination, and we who “believe in, trust in, rely upon and cling to” Jesus Christ and the “gospel” He has provided will be participants and possessors of this wonderful splendor. May the Lord Jesus help us to realize, “the best is yet to come”, and “today is the day of Salvation” to “obtain” more than our minds can conceive.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians to “stand fast” and “hold the traditions”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Chosen to Salvation 2 Thessalonians 2:13

Paul the apostle told the Thessalonian church members “the day of Christ” would be preceded by the revelation of “the man of sin” or “son of perdition”. Because people do not “believe the truth”, “God will send them strong delusion”, and they will “believe a lie” and “be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” In chapter two and verse thirteen of his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul told the church members “God has from the beginning chosen” them “to salvation” where we read:

But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

The verse begins, “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord,...” Paul began with the word, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction which means “that which is about to be stated takes precedence over what was previously stated, moreover, and” “we are bound” or “owing what is due as a debtor” “to give thanks” which is the Greek word “eucharisteō” from which we get our English word “Eucharist” and means “being grateful and thankful” “alway” or “at all times and ever” “to God” who is “the Godhead bodily and trinity comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “for you” which refers to the Thessalonian church members “brethren” which means “a brother, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother or a fellow believer who is united to another by the bond of affection” “beloved” which is the Greek word “agapaō” which means “to be fond of, love dearly, be well pleased or contented with, and unconditional love” “of the Lord” which refers to “he to whom a person or thing belongs about which he has power of deciding, master and the title give to God the Messiah”. Paul and his traveling companions felt it an obligation and debt to be “thankful” “to God” for the well-beloved Thessalonian brothers and sisters in Christ.

The verse goes on to say, “...because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:” Paul went on to give the reason he and his companions were thankful, “because” which means “since, as though, concerning that and on account of” “God” who is “the Godhead bodily and trinity comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “has from the beginning chosen you”” which in Greek is the phrase “haireō apo archē haireō” and means “from the origin, first place or commencement God has taken, voted for, preferred and elected the Thessalonians” “to salvation” or “deliverance, preservation and safety” “through” which means “by, with and in” “sanctification” or “consecration and purification” “of the Spirit” which refers to “the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son” “and belief” or “the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ, and a strong and welcome conviction that Jesus is the Messiah through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God” “of the truth” which means “what is true in things appertaining to God and the duties of man which includes moral and religious truth”. The reason the “beloved” Thessalonians caused Paul and his companions to be “grateful to God” was because they were “elected”, “sanctified” and set apart as they were empowered by God's Holy Spirit to “believe the truth”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we certainly desire to be a part of this group for which he thanks God. To be elected and chosen to “believe the truth” is the highest honor we receive upon the earth. Rather than being “damned” as those who trust in the “strong delusion”, we have an opportunity to trust in the “gospel” or “good news” of Jesus Christ who died for our sins, rose again from the grave, and promised that we shall live with Him forever. We too should feel the “debt of gratefulness” not only for ourselves, but also for others who have received Jesus as their Savior and Lord, and should the troubles of this world ever bring us down, let us be lifted up by the promise that we are “the elected of God”.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians how they were “called by” Paul and his companions “gospel”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.