Knowing God's Will Part 1

 https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-aaynq-13be476

The Promises of God Part 3

 Please copy and paste in your browser:

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-e3jj6-1558239

Bible Message: The Overcomer Series Part 4: The Blessings (continued)

The Overcomer Series: Part 4: The Blessing Continued | The Pathway To Purity & Power (podbean.com)

or 

Copy and paste:

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-isg6u-15f9f96

Bible Study 2 Thessalonians 3: 1-18

 

A Commentary of the Book of 2 Thessalonians 

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible

Bible Study 2 Thessalonians 3: 1-18

Text: 

Finally, brothers, pray for us that the word of the Lord will [a]spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; 2 and that we will be rescued from [b]perverse and evil men, for not all have [c]faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who will strengthen and guard you [d]from the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. 5 And may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.

6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you [e]keep away from every brother who walks in an [f]unruly manner and not according to the tradition which [g]they received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we did not act in an unruly manner among you, 8 nor did we eat [h]anyone’s bread [i]without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; 9 not because we do not have the authority, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would imitate us. 10 For even when we were with you, we used to command this to you: if anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat. 11 For we hear that some among you are walking in an unruly manner, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that working with quietness, they eat their own bread. 13 But as for you, brothers, do not lose heart in doing good.

14 And if anyone does not obey our word [j]in this letter, take special note of that person to not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. 15 And yet do not regard him as an enemy, but [k]admonish him as a brother.

16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually give you peace in every [l]circumstance. The Lord be with you all!

17 The greeting is in my own hand—[m]Paul, which is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Verse by verse commentary:

Verse 1: “Finally, brothers, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you;”

Paul consistently asked for prayer for the success of the gospel mission and for the protection of those who bring it. He faced almost constant physical danger during his years of ministry. The word translated “spread” could have  been translated “run.” I like the image of the Gospel message running to and fro seeking the lost. 

Verse 2: :”and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men, for not all have faith.”

These were Paul’s enemies at Corinth, where he ministered when he wrote, who were perverse and aggressively unrighteous in their opposition of him and the gospel.

Again, Paul asked prayer for deliverance "from perverse and evil men." "Perverse" labels them as capable of outrageous and extremely harmful acts against others; "evil" speaks of persons not only themselves thoroughly corrupted but intent on corrupting others and drawing them into their own slide toward hell. Who were they? The best suggestion ties these "perverse and evil men" to unbelieving Jews in Corinth where Paul was encountering opposition as he wrote. As Paul wrote this second letter, he was facing a severe attack in Corinth.

Verse 3: “But the Lord is faithful, who will strengthen and guard you from the evil one.”

The literal translation of “evil one” is just “evil.” This is a statement of the Lord’s faithfulness against all evil, not just the evil one. Contrasting with the faithlessness mentioned in the previous verse is the steadfast faithfulness of our unchanging God. Our Lord will never let His sheep down or disappoint the faithful.

Verse 4: “And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command.”

As Christians, we are commanded to do and not do things, and there are specific commandments for Christians. We saw that in Paul’s first epistle to the Thessalonians where he recorded twenty-two commandments in the fifth chapter alone. There are not only ten commandments but twenty-two commandments which the believers are to do. Paul had “confidence in the Lord about” them. He committed them to the Lord in prayer with assurance that they were doing and would continue doing the things which he commanded.

Verse 5: “And may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.”

Our hearts should journey to these safe spiritual harbors of meditation; it is a journey directed by the Lord. It is the Lord that directs your heart and you follow in obedience and faith. He will direct your heart toward real love for Him and others. This is not an emotional acceptance and tolerance for sin and sinful lifestyles. Rather, this is love based on the truth of the Word of God. God will never lead you to sin. He will lead you to holiness and righteousness. 

Verse 6: “Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who walks in an unruly manner and not according to the tradition which they received from us.”

Paul’s directions were not mere suggestions, but rather they carried the weight and authority of a court order which the apostle delivered and enforced. Hear this all you that believe that church growth is more important than Gospel truth. Paul didn’t care about growth because that was God’s business. He cared about the holiness and purity of the church. He required separation so that obedient Christians were not to fellowship with habitually disobedient believers. May we hear this same message.

Verse 7: “For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we did not act in an unruly manner among you,”

Paul called for them to imitate him because he imitated Christ’s example. What does your life say about who your leader is? Do you want your family and friends to follow your example? Paul was confident about his testimony. May we have the same confidence.

Verse 8: “nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you;”

Paul’s practice was that he would not let anyone pay him for his missionary work among them. When he arrived in town as a missionary, there was no reservation for him at the local motel. There was no daily stipend given to him, no love offering taken for him the first time he was there. Paul was very careful about paying his own way. He mentions that to the Thessalonians and also to the Corinthians. When he was establishing churches he supported himself by tentmaking. This is a clear example for clergy to be bi-vocational in their ministry. I always was and I think that is God’s preferred plan. That way the minister can speak freely without fear of financial loss. A pastor that fears the repercussions from speaking hard truths is a compromised minister and he needs a backbone of a new career.

Verse 9: “not because we do not have the authority, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would imitate us.”

Paul was stating that as an apostle who had led them to the Lord and established a church among them, he had the right and authority to claim a financial compensation. However, he did not do this because he wanted to be an example to the believers in Thessalonica so as to prevent “ministers” trying to take money from them. Paul was making his ministry very practical. He supported himself by working with his hands, and he did it to be an example to the Thessalonian believers.

Verse 10: “For even when we were with you, we used to command this to you: if anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat.”

A believer who is looking for the Lord to return is not a dreamer; he is a worker. No work—no food. That is the rule laid down by the apostle. “If any are not willing to work,  neither let him eat.” Some were spending most of their time looking for the Lord's return and refusing to work. Paul says in essence, if they don’t want to work, don’t feed them. Good practical advice. 

Verse 11: “For we hear that some among you are walking in an unruly manner, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.”

Word had come to Paul that, in spite of his teaching them to work and writing to them about it  some were still not willing to work. These were commanded to settle down and begin an ordered life of work. There is no retirement plan in the work of God. You may burn out, but you never will rust out. Let us commit to work daily for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Verse 12: “Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that working with quietness, they eat their own bread.”

Churches are full of people that give a little and complain a lot. I have seen it many times over my years of ministry. The smallest givers were the most trouble. There must have been people like that in Thessalonica. Paul says that they were to quietly go to work and mind their own business.

Verse 13: “But as for you, brothers, do not lose heart in doing good.”

A believer who holds the blessed hope of the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ should not grow weary of working for the Lord. As the famous evangelist Dwight Moody said: “I get weary in the work, but not weary of the work.”

Verse 14: “And if anyone does not obey our word in this letter, take special note of that person to not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame.”

People in the church should withdraw from troublemakers, church bosses and all those that oppose the work of God in the local assembly. Don’t be afraid of the tongues of those that seek to hinder the work of God. Instead, you should withdraw from the gossip and troublemakers and focus on the work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Verse 15: “And yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”

Paul’s instruction was for the purpose of winning the erring one back to following Christ. An attempt should generally be made to win the wayward member back to Christ. 

Verse 16: “Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually give you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!”

This is the beginning of his benediction. He wanted to give some encouragement to the church in Thessalonica. Paul knew this attribute of God, i.e. peace, would be most meaningful to reflect upon in light of the intense spiritual persecution that raged against the Thessalonians.

Verse 17: “The greeting is in my own hand—Paul, which is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write.”

Though Paul had the help of secretaries in writing his letters, he customarily wrote the final greeting or benediction in his own hand. That is the case here. It showed the letter’s authenticity.  

Verse 18: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.”

This is the conclusion of an epistle which teaches that the knowledge of prophecy, rather than leading to fanaticism or laziness, brings peace to the heart and will lead the believer to work for the Kingdom of God.

Bible Message: Promises of the Bible Part 2

 https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-nnzjb-154bcc6

The Promises of the Bible Part 1

 https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-mzxyi-1542bd5

Please copy and paste in your browser.

Bible Message: The Essentials Part 6

 Please copy and paste in your browser.

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-wdmh2-141cd8c

Bible Message: The Essentials Part 5

 https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-8tcfp-14137e5

Please copy and paste in your browser..

Bible Message: The Essentials Part 4

 https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-g3daf-140a20c

Please copy and paste in your browser.

Bible Message: The Essentials Part 3

 The Essentials Part 3: Holy Spirit Conviction | The Pathway To Purity & Power (podbean.com)

Bible Message: The Overcomer Series Part 3 "The Blessing"

 https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-cf9hm-15ef352

Please copy and paste in your browser.

Bible Study 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-17

 

A Commentary of the Book of 2 Thessalonians 

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible

Bible Study 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-17

Text: 

The Man of Lawlessness

2 Now we ask you, brothers, with regard to the [a]coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, 2 that you not be quickly shaken in your mind or be alarmed whether by a spirit or a word or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it has not come unless the [b]apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above [c]every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the [d]sanctuary of God, exhibiting himself as being God. 5 Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? 6 And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. 8 And then that lawless one will be revealed—whom the Lord [e]Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His [f]coming— 9 whose [g]coming is in accord with the working of Satan, with all power and [h]signs and false wonders, 10 and with [i]all the deception of unrighteousness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. 11 And for this reason God sends upon them a [j]deluding influence so that they will believe [k]what is false, 12 in order that they all may be [l]judged who did not believe the truth, but [m]took pleasure in unrighteousness.

13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you [n]as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification [o]by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 14 [p]It was for this He called you through our gospel, [q]that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter [r]from us.

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.

Verse by verse commentary

Verse 1: “Now we ask you, brothers, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him,”

In this book, there is discussion about the rapture, second coming and future judgment. Candidly, all the verses that support a “rapture theory” could equally be used to support the second coming. For years, I have taught the “rapture theory” because the denominations I was a member in also believed in the rapture. By rapture, we refer to a removal of the saints, both dead and alive at His coming, to escape the seven year tribulation period. As I discuss these verses, I will do my best to remain neutral. I believe it is clear that there will be a 1000 year time of peace known as the millennium. Christ’s second coming will start this time of peace.

This is the fifth mention of Christ’s coming in the Thessalonian letters.The nature of His coming is identified by the next phrase “our gathering together,” which conveys the idea of all believers meeting together with the Lord Jesus, obviously referring to the rapture of the church described in 1 Thess. 4:13–18 and John 14:1–3. 

Verse 2: “that you not be quickly shaken in your mind or be alarmed whether by a spirit or a word or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.”

The term “quickly shaken,” has been used to describe an earthquake (Acts 16:26) and a ship at anchor slipping its mooring in the midst of a heavy wind. Along with the word “alarmed,” it describes the state of agitation and concern that had overtaken the Thessaloniians. They were fearful because they had expected the Rapture, the gathering together to the Lord, to take place before the day of the Lord. They had anticipated being taken to glory and heavenly rest, not left to persecution and tribulation. Paul must have taught them that they would miss the day of the Lord, i.e. day of judgment, but they had become confused by the persecution they were experiencing, thinking they may have been in the day of the Lord. The idea that the Day of the Lord had already come conflicted with what Paul had previously taught them about the Rapture. This error, which so upset the Thessalonians, is what Paul corrected in vv. 3–12, where he showed that the day hadn’t come and couldn’t until certain realities were in place, most especially “the man of sin”.

Verse 3: “Let no one in any way deceive you, for it has not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,”

Before the “day of the Lord” occurs, there will be a definite point of turning away from the faith. The day of the Lord will not occur until a deliberate abandonment of a former position, allegiance, or commitment occurs, (the term was used to refer to military, political, or religious rebellion). Some have suggested that this refers to the Rapture. However, reading the verse in context, points to a religious defection, which is further described in v. 4. The language indicates a specific event, not general apostasy which exists now and always will. This will be a definite falling away and not backsliding in a general sense. The “man of lawlessness” is the Antichrist. He is not Satan but he gets his power from him.

Verse 4: “who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the sanctuary of God, exhibiting himself as being God.”

One of the Antichrist’s claims will be that he is God. In Revelation 13, we find that the beast out of the sea (the Antichrist) brings together western Europe, and he will put it back together again. When he does this, he will present  himself to the world as God. He wants the world to think that he is Christ. Satan has had a consistent plan to have man doubt and question God (Garden of Eden) and supplant their wills for His will. Satan wants man to think that he is in charge, but Satan is wrong.

Verse 5: “Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things?”

Paul hadn’t hesitated to talk about these things. Some say that a preacher shouldn’t speak on topics that might upset his congregation. We need to tell people what they need to hear and not necessarily what would make them like you. Well, Paul reminded the Thessalonians about his earlier messages. Paul says, “while I was still with you, I was telling you these things?”

Verse 6: “And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed.”

What can restrain evil in the world? The only One is the Holy Spirit. Governments can’t do it and they never have. The Roman Empire couldn’t do it; it was an evil force itself and collasped. I believe the USA is headed in the same direction unless there is a national repentance. 

Verse 7: “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way.”

“Lawlessness” will continue to get worse and worse, but the Holy Spirit will not let Satan go all the way in this age. Satan operates within the world according to the limits God sets on him. Never forget that. Satan is not all powerful. When the Holy Spirit is removed, it will be like taking the stopper out of the bottle and the liquid of lawlessness will pour out all over the world on that day.

Verse 8: “And then that lawless one will be revealed—whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming—”

“That lawless one” is the Antichrist, the Man of Sin. He will be a world dictator. Nobody can stop him. No power on earth—only the second coming of Christ will stop him. As God’s people in Egypt were helpless and hopeless until God delivered them, so the believers during the Tribulation will be helpless under the power of the Antichrist until the Lord Jesus Christ comes to the earth to establish His kingdom. 

Verse 9: “whose coming is in accord with the working of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders,”

This is the Antichrist, Satan’s son, the Man of Sin, the lawless one. He will come “in accord with the working of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders,” “Power” here is dunamis in Greek. It means a physical power whose source is out of this world. He will be a healer and a miracle worker. “Signs” means tokens. They have the purpose of appealing to the understanding. This man will have signs which will appeal to the scientific and educated world of that day as well as to politicians and the religious world. “False wonders” will produce an effect upon observers. On that day, people all over the world will be talking about the Man of Sin, saying, “My, in this world ruler we have a great leader who will be our savior.”

Verse 10: “and with all the deception of unrighteousness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.”

He will do this “with all the deception of unrighteousness for those who perish.” Why? It is because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.” The general call of the gospel is given to all. However, the inward call that gives you a new heart only comes from God Almighty. That inward call will be responded to by man repenting of his sins and placing his faith in the substitutionary death of the Lord Jesus Christ for his sins.

Verse 11: “And for this reason God sends upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false,”

God will let the world believe a lie because they want to believe the lie. Why does He do that? Isn’t that unjust? No, it is just like it was when God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. God didn’t make Pharaoh do anything he didn’t already want to do. There is an old saying: the same sun that melts the butter hardens the clay. God is not the author of evil. He allows evil for His purposes, but He doesn’t create it. God is separating the sheep from the goats. God uses the best way in the world to do it. If people will not receive the love of the truth, then God sends them a “strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.” What is the “lie”? The lie of Antichrist is that Jesus Christ is not the Lord, that He is not who He says He is. Jesus Christ is Lord and any teaching that takes His Sovereignty away from Him is heretical. Know the truth.

Verse 12: “in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in unrighteousness.”

God is going to judge those who have rejected the truth of the Gospel. If you can sit and read the Word of God in this book and continue to reject Jesus Christ, then you have placed yourself in a horrific situation. Once the Gospel is rejected, the delusion comes. Just like Pharaoh, God will not force something on you that you do not desire. If you turn your back on the Lord Jesus Christ, then you are wide open for delusion and you are a subject for judgment. 

Verse 13: “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.”

Just as there were specific elements in the character of the Antichrist, so there are characteristics of the Lord’s chosen. Paul summarizes the features of true salvation, noting that believers are “beloved by the Lord,” chosen for salvation from eternity past, set apart from sin by the Spirit in sanctification, and called to eternal glory. Paul’s point was to remind the Thessalonians that there was no need to be worried thinking they had missed the rapture and thus were in the Day of the Lord judgment. 

Verse 14: “It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The purpose of your receiving God’s call to salvation is that you obtain the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. The purpose of the call is to get you to salvation. The call you received was an effectual calling, which means it worked. The Gospel is the message of the substitutionary death of the Lord Jesus Christ to save those He came to save. To “obtain the glory” means the salvation that you have been called to. 

Verse 15: “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.”

Paul is referring to what he had taught them when he was with them. It is the Word of God which enables the believer to stand and be stable. This is one reason why the doctrine of sola scriptura is so important. We don’t need a “God told me” to hang onto. Rather, we need a “Thus saith the Lord” from His complete, inerrant, Word of God contained in Genesis through Revelation. 

Verse 16: “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace,” 

This is one of many benedictions Paul has given in his letters. In it, he invoked God’s power based on His love and grace, as the true source of encouragement and strength. We are saved by grace, preserved by grace and one day will be glorified by grace. That grace gives us the most comfort you can find in this world.

Verse 17: “encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.”

Not only will the Word of God “encourage” us, but it will also edify us. “Strengthen them” means we are to be rooted and grounded in the Word of God so that we are not carried away by every wind of false doctrine. Our minds and hearts will be centered on Him as we focus on His Word. That will keep us from going out after every fad or trend of the day and reading every new book that comes off the press. We need to be established in the faith and we will as we focus on the Word.