Chapter summary
Paul is well aware that everyone in the present difficult times needs prayer—himself included. God will answer prayer and not only strengthen His people but deliver them from the evil one (3:1-5).
Paul then deals rather bluntly with believers who have used the rumors about history's imminent end to quit work and live off their more industrious brothers and sisters. Don't feed them. Let them go to work and take care of themselves (vv. 6-10). And Paul adds an interesting reason why most folks really need to work: They not only sponge off others, but also go around gossiping and stirring up trouble.
We're to keep busy, but keep busy "doing what is right" (vv. 11-13). These instructions of Paul concerning work are to be strictly obeyed and anyone who fails to obey is to be disciplined by the church (vv. 14-15). The letter closes with a brief personal note (vv. 16-18).
1) Let’s pray that God’s Word spread like an uncontrollable fire, and believed by all that hear the gospel.
2) Also pray that God will preserve us through all trials, tribulations and tests.
3) The Lord is faithful and will strengthen and protect us against Satan (the devil).
4) We must continue to obey the Word of God.
5) As we continue in God’s love and Christ’s endurance, God will direct our lives.
6) We are to have no fellowship with those who are rebellious, and live undisciplined lives, not living according to God’s Word.
7) We must follow our pastor’s example; living a life of commitment to Christ and love.
8) Do not burden anyone necessarily. Do what you can for yourself.
9) We should give financial support to our pastor, seeing that he labors for our benefit.
10) Those that refuse to work should not eat.
11) Do not interfere in the life of others; don’t be a busy-body. Mine your own business.
12) We cannot allow ourselves to get tired of doing what’s right.
13) Those that refuse to hear and obey the teaching of the Church must be made to feel ashamed. We must limit our fellowship with them. Don’t treat them like enemies; however, try to reach them in love.
14) The peace that comes from God is ours at all times and in every way.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Keys of Truth: 2 Thessalonians Chapter 2
Chapter summary
Rumors had been sweeping the Thessalonian church that Paul identified the present tribulation as the onset of the "Day of the Lord." This Old Testament phrase is used in prophecy to indicate the culminating events associated with history's end (2:1-2). Paul points out that this could not possibly be: The "man of lawlessness" (the Antichrist) has not yet appeared (vv. 3-5). The evil principle that will find full expression in the Antichrist is at work in present history, but its full expression is currently held back by the Holy Spirit (vv. 6-7a). When the Spirit's dampening presence is removed the Antichrist will be unveiled, identified by demonically energized miracles that delude the unconverted (vv. 7b-12).
As believers called to live in troubled times, the Thessalonians must rejoice in their salvation and in the awareness that when Jesus comes they will share His glory (vv. 13-15). So Paul, raising his hands in benediction, blesses them with encouragement, hope, and strength for every good deed (vv. 16-17).
1) The day of the Lord has not come yet. Jesus has not returned yet for the Church.
2) Do not be alarmed if someone says that Jesus has already returned.
3) Jesus will not return before there is apostasy (abandonment of faith in the true and living God), and the Antichrist is revealed.
4) The Antichrist will desire to be worshipped as god-almighty.
5) The Spirit of God now restrains the Antichrist from being revealed, however, when the time comes he will be revealed.
6) The spirit of rebellion is already at work in some secretly, being unknown to those who are under this spirit’s influence.
7) When Jesus comes to establish His kingdom upon the earth, the Antichrist will be destroyed by Jesus’ appearing and the words of His mouth.
8) Satan is the source of power for the Antichrist. The Antichrist will perform miracles and wonderful signs by Satan’s power, but they will be lies.
9) This power will be used to deceive those who refused to love the truth that saves. The Truth is in Jesus!
10) Those that have been deceived will be condemned and destroyed. God will allow this to happen, because they failed to do what pleases God (believing and accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord).
11) We are loved and chosen by God, being saved through a life of spiritual devotion and faith in the truth.
12) We have life in the Spirit through the gospel preached to us; having obtained the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ (we have His manifest presence in our lives).
13) Always remember what the Word of God teaches; hold on to the truth.
14) God through His kindness gives us courage, strength and hope. This courage and strength helps us do and say everything that pleases God.
Rumors had been sweeping the Thessalonian church that Paul identified the present tribulation as the onset of the "Day of the Lord." This Old Testament phrase is used in prophecy to indicate the culminating events associated with history's end (2:1-2). Paul points out that this could not possibly be: The "man of lawlessness" (the Antichrist) has not yet appeared (vv. 3-5). The evil principle that will find full expression in the Antichrist is at work in present history, but its full expression is currently held back by the Holy Spirit (vv. 6-7a). When the Spirit's dampening presence is removed the Antichrist will be unveiled, identified by demonically energized miracles that delude the unconverted (vv. 7b-12).
As believers called to live in troubled times, the Thessalonians must rejoice in their salvation and in the awareness that when Jesus comes they will share His glory (vv. 13-15). So Paul, raising his hands in benediction, blesses them with encouragement, hope, and strength for every good deed (vv. 16-17).
1) The day of the Lord has not come yet. Jesus has not returned yet for the Church.
2) Do not be alarmed if someone says that Jesus has already returned.
3) Jesus will not return before there is apostasy (abandonment of faith in the true and living God), and the Antichrist is revealed.
4) The Antichrist will desire to be worshipped as god-almighty.
5) The Spirit of God now restrains the Antichrist from being revealed, however, when the time comes he will be revealed.
6) The spirit of rebellion is already at work in some secretly, being unknown to those who are under this spirit’s influence.
7) When Jesus comes to establish His kingdom upon the earth, the Antichrist will be destroyed by Jesus’ appearing and the words of His mouth.
8) Satan is the source of power for the Antichrist. The Antichrist will perform miracles and wonderful signs by Satan’s power, but they will be lies.
9) This power will be used to deceive those who refused to love the truth that saves. The Truth is in Jesus!
10) Those that have been deceived will be condemned and destroyed. God will allow this to happen, because they failed to do what pleases God (believing and accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord).
11) We are loved and chosen by God, being saved through a life of spiritual devotion and faith in the truth.
12) We have life in the Spirit through the gospel preached to us; having obtained the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ (we have His manifest presence in our lives).
13) Always remember what the Word of God teaches; hold on to the truth.
14) God through His kindness gives us courage, strength and hope. This courage and strength helps us do and say everything that pleases God.
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