Unpacking 2 Thessalonians: Chapter 1

 

The second letter to the Thessalonian Church, was written approximately 6-8 weeks after the first, although mainly attributed to Paul it was actually a collaborative writing between Paul and his two traveling missionary companions, Silvanus (sometimes known as Silas) and Paul’s young protegé, Timothy. This is evidenced in the very first verse of the letter which, in the manner of the day, opens by identifying the writer/s first and then identifying to whom the letter is written. In this case the Thessalonian Church.

Note: In the body on this article the verses from 2 Thessalonians 1 are in italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures shown in bold italics.

Greeting

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church 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.

When we are in fellowship with each other let us never forget to extend God’s love, grace, mercy and peace to each other in His name! Let us do this in all our dealings with each other, after all we are His children, and we are all brothers and sisters in Christ – God’s family! Let’s live worthy of our calling.

Thanksgiving for Faith and Perseverance

3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,

In verse 3 the writers state that they are ‘bound’ to thank God for them always. The word bound is transliterated form the Greek word ‘opheiló (pronounced o-fay'-lo) and its expanded meaning is: To owe, to be indebted, to be obligated to and ought to do.

This is something we ought to be doing today as a Church, giving thanks to God for our brothers and sisters in Christ as our faith and love grows in the goodness of God! Just as Christ loves His Church! Let’s imitate Christ in every way!

Romans 8:29 (NKJV)

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Ephesians 5:1-2 (AMP)

Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; 2 and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV)

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

4 so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure,

In verse 4 Paul, Silas and Timothy take pride in the fact that the Thessalonian Church are bringing glory to Jesus in the way they are living. They have remained patient and faithful all through the persecutions and tribulations that they have faced.

This is a great lesson that we, today’s Church, should learn and grab hold of as we see evil increase in the world around us. Through persecutions today’s believer should have the same patience and faith as the Thessalonians. Without faith it is impossible to please God. We need to look heavenward and rejoice as our redemption draws near.

It is no coincidence that patience and faithfulness are two facets of the fruit of the Spirit. Today we, as born-again Christians, need the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit in every aspect of our lives. It is the Holy Spirit that leads us in the truth of God’s Word! Jesus has much more to tell us through the Holy Spirit’s revelation of the Word to us, both corporately and individually!

Luke 21:28 (AMP)

Now when these things begin to occur, stand tall and lift up your heads [in joy], because [suffering ends as] your redemption is drawing near.”

Hebrews 11:6 (AMP)

But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.

John 14:26 (AMP)

But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.

5 which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer;

In verse 5 the writers tell us that the persecutions and trials we suffer are manifest evidence of God’s righteous judgement so that we may be considered worthy of His kingdom, worthy of having Jesus as our Saviour, worthy of His calling!

It is only in Christ Jesus that a Christian can overcome the world and overcome trials and tribulations. Our peace is found only in Jesus! Let’s be a Church and a Christian that holds steadfastly to the teachings of the Word and our faith in Christ Jesus alone.

John 16:33 (NKJV)

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

We live in a fallen World but because we have Jesus as our Lord and Saviour we are no longer of this world, we are new creations purchased out of the world by His blood.

John 17:17 (NKJV)

They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

As children of God, we are joint heirs with Christ in His suffering so that we may also be glorified together with Him! We must live our lives worthy of the gospel.

Romans 8:16-18 (NKJV)

16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

As the Book of James tells us we should consider our trials and sufferings as joy as enduring faithfully through our sufferings produces endurance that will lead us into spiritual maturity and inner peace, the peace of Christ that is beyond our understanding!

James 1:2-4 (AMP)

2 Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. 3 Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.

Philippians 4:7 (AMP)

And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].

6 since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, 7 and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,

In verse 6 we are told because of the righteousness of God those who trouble us will be repaid with tribulation by God, they will reap what they sow! And in verse 7 we are given the assurance that we will have rest with the Lord when He is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels when He returns.

The Judgment at Christ's Coming - God’s Final Judgment and Glory
8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.

In verses 8-10 we get a stunning reality check about the second coming of Christ and the glorification of those that know Him – believers, and the severity of God’s final judgement on those that do not know Christ – unbelievers!

The judgement of the unbeliever is described in terms of fire and vengeance, and they will be punished with everlasting destruction which is eternity in Hell where they will be in constant torment!

Revelation 14:11 (NKJV)

And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

Praying for the Church
11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Since the Thessalonian Church was enduring persecution and tribulation, they needed prayer. Here, Paul and his companions recognise the need to pray for others and assured the Thessalonian Church that they are always praying for them. We too need always to pray for each other!

God gives Christians both as individuals and as a corporate Church a high calling! This calling is to be conformed to His image and to bring glory, honour and praise to His name. In this way we will see Him glorified in us at His coming. As Paul and his companions pray that the Thessalonians may be counted worthy of this calling so must we, today’s Church, be like minded and pray for each other to be worthy of His calling.

It is only by God’s grace that the name Jesus can by glorified in us! Are you living your life in a manner that is worthy of your calling and salvation in Christ Jesus?

When we, today’s Church, are living our lives in full compliance to His Word and are continually being filled with and led by the Holy Spirit in everything we do and say, only then will we bring glory to Him and be glorified at His coming!

Life application for today’s believers

1. Always give thanks to God for our brothers and sisters in Christ especially for those that lead us by God’s calling.

2. Live in a manner that will bring glory to Jesus in everything you do and say and in the way you conduct your relationships with each other – your brothers and sisters in Christ.

3. Be patient and faithful when you go through trials and tribulations – testing times.

4. Allow trials and tribulations to build perseverance in you in Chrit Jesus.

5. Rest in the peace and knowledge that God will bring judgement to those that persecute you. No unrepentant sinner will escape God’s judgement and punishment.

6. Always pray for each other!

Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven
In the name of Jesus I pray that in the power of the Holy Spirit that you would help me to live my life in a manner that is worthy of your calling. I pray that you would help me to keep my Christian walk blameless and to have an ever repentant heart. Help me Lord to be a blessing to my brothers and sisters in Christ and to put the needs of others before my own. Amen

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed the Bible is not!

What is Holiness?

 

Hebrews 12:14-15 (NIV)

The two verses above from Hebrews 12 command us, as born again Christians, to do a number of specific things, and very powerful and important things they are for us to do throughout our Christian walk! They are:

1.  Make every effort to live in peace with everyone.
2.  Be holy as without holiness no one will see the Lord.
3.  See to it that we don't fall short of the grace of God.
4.  So that no bitter root will grow in us and cause trouble and defile others!

Now, number 2 on the list is the glue that holds our Christian walk together with the leading of the Holy Spirit. "Be holy as without holiness no one will see the Lord" is a key foundation on which we are to live our lives as true born again believers in Christ Jesus. After all, as the scripture says, if we do not have holiness we will not see the Lord!

But.......

What is holiness?

In the verses below we can see that it has always been God’s intention for His people to be holy because He is holy. The Lord tells us to consecrate ourselves and be holy.

To consecrate oneself means to dedicate oneself to a higher purpose, for a Christian today this means our purpose is to dedicate ourselves to God through Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit to do the Father's will and the works he has predestined us to do in Christ Jesus and walk in them. 

This is NOT salvation by works as we are saved by Gods grace alone! It is the works that God has prepared for us to do because we are saved!

Ephesians 2:8-10 (NKJV)

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

The Apostle Peter quoted Leviticus 11:44 in 1 Peter 1:15-16 and thus we know without a shadow of doubt that this instruction still applies to Christians today!

Lev 11:44 (NIV)

I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy.

1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

The Apostle Paul also tells us that we are called to live a holy life because it is His purpose for us through the grace we receive in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 1:9

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.

God call us to be a holy Church!

Holiness is a characteristic of who God is, and as such holiness should be of paramount importance to us as believers, because without it we will never see God!

Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Before we can look at what the Bible teaches on being holy, let’s first understand what the word 'holy' means from the original Greek text of the New Testament.

Holiness in the verse above is from the Greek word ‘hagiotes’ meaning holiness or sanctity. Hagiotes is derived from the Greek adjective ‘hagios’ which means set apart (for God) for the specific purpose of being holy and sacred.

From this we can safely conclude that God expects us, as Christians, to set ourselves apart to be holy to Him. In fact, Hebrews 12:14 above states quite emphatically that the we won’t see the Lord unless we pursue holiness.

Also, as we endeavour to pursue holiness, we will experience a measure of pain as He chastises us for our own good, through the process of dying to self. That is giving up our old sinful lives and embracing the new creation we are converted to in Christ Jesus. We must all leave our sinful past behind!

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 

Nevertheless, this chastising process will yield within us the peaceable fruit of holiness and righteousness in Christ Jesus. God disciplines the ones He loves - we, the Church, His children!

Hebrews 12:6 (NKJV)

For whom the Lord loves He chastens,

And scourges every son whom He receives.”

Hebrews 12:9-11 (NLT)

9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?

10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

In other words, that which is holy belongs to God, and conversely whatever belongs to God is holy. We are sanctified and "set apart for a holy use or purpose" by God, and to find out what our use and purpose is in Christ Jesus we need to live life in the Spirit as it is the Holy Spirit that gives us revelation and guidance in the truth of the Word. In this way our lives and our lifestyles will bring glory to Jesus.

John 16:13-15 (NKJV)

13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

Christ in me, the hope of glory, be holy as He is holy!

Colossians 1:26-27 (AMP)

26 that is, the mystery which was hidden [from angels and mankind] for ages and generations, but has now been revealed to His saints (God’s people). 27 God [in His eternal plan] chose to make known to them how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in and among you, the hope and guarantee of [realizing the] glory.

God has selected us to be His servants and has called us to come out of this world, to be different and separate from the rest of the world. Jesus said,

John 17:14-16 (NIV)

14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.

The Christian must live in this present evil world, but his life must he different from the lives of the other people that are in the world – who are not born-again, who do not know Jesus as Lord and Saviour. In other words, our lives and the way and manner in which we live, must reflect God’s holiness

We, as born again believers in Christ Jesus, must come out from any of this world's ways that are sinful and evil out from the religious and spiritual "Babylon" that is this the whole world so that we will not share in their sins.

Revelation 18:4 (NIV)

4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say:

“‘Come out of her (the world), my people,’[Jer 51:45)

so that you will not share in her sins,

so that you will not receive any of her plagues;

Making such a distinction and living by it is one of the many ways that God's true servants are different from the rest of the world.

Instead of being immersed in the lawless and sinful ways of the world, we should put our thoughts on better things:

Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

This scripture makes is very clear that we should avoid filling our minds with entertainment that is sinful: void of (God’s) love, lustful, sexually illicit or that is filled with murder, hatred, evil and all other such things.

We often justify our sinful actions by saying things like: "It’s only a song — it's only make-believe, it's only a movie, that’s who I am."

On the contrary, the Bible says this:

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

We cannot call ourselves Christians and continue to walk in the ways of the world – we must walk in the way of the Spirit (be holy)! Christians need to be different from the rest of this world — to say no to sin, to evil and to wrong things as it is written:

2 Corinthians 7:1 (NLT)

Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.

God accepts as as we are but once we become born again he doesn't want us to stay in our sinful old self! He wants us to change and be conformed to the image of His Son - our Saviour, Lord and King - Jesus!

We will continue to be holy if we live a life of holiness. That is the way of obedience and conformity with God's ways and His Word. That is living life in the Spirit.

God wants a glorious Church without spot or blemish. Jesus gave his life for the Church in order to make her holy:

Ephesians 5:26-27 (NIV)

26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless

Prayer

Dear Father

In the name of Jesus I pray that you would continually fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to be holy just as you are holy. Amen!

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed the Bible is not!

Should today's Church be casting out demons?

Dear Readers

Before you start reading the text of this article, please read and make sure you fully understand the significance of the following three scriptures.

Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Scripture is relevant for all generations of believers! It is a living Word!

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 

Right, thank you for doing that!  Now back to today's topic, "Should today's Church be casting out demons?"

Casting out demons! This is a topic that is rarely preached in today’s Church which, in my opinion, is such a pity as it formed a large part of the Lord’s ministry when He walked among us! Today’s modern Church has not done itself any favours by choosing to ignore such teachings as these, the ones that Jesus himself placed such great emphasis on!

Let’s examine why I make this statement by looking at what Jesus tells us in the scriptures, using at Mark 6 as a starting point.

Mark 6:7 & 12-13 (NIV)

7 Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.

12 They went out and preached that people should repent. 13 They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

In Mark 16, Mark tells of the resurrection of Jesus and how “Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.” But when they arrived at the tomb, they found that the stone had been rolled away and Jesus was gone. A ‘young man’ who was sitting in the tomb told the women to go and tell the disciples that Jesus had risen. This they did but Peter and some of the other the disciples didn’t believe them!

In verse nine Mark tells us that Jesus, after He had risen, first appeared to Mary Magdalene and for some reason he says of Mary, “out of whom he had driven seven demons (also related in Luke 8:2).” This was the first case of multiple demon possession recorded in the Bible. A significant event that both Mark and Luke felt, under the power of the Holy Spirit, that it should be recorded in the Gospels for the benefit of the Church.

To me the fact that demons being driven out of Mary Magdalene was so important that it is mentioned at the tomb of resurrection, right at the start of the Lord’s forty day ministry before His ascension to heaven, highlights the fact that this is something the Church should still be doing!

In verse 14 Mark tells us that, “Later (he doesn’t say how much later) Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.”

So, in this verse Jesus tells the disciples off for their unbelief! He then tells them to “go” and gives them what we call the great commission and included in His commission to those of us that believe, is, “In my (Jesus’) name they will drive out demons.”

Mark 16:15-18 (NIV)

15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

Looking at the above verses and focusing on today’s topic let’s note in particular verse 17 where Jesus tells us that those of us who believe will be accompanied by signs and wonders and one of these signs will be driving out demons! We have to believe in order to be effective in our obedience to the Lord!

The Lord’s instruction to those that believe, to cast out demons, is confirmed by the Apostle Matthew:

Matthew 10:1 (AMP)

Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority and power over unclean spirits (demons), to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.

And by the Apostle Luke:

Luke 10:49-50 (NIV)

49 “Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.”

50 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”

Verse 50 above confirms that ‘driving out demons’ was not only for the twelve disciples but for all those that believe in Jesus, including today’s believers.

Confirmation of this is also shown in the Book of Acts where we read of Phillip, a believer in Jesus, driving our demons and performing other such miracles. Although he was not an Apostle, he really was a true believer and was obedient to the Lord’s commands! Casting out demons is not just for the Apostles it is for every spirit filled believer!

Acts 8:5-8 (NIV)

5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. 6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7 For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.

In many cases “driving out demons” is synonymous with healing! When we truly believe we can do, in the power of the Holy Spirit, the great things that Jesus did and He himself says we (whoever believes) can even do greater things.

John 14:12 (NIV)

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Is casting out demons relevant in today’s Church for today’s believer?

Let’s have a look at what the Bible says and who Jesus is and what He did in this regard, starting briefly with some basic fundamentals and progressing from there. Let’s follow Jesus and become imitators of Christ!

Jesus is the Word that became flesh – human!

John 1:1-5 (NIV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

In the above verses we are told that the Word was with God right from the beginning and that He (Jesus) was with God at the beginning as well – thus unifying Jesus and the Word as one! Everything was made through Jesus and that He is the light and life of the world. Darkness (sin) will never overcome Him!

In John 1:14 we are told that the Word (Jesus) became flesh and walked among us.

John 1:14 (NIV)

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Now, wherever Jesus went, His ministry was followed be miracles, signs and wonders. Many of these manifestations of the Spirit working through Jesus involved casting out demons. In fact, casting out demons was such an important part of His ministry, that He gave those that believed in Him the authority to do the same. We have read this in many of the scriptures above.

Now the question I have asked in this section is, “Is casting out demons relevant in today’s Church for today’s believer?”

My answer is, “Yes it most certainly is!”

Why? Because the world has become a lot more populated than it was 2000 years ago and as such it has also become a lot more evil. We are already in such times as it was in the days of Noah – deeply disturbing and evil times – men choose not to believe in God – The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit – The Holy Trinity!

Matthew 24:37-39 (NIV)

37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.

Genesis 6:5-8 (NIV)

5 The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. 6 The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. 7 So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.

Today it is the born-again believer in Christ Jesus that has found favour with the Lord – we are collectively His Church.

Now, if demonic activity and influence over humans was so prevalent when our Lord walked the earth and it was the same in the days of Noah, it stands to reason that it is even more so today. Just take note of the evil that is all around today’s world and how few of the world’s population are truly saved and are thus children of the devil – most of them without even realising it!

Is everybody demon possessed? No! Is every Christian under the attack of the enemy? Yes, especially in our thought life – the devil’s favourite battleground is the mind of man! Can man be influenced to do evil by the devil and his demons? Yes, he certainly can! Anyone who is not truly born-again from the heart belongs to the devil!

1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

John 8:44 (NIV)

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Take every thought captive!

2 Corinthians 10:5-6 (AMP)

5 We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ, 6 being ready to punish every act of disobedience, when your own obedience [as a church] is complete.

Because of these factors the Church today needs to stand up and ‘drive out demons’ as Jesus expects us to. He has given us this authority as His Church, we need to realise that as the Apostle Paul says, our fight is not against flesh and blood!

Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Jesus has not changed, He expects us to do the things He did and even greater things! God does not want a passive Church that rolls over and shows its belly whenever the devil reveals his ugly face! He wants a Church that aggressively engages the enemy in spiritual warfare and casts out demons! It is part of the ‘Great Commission!’

Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

John 14:12 (NIV)

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

Ephesians 5:1 (AMP)

Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father];

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NLT)

And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

How do we cast out demons?

The only answer to this is to say, in the Name of Jesus, the same way the Apostles and other believers of the time did!

Demon possession is a topic that many Christians avoid like the plague and many others go ‘over the top’. For many it is a tricky and very scary subject. Many Christians avoid the topic by saying things like, “You can’t look for a demon behind every bush.” And because of their fear and apprehension of the topic they do nothing at all. But there is Biblical proof that Jesus and His disciples did cast out demons and He definitely gave His authority to the Church to do so as well and thus we should be doing so right now! The times are still evil! Jesus didn’t give His Church His authority for nothing!

When I look at the sinful state of the world today, I personally conclude that there could very well be a demon behind every bush influencing man, and possessing many, to become more and more evil by the day just as in the days of Noah. Let’s be warned by the scriptures, Church! Let’s be aware! Let’s be ready to fight the good fight!

I see mass murders, wars whereby men slaughter thousands upon thousands of other men and innocents, people stealing and robbing, gang wars and drug dealing, human trafficking, and every other despicable acts of man’s inhumanity to man.

I firmly believe that the evil in man’s heart, the acts of warped minds and suchlike, is brought about by man’s sinful nature, the evil that lies in our hearts in our disobedience to God’s Word – the Bible - and made worse under the influence of the devil and his demonic spirits and forces that gain footholds in our lives through our willful sin and disobedience to God and His Word! The Church is full of people who call themselves born-again but still willfully sin!

Let’s have a look at a Biblical example of Jesus casting out demons!

Mark 5:1-11 (NIV)

They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.

6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”

9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.

11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.

Now, in the above verses we see that Jesus was approached by a man with an impure spirit. The characteristics of this man’s demonic possession were:

• He was inhumanly strong.

• His mind was tortured.

• He self-harmed.

• He lived amongst the dead and roamed about night and day – he had trouble sleeping and finding rest for his tortured soul!

• He recognised that Jesus was the Son of God. Satan and his cohorts know who Jesus is and that they are under His authority!

James 1:19 (AMP)

You believe that God is one; you do well [to believe that]. The demons also believe [that], and shudder and bristle [in awe-filled terror—they have seen His wrath]!

When Jesus asks the demoniac his name, we discover that the impure spirit was accompanied by many other demons – multiple demon possession, the impure spirit being the spokesperson or leader of the pack! The impure spirit tells Jesus that, “We are many.” For when Jesus gives them permission to go into the pigs, we see that the whole herd of about 2000 pigs runs into the sea and are drowned. So, there could very well have been 2000 demons in one person!

After this the demon possessed man was healed and in his right mind.

Luke 8:34-36 (NIV)

34 When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, 35 and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 36 Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured.

There are many other examples of Jesus, the Apostles and other believers casting out demons as well. Why don’t you do a little Bible study for yourself?

Luke 10:17 (NIV)

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

John 20:30-31 (AMP)

30 There are also many other signs (attesting miracles) that Jesus performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe [with a deep, abiding trust] that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the Son of God; and that by believing [and trusting in and relying on Him] you may have life in His name.

So, now that we have examined scripture it is plain to see that there is only one way in which we, as born-again Christians, can cast out demons and that is in the Name of Jesus. “Demon come out in the name of Jesus!”

A single command, “Come out!” from Jesus brought instant results, and on one occasion, a whole legion of demons fled at His command.

We don’t have need to shout and scream, chop the air with our hands or shake the person wildly, just simply look the person in the eye and commanding with all the authority that Jesus has given us, “Demon come out in the name of Jesus!” 

Prayer and fasting are also a part of our spiritual warfare manifesto as born again believers – we should make prayer and fasting a part of our Christian lifestyle – be ready for spiritual warfare at all times!

Matthew 17:21 (AMP)

[But this kind of demon does not go out except by prayer and fasting.]”

A lifestyle of prayer and fasting keeps a born-again believer spiritually trained and constantly ready for battle!

How do we know if someone is demon possessed?

When you are filled with the Holy Spirit and living life in the Spirit, your spirit will discern what is an evil spirit in another person and what isn’t, that is why the Apostle Paul tells us to follow the way of love and eagerly desire the spiritual gifts – the gift of the discerning of spirits is one of them. The key to anything we do as a born-again Christian is having the agapé love of God for others!

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (AMP)

13 Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts and keeping your doctrine sound]. Act like [mature] men and be courageous; be strong. 14 Let everything you do be done in love [motivated and inspired by God’s love for us].

The Bible tells us that demon possessed people show certain symptomatic and unnatural tendencies in behaviour and actions. Let’s take a look at these.

1. At times they are unable to control themselves.
The evil spirit will sometimes speak through the person in a voice that is not their own or often they will prevent a person from talking at all. Nervous actions such as eye ticks, lack of eye contact with other people, body twitches and even excessive burping – I am speaking from my own experiences in casting out demons. Demons can come out with cries and screams!

Matthew 9:33 (NIV)

And when the demon was driven out, the man who had been mute spoke. The crowd was amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.”

Mark 1:23-26 (NIV)

23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

2. A demon possessed person can often manifest different personalities.
Demons have evil and destructive, even self-destructive, personalities and these personalities can be made manifest in their victims.

Mark 5:7 (NIV)

He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!”

3. A demon can speak through a possessed person in a voice or voices that are not the person’s own. Like the demoniac in Mark 5.

4. A demon possessed person will often have unusual strength.

Acts 19:15-16 (NIV)

15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.

5. A demon possessed person, under the demon’s influence, will often show suicidal and self-harm tendencies.

Mark 9:21-22 (NIV)

21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

A word of caution:

Not every illness, especially mental illness, is caused by demonic possession, the Bible in the Book of Matthew is very clear about this. There are those that are demon possessed and those that have mental illness (lunatic). As I have mentioned before, not everybody will be demon possessed but many, even those that know Jesus, can be influenced and tempted to do evils things – those things that are contrary to the Word of God!

Matthew 4:24 (KJV)

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic (mental illness), and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

This is why it is so important for born-again Christians to be continually Holy Spirit filled, living life in the Spirit and operating in the Gifts of the Spirit in the agapé love of God (doing everything in love) so that the divine leading of the Holy Spirit can show us the difference.

Having said this, the Church has to be actively aware that demonic possession is just as prevalent today (and probably more so) as it was in the time of Jesus’ ministry on earth. We cannot just sit back and ignore the Lord’s teaching on this subject just because we find it unpleasant or scary or we don’t believe it is for today – it is for today! Jesus instructs us to heal the sick and cast out demons!

The key to a born-again Christians protection from the devil lies in their submission to God and their humility in serving God, in serving our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and being Jesus to an unbelieving world!

James 4:7 (AMP)

7 So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people].

1 Peter 5:6 (AMP)

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time,

In Christ Jesus we have the victory!

Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven
I pray that you would continually fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to minister the full Gospel to others at all times and without compromise. I ask that you help me overcome my unbelief and my timidity and to act in boldness of the Spirit at all times and to be obedient to your all your commands including driving out demons and healing the sick. I ask this in the name of Jesus, my King, my Lord, my Saviour. Amen.

To Jesus belongs all glory honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself! I am flawed the Bible is not!

Daily Bread

This article was written by my good friend and brother in Christ, Tony Kettle, and is published with his permission on my blog site as a guest writer.

Matthew 6:11 (ESV - emphasis added)

“Give us THIS day our DAILY bread,”

Have you ever wondered why Jesus, when He prayed what we know as the Lord’s Prayer, referred to the supply of bread as being a “daily” event? He was probably alluding to the time of the Exodus from Egypt, when the Israelites complained to Moses that they were hungry (Exodus 16:2-3) and God provided them with manna:

Exodus 16:4 ESV - emphasis added

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a DAY’S portion EVERY DAY, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.”

Significantly, Jesus took the matter further in declaring:

John 6:31-35, 47, 49-51 ESV - emphasis added

31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”

35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

47Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.

49Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.””

These were highly controversial words in view of the prevailing ‘legalistic’ religious culture - in fact the Jews regarded them as blasphemous (John 6:41-42). But Jesus frequently ‘pushed the envelope’ against ‘legalism!’

John 6:41-42 (ESV)

41 So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”

Jesus identified Himself as the “Bread of Life” and this has a wider implication - because He is also THE WORD OF GOD.

John 1:1-2, 14 (ESV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Revelation 19:13 (ESV)

He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.

In the original Greek, the English term “word” is “logos”, which basically means “the expression of a thought” and is applicable to both the Person of Jesus and the WRITTEN Word of God.

John 17:17 (ESV)

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

Colossians 1:25-26 (ESV)

of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.

1 Timothy 4:4-5 (ESV)

4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

Revelation 1:1-3 (ESV)

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

This is why the written Word of God - the Bible - is regarded as spiritual “bread”:

Matthew 4:4 ESV - brackets added for distinction only.

“But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread (physical food) alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (spiritual food).’””

Therefore, it is pertinent, in terms of biblical typology, to visualise manna - the original “bread from heaven” - as representing the Word of God. Consider this in the light of certain passages in Exodus 16:

(a) The manna was to be collected each day. The only exception was that on the sixth day the people were to collect twice as much manna, as the next day was the Sabbath when they were not allowed to do any work (Exodus 16:4-5).

We, as believers, need to read, and meditate on, the written Word of God EACH day. We really need to see it as our “DAILY bread!”

(b) Except for the sixth day, nobody was allowed to keep any of the daily supply of manna until the following day. If they did, it would deteriorate, breed worms and stink (Exodus 16:19-20).

I believe the lesson here for us as modern-day believers is that we should be committed in our study of God’s Word. If we neglect to make this a daily practice and only do it occasionally, God’s Word could become ‘stale’ in our hearts. It needs to be ‘fresh’, day by day.

There are obviously other aspects of Exodus 16 that can provide wonderful insight and input for Christians today, but I don’t want to make this article too cumbersome. Nevertheless, there is one particular question I would like to pose - why did the Israelites complain that they were hungry when they had numerous flocks and herds of livestock with them.

Exodus 12:38 (ESV)

A mixed multitude also went up with them, and very much livestock, both flocks and herds.

Various scholars have suggested that, as a result of the years of slavery in Egypt, the Israelites had become so conditioned and influenced by Egyptian customs that they had largely forgotten their own heritage. The Egyptians worshipped animals, so even after they left Egypt, the Israelites possibly either did likewise with their livestock, or regarded them as a source of income - of wealth - to be traded - not eaten! Remember, they eventually built a golden calf:

Exodus 32:4 (ESV - emphasis added)

“And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden CALF. And they said, “These are your GODS, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!””

I believe this scenario points to an important spiritual lesson for today’s Christians: Egypt typifies the “world” (Greek “kosmos”) and if we allow ourselves to be ‘captivated’, ‘entranced’ by ‘worldly’ things, our Christian ‘walk’ and commitment will be adversely affected as Israel’s was when they bowed down and worshipped the golden calf and engaged in worldly revelry, drunkenness and debauchery.

Romans 12:2 (ESV)

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

James 4:4 (ESV)

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

1 John 2:15-17 (ESV)

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Interestingly, the term “manna” literally means “what is it?”, because this is what the Israelites asked when they first saw it on the ground.

Exodus 16:15 (ESV)

When the people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.

Manna is also described in scripture as the “grain of heaven” and the “bread of angels”

Psalm 78:24-25 (AMP)

24 And He rained down manna upon them to eat

And gave them the grain of heaven.

25 Man ate the bread of angels;

God sent them provision in abundance.

Furthermore, as a source of food it was obviously very tasty:

Exodus 16:31 9ESV)

“Now the house of Israel called its name manna. It was like coriander seed, white, and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.”

Again, this correlates closely with the way in which the Word of God is described:

Psalms 19:9-10 (AMP)

“…The judgments of the Lord are true, they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.”

Psalm 119:103 (ESV)

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”

Let us ensure that we faithfully partake of our “daily bread” - the Word of God - as our long-term spiritual ‘nourishment’ depends on it!

Revelation 2:17 (AMP - emphasis added)

“He who has an ear, let him hear and heed what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], TO HIM I WILL GIVE [THE PRIVILEGE OF EATING] SOME OF THE HIDDEN MANNA…”

Prayer
Dear Father
Thank you for Jesus, my Lord and Saviour. I thank you that He is the Word and the Bread of Life. Give me this day, Lord, my daily bread. Help me Lord to make time to ready and study your Word for myself and to not just really on what others read and teach. Teach me your ways, O Lord, and continually fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may grow in faith and bring glory to Jesus! Amen.

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV)

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed the Bible is not!

Unpacking 1 Thessalonians: Chapter 5

 

In this chapter Paul, after concluding Chapter 4 talking about Christ’s resurrection and his second coming, continues his discourse by saying that we, the Church throughout the ages, should not concern ourselves in uselessly trying to fathom the exact timing of His second coming but to concern ourselves only with the certainty of His return and knowing that it will be a terrible time for those who have rejected Jesus but would be a time of great comfort for His Church!

He then goes on to encourage us to watch ourselves carefully to ensure that we continue to walk in faith in Him alone, in love and in hope as is fitting for a genuine believer and child of God.

He also encourages us to continue to build up and edify each other and lists a number of duties that we should be doing in order to do this!

Note: In the body on this article the verses from 1 Thessalonians 5 are in italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures shown in bold italics.

The Day of the Lord: Be ready for His return

1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.

In verses 1 - 3 Paul tells the Thessalonians that he has no need to further explain the times and seasons to them as they already know this well from his teachings when he was first with them. The end will come suddenly, and the unsaved will not escape!

In these times we are told that Jesus’ second coming will come suddenly like a thief in the night. Sudden destruction will come upon the unbeliever like labour pains coming upon a pregnant woman!

Matthew 24:4-8 (NKJV)

4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Dear Readers, I would encourage you to read and study Matthew 24 in its entirety to know and understand what Jesus said about the end times and recognising the signs of His return.

Luke 21:28 (AMP)

Now when these things begin to occur, stand tall and lift up your heads [in joy], because [suffering ends as] your redemption is drawing near.”

4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a darkness.

In verse 4 Paul tells us along with the Thessalonians of the time that we, as born again Christians, are not ‘in darkness’ so we, by recognising the signs of the times, will not be surprised at His coming. For us it will be a time to rejoice as our salvation is near! We are specially called out of the ‘darkness’ of the world! Jesus is the one that saves us out of darkness! He is the light of the world, and we are a chosen generation.

1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV)

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

John 8:12 (NKJV)

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.

In verse 6 Paul uses the word sleep metaphorically and his meaning is that we, as born again Christians, should not be slovenly in our Christian walk and be indifferent to the significance of our salvation in Christ Jesus, we should not be entertaining, associating or partaking in sinful acts.

We need to watch out for wolves in sheep’s clothing and the preaching and following of the false doctrines that are being taught and are so rife in today’s modern church!

We are to be holy as God is holy!

1 Peter 1:15-16 (NKJV)

15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

We need to be studious and fully committed to working out our salvation with fear and trembling!

Philippians 2:12-13 (NKJV)

12 So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ].

We should walk our walk in a manner worthy of our salvation and produce fruit in keeping with our salvation, filled with the Holy Spirit and bringing glory to Jesus!

Matthew 3:8 (AMP)

So produce fruit that is consistent with repentance [demonstrating new behavior that proves a change of heart, and a conscious decision to turn away from sin];

Colossians 1:10 (AMP)

so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord [displaying admirable character, moral courage, and personal integrity], to [fully] please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing in the knowledge of God [with deeper faith, clearer insight and fervent love for His precepts];

7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.

In verse 7 Paul tells us that if we sleep, are slovenly in our Christian walk, we are in darkness (sin) and when we get drunk (are blinded by sin and welcoming its pleasures) we are living in darkness. A Christian should not be deliberately walking in sin, we must be filled with and keep on being filled with the Holy Spirit and be obedient to the Word of God so that we can glorify Jesus!

Ephesians 5:18 (AMP)

Do not get drunk with wine, for that is wickedness (corruption, stupidity), but be filled with the [Holy] Spirit and constantly guided by Him.

John 7:37-39 (NKJV)

37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

In verse 8 Paul instructs us who are expectant of the Lord’s second coming to be sober minded. Here he is not referring to anything to do with alcohol but rather he is telling us to be fully alert and awake to what is happening in the world around us.

His reference to the armour of God tells us to keep our eyes on Jesus and not on the things of the world. We are to have faith in Christ alone and to love each other as Christ loves us! The ‘breastplate of love and faith’ and the ‘helmet of hope of salvation’ in Christ Jesus is to protect our hearts and minds from succumbing to the things of the world and the lies and deceit of the devil and his followers! KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS!

9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

In verses 9-11 Paul tells us a few very important facts that we are saved from because Jesus died for us and because we have repented from our former ‘selves’ (our lives in sin) and have received Him as our Lord and Saviour.

• He saves us from God’s wrath and thus, whether we have died or are still alive when He returns, we spend eternity in heaven with Him, whereas those that face His wrath will spend eternity in Hell.

• We will live with Him for eternity.

And in verse 11 Paul instructs us to comfort and encourage each other with these things!

Various Exhortations

12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

In verses 12 and 13 Paul speaks about recognising those who labour among us as leaders, those that are ‘over us in the Lord’. Here he is telling us that we, in our local congregations, need to ‘esteem them (our leaders) very highly in love as they provide works of Godly service to us. They preach, teach, lead, pastor, admonish and keep watch over us in accordance with God’s Word.

In verse 13 the Greek word for ‘esteem’ is, hégeomai (pronounced hayg-eh'-om-ahee) and its full meaning is to think highly of (someone). In other words, Paul is telling us that we should consider highly those in authority over us in the Church because of their Godly position of authority. 

This consideration of our leadership should be done in love. And the Greek word for love in this verse is agapé, the unconditional love of God! And in the final sentence of verse 13 we are told that when we do this we will ‘be at peace among ourselves.’

It is our duty us children of God to be in submission to our church leaders - the leaders of our local congregations!

Hebrews 13:17 (AMP)

Obey your [spiritual] leaders and submit to them [recognizing their authority over you], for they are keeping watch over your souls and continually guarding your spiritual welfare as those who will give an account [of their stewardship of you]. Let them do this with joy and not with grief and groans, for this would be of no benefit to you.

14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.

In verse 14 Paul tells us how we should deal with four different groups of people that we will have in the Church, the unruly (those whose behaviour and attitudes are out of line with the Word of God), the fainthearted (those who are timid and lack spiritual courage), the weak (those who are spiritually weak and lacking in faith in certain areas) and lastly ‘all’, everybody in the congregation.

i. The unruly are those who are out of order. This is the self-willed person who simply demands to hold his own opinion or preference and causes division and disunity in the congregation. These people are not in submission to the church leaders. These people must be warned and corrected.

ii. The fainthearted are those who are timid by nature and lack spiritual courage. These need comfort — in the sense of an assisting strength to be brought to them by their brothers and sisters in Christ – a mentoring.

iii. The weak in faith must be upheld and assisted by spiritually stronger members of the congregation with the view to helping them to build up their own strength instead of allowing them to perpetuate their weakness. This is also a mentoring of new Christians by older more mature Christians.

iv. All, no matter how spiritually weak or strong, must be treated with the agapé love of God, and we must all treat each other the same.

15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

The Christian should never seek revenge or vengeance, but let God take up our side. Instead, we must always pursue what is good both for ourselves and for others. When we have a forgiving heart towards others, not only is it good for them, but it is also good for us too.

Romans 12:19 (NKJV)

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV)

3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Verse 16:
A Christian should rejoice in all circumstances, good or bad, sorrowful or joyful. Our joy is found in Christ Jesus alone and the eternal salvation we have in Him! Our joy is not found in material things but in the spiritual things that God freely gives us by His Holy Spirit when we are in Christ Jesus!

Nehemiah 8:10b (NKJV)

Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Verse 17:
Prayer is communication with God, and we can live each minute of the day in a constant, flowing, conversation with God about all our circumstances and concerns. This is true fellowship. We can pray continually and receive God’s counsel in all things by the power of the Holy Spirit and to the glory of Jesus!

Psalm 16:7 (AMP)

I will bless the Lord who has counseled me;

Indeed, my heart (mind) instructs me in the night.

John 14:16 (AMP)

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever—

Verse 18
We should give thanks to and be grateful to God in everything for everything we have comes from Him.

We, as His Church and as individual born again Christians, should recognize God’s sovereign hand is in charge in everything, and not blind fate or chance.

Charles Spurgeon once said: “When joy and prayer are married their first born child is gratitude.”

All good things come from our Heavenly Father. We should thank Him with grateful hearts for all that He does for us.

James 1:16-18 (NKJV)

16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

In verses 19-22 Paul gives us four very definite commands, two ‘do nots, a ‘test all things’ and an ‘abstain from’. I believe there is a very good reason tor Paul bringing up these four topics and it is probably because the Thessalonians were doing such things. I have also seen these things evidenced in today’s Church!

The first ‘do not’ is, “Do not quench the Spirit.”

Here the word quench is translated from the Greek word ‘sbennumi’ (pronounced sben’-noo-mee) and its expanded usage and meaning is: to quench or to extinguish as in putting out a flame, and to supress or thwart as in being a stumbling block to something good happening.

Here Paul is referring to the Holy Spirit as a flame that works good things within us. We must not do anything that will prevent the Holy Spirit working in our lives and in the lives of others. Things such as sinful acts and disobedience to the teachings of the Bible and unbelief. All such things will quench or put out the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives and thus prevent our spiritual growth and walk to maturity in Christ Jesus.

The second ‘do not’ is, “Do not despise prophecies.”

Here the word despise is translated from the Greek word ‘exoutheneó’ (pronounced ex-oo-then-eh'-o) and its expanded usage and meaning is: to despise, treat with contempt, to ignore, to count as nothing and to despise.

Here the prophecy Paul is speaking about is not the prophecies of the Old Testament prophets but rather the gift of prophecy that is given to the Church by the Holy Spirit. It is one of the spiritual gifts that Paul tells us about in 1 Corinthians 12 and in 1 Corinthians 14  where he tells us to especially desire the gift of prophecy in our pursuit of God’s love.

1 Corinthians 14:1 (NKJV)

Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.

We must not despise prophecies!

After the two ‘do not’ instructions Paul commands us in verse 21 to ‘test all things’ and hold on to what is good.

The Greek word for ‘test’ in this verse is ‘dokimazo’ (pronounced dok-im-ad'-zo) and its full meaning is: to test something in order to approve it; I put to the test, prove and examine; I distinguish by testing and then approve after testing. Our measure for testing of course is the Bible!

Once you have approved something by testing it you know that it is good and fitting. Once you have tested something and have proved that it is not contrary to the Word you know that it is from the Holy Spirit. A true prophecy will never contradict the Word of God in any way and it will always come true!

Paul’s fourth command is ‘abstain from’ in verse 22 doesn’t really need any further explanation from me as the meaning is quite clear,

DO NOT DO OR TAKE PART IN ANYTHING THAT IS EVIL!

Do not do anything that is contrary to the teachings of the Bible!

Blessing and Admonition

In closing this chapter Paul in verses 23 – 27 pronounces a blessing on the Thessalonians and then asks them to pray for him and his missionary colleagues. He asks them to greet all the Church with a holy kiss from him and then instructs them to read his letter to the entire Church.

23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In verse 23 Paul pronounces a benediction over the Thessalonians, a divine blessing over them! In this blessing he particularly asks God Himself to completely sanctify them and to bless them as the trinitarian man that He created, the spirit, soul and body, so that they will be kept wholly blameless at the Lord’s second coming.

This is the kind of blessing that we as His children should be praying over each other as often as we can until the Lord’s return!

24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

In verse 24 Paul reminds us of God’s faithfulness and that He will do what He says He will do!

Hebrews 10:23 ESV

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

25 Brethren, pray for us.

In verse 25 Paul asks the Thessalonians to pray for him and his colleagues in the missionary field.

We should all be praying for our leaders! They are only human too and they suffer the trials of life just as we all do, but their spiritual attacks can be more severe than ours as God has given them charge over us and they become prime targets for the darts of the enemy! If Satan can take down the leadership of a congregation, then it is easy for him to collapse the congregation of the local Church/es! 

The congregation leadership carry a great responsibility and are held to a greater accounting by God than we are as ordinary congregation members.

James 3:1 (AMP)

Not many [of you] should become teachers [serving in an official teaching capacity], my brothers and sisters, for you know that we [who are teachers] will [a]be judged by a higher standard [because we have assumed greater accountability and more condemnation if we teach incorrectly]. 

26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.

In verse 26 Paul instructs the leaders of the Thessalonian Church to greet the brethren with a holy kiss.

Now this may seem quite strange to us in this day and age and in our different cultures but to Paul and the Church of the day which was aware of Jewish custom and culture, a kiss from male to male and woman to woman was viewed as a sign of brotherly and sisterly love and trust.

According to the Jewish custom of the time, such a kiss is more than just a greeting; it represented brotherly love and loyalty. In the book of Exodus, God instructs Aaron to work with Moses to free the Israelites. Aaron greets Moses with a kiss. The kiss signifies their loyalty to each other and God, and their faith in God.

And in Genesis Joseph, when he was Prime Minister of Egypt when he finally revealed his identity to his brothers, greeted them with a kiss, a deep sign of loving forgiveness!

So, a greeting with a ‘holy kiss’ signified Paul’s Godly devotion to and deep affection for the Thessalonian Church!

My dear Readers we should show such deep love and affection for each other as brothers and sisters in Christ! Not necessarily by physically kissing but certainly by the way we treat each other in the agapé love of God!

27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.

In verse 27 Paul instructs the Thessalonian leadership to read his letter to the entire Church, such is his desire for them to know of his deep love and affection for them all in Christ Jesus.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

And finally, Paul ends this chapter with a benediction that we all need – “the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.”

Life application for today’s believers

1. Be ready NOW for the Lord’s return. Keep your lamp full and burning brightly!

2. Be aware of the signs of the times – know what they are.

3. Be awake and stay away from sin.

4. Keep yourself clothed in the full armour of God.

5. Always comfort, encourage and edify each other.

6. Be at peace with one another and hold your leaders in high esteem.

7. Be patient with everybody.

8. Always pursue what is good for others and yourself.

9. In the Lord always rejoice, pray and give thanks for everything.

10. Do not stifle the move of the Holy Spirit and do not despise prophecy but test all things against the Word of God.

11. Always be a blessing to each other and correct those who are found to be in error.

12. Always pray for each other and especially pray for your leaders.

Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven
In the name of Jesus I pray that in the power of the Holy Spirit that you would help me to be ready for the coming of Jesus. I pray that you would help me to keep my Christian walk blameless and to have an ever repentant heart. Help me Lord to be a blessing to my brothers and sisters in Christ and to put the needs of others before my own. Amen

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed the Bible is not!