Unpacking 2 Thessalonians: Chapter 3

In this Chapter the trio of missionaries, Paul, Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy, ask for prayer for themselves and address some serious disciplinary issues that are prevalent amongst some of the believers in the congregation of the Thessalonians and how they are to deal with such transgressors.

And I must add here that these issues are still in the Church amongst today’s congregations and individual believers! Today’s Church need to deal with these issues as the scriptures teach us!

Note: In the body on this article the verses from 2 Thessalonians 3 are in italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures shown in bold italics.

Pray for Us

1. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you,

In this opening verse of the last chapter of the last epistle to the Thessalonians from Paul, Silas and Timothy, they again ask the Church to pray for them so that God’s Word which they will be preaching to others, would be quickly received, implemented and glorified as it was with the Thessalonian Church. Their focus in true evangelistic fashion is to see people saved and become quickly rooted in the Word and faith in Christ Jesus.

This should be the aim of today’s Church as well in order to be fully compliant with the Great Commission!

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

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

In verse 2 Paul and his companions expand their request for prayer for protection against faithless and wicked men. Here the Greek word for “delivered” is “rhuomai” (pronounced HROO-oh-my) and its full definition (Strong’s 4506) is: to rescue, deliver and save. This infers a praying for divine (God’s) intervention in that the Lord is our deliverer.

Psalm 18:2 (NKJV)

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;

My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;

My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

We all need God’s protection from wicked and faithless men who seek to harm us because we believe in Jesus. In the same vein we should be praying for God’s protection over each other in this respect!

3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.

In verse 3 we are told that because the Lord is faithful, he will do two special things for us:

a. He will establish us.
Here the word “establish” is a transliteration of the Greek word stérizó (pronounced stay-rid'-zo) and its full meaning besides to establish is to strengthen us and to set us firmly in place so that we will not be moved.

1 Peter 5:10 (NKJV)

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

b. And he will guard, keep and protect us from the evil one provided we are always in submission to Him.

James 4:7 (AMP)

So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you.

4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.

In verse 4 Paul and his companions encouragingly tell the Thessalonians that they are confident (in the Lord) regarding them, that they would continue to follow through in their faith and commitment to Jesus and be obedient to God’s Word which they have brought to them.

This shows us that God’s work of establishing and guarding us is done, in part, through His appeal to our will in obeying His Word and by being led by the Holy Spirit.

John 16:13-15 (AMP)

13 But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future]. 14 He will glorify and honor Me, because He (the Holy Spirit) will take from what is Mine and will disclose it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Because of this I said that He [the Spirit] will take from what is Mine and will reveal it to you.

5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

In verse 5 Paul and his two companions encourage the Church by asking the Lord in a simple and short but immensely powerful prayer. They ask the Lord to direct their (the Thessalonian Church and ultimately the Church today and tomorrow’s Church) hearts into the agapé love of God and into the patience of Christ.

This is a simple and short prayer but carries such powerful meaning to every Christian’s Walk in Christ Jesus!

Let’s examine why I say this through the words “direct” and “patience” and see if you agree with me.

The Greek word for “direct” here is “kateuthunó” (pronounced kat-yoo-thoo'-no) and is a verb (an action or doing word).

Its full definition and meaning is to direct, to guide, to make straight and to put in right order.

The verb "kateuthunó" is used in this little prayer to ask the Lord to act in directing or guiding us on in a straight path. It implies a sense of active and purposeful guidance or correction in our lives in a profoundly spiritual and moral context. The term suggests an active involvement in ensuring that a path is made straight or that guidance is provided for us to achieve our sanctification in Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

The Greek word for “patience” in this verse is “hupomoné” (pronounced hoo-po-mo-NAY) and its full definition is, endurance, perseverance, patience (as in waiting for something) and steadfastness.

In the New Testament “hupomoné” is used to describe a quality of steadfastness and endurance, particularly in the face of trials and difficulties. It conveys the idea of remaining faithful and patient under pressure, maintaining one's faith and hope in Christ Jesus despite the daily challenges we face and the signs of the times. This term is often associated with the Christian virtue of perseverance and overcoming in Christ Jesus, reflecting a trust in God's promises and a commitment to His will and His Word.

John 16:33 (AMP)

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

1 John 4:4 (AMP)

Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have [already] overcome them [the agents of the antichrist]; because He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world [of sinful mankind].

Warning Against Idleness and unruly brothers

6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

In verse 6 the epistle changes tack quite drastically and addresses a more serious issue that has arisen in the Thessalonian Church, an issue that is still very much prevalent in today’s Church in fact it’s probably worse today!

We know this is a serious issue by the strong language that is used, “we command you in the name of Jesus”. This is not just a simple error correction it is a direct command from the Lord NOT to do something that as Christians we should never be doing! And this command is not to associate with “every brother who walks disorderly……..!”

Now, a word we need to really examine here is “disorderly.”

This word is a transliteration of the Greek word “ataktós” (pronounced ah-TAHK-toce – Strong’s 814). Its full definition and meaning is, in a disorderly manner, unruly, undisciplined and irregular (as in behaviour and actions).

“Ataktós” is an adverb is used to describe behaviour that is unruly, disorderly or not in accordance with established order or discipline. In the New Testament, it often refers to conduct that is disruptive to the community or contrary to the teachings of the Bible and the practices expected of believers as they follow Jesus.

The command by Jesus through Paul, Silas and Timothy is that we should withdraw or stay away from every brother that “walks disorderly”!

From this it is clear that some of our brothers and sisters in Christ, walk a disorderly, ungodly and wordly path and we must withdraw from them. They are talking about people who are saved but still disobedient to the Word!

The verb “walks” is in the present tense, and it shows that people who walk in this “disorderly” fashion do so deliberately and continuously, it’s not a slip just now and again, it is a deliberate, continual and wilful action. Their disorderly conduct is not an occasional lapse but a persistent practice.”

7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you;

In verse 7 we are told that Paul and his companions were excellent examples among the Thessalonians, in that they worked hard to support their own needs and were not disorderly.

Therefore, the Thessalonians should follow them in their example of both hard work and willingness to sacrifice for the furtherance and integrity of the Gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit and to the glory of Jesus!

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV)

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

Philippians 3:17 (NKJV)

Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.

8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

In verses 8 and 9 we are reminded of the trio’s diligence and commitment to work ethic and setting a Godly example to their brothers and sister in Christ. This is something that the Church should still be doing today!

This wasn’t because they didn’t have the right to request support. Instead, it was because they wanted to set a good example of hard work and prove false any accusation that they preached the Gospel for personal gain.

This is an example for us today of how Christians should be gainfully employed both inside and outside the Church setting. Idleness and laziness are ungodly and will lead a person into sin!

Proverbs 21:25 (NKJV)

The desire of the lazy man kills him,

For his hands refuse to labor.

10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

In verse 10 we are given another command from Jesus via Paul and his companions. Simply put if anyone will not work (not or cannot work), neither shall he eat. God’s plan for us is to provide for our needs through our work.

Since God is able to provide through our needs in any manner imaginable, it means something that He has chosen (for the most part) to meet our needs through us working, working is part of God’s provision for us. This is part of God’s character, because He is a busy God and is always at work. God will meet all our needs in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.

In verse 11 Paul, Silas and Timothy tell the Thessalonian Church that they have heard that some of them are walking in this ungodly way’ they are not gainfully employed and have become idle busybodies. Not only do they not work but they are people that meddle in things that are no concern of theirs – they are troublemakers within the body of Christ!

The term “busybodies” is a transliteration of the Greek word “periergazomai” (Strong’s 4020) and is pronounced “pe-ree-er-GAD-zom-ahee.” Its full definition and meaning is, to meddle (in things that are not your concern), to be a busybody, to engage in unnecessary or intrusive activity that disrupts others.

The word is a verb and is used in the New Testament to describe someone who is overly involved in matters that do not concern them, often to the detriment of their own responsibilities. It conveys the idea of being a busybody or meddler, someone who is preoccupied with the affairs of others rather than focusing on their own duties.

These people gossip and deliberately pull down and slander others, often blatantly lying about others. Their actions are sinful and are destructive, slanderous and hurtful to others!

Proverbs 11:13 (NIV)

A gossip betrays a confidence,

but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.

Romans 1:29 (NIV)

They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,

Ephesians 4:31 (NIV)

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

In verse 12 Paul and his companions address these “busybodies” directly and command them, through the Lord Jesus, to get work and to provide for themselves (eat their own bread) instead of expecting others in the church to provide for them.

13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.

In verse 13 we are encouraged to not grow tired of doing good despite the sinful actions of busybodies and idlers. Few things are more wearying than seeing others take advantage of Christian generosity. But we should never let the manipulations of some discourage us from doing good to those that are genuinely in need.

Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Hebrews 13:16 (NKJV)

But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but [admonish him as a brother.

In verse 14 the epistle writers finish off the thought they introduced in verse 6. They elaborate on what it means to withdraw from a brother.

To withdraw means to note that person, and to not keep company with him, with the purpose of causing him to be ashamed. Yet, the purpose is not to make him an enemy of the church, but through the severity of the withdrawal from fellowship, to warn and admonish him as an erring brother with the aim of restoring him, in the love of Christ, to full Christian fellowship.

Benediction

16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Paul’s blessing of peace (always in every way) was appropriate for this church experiencing both persecution and tribulation. It is the presence of the Lord of peace that will grant them this peace.

John 14:27 (AMP)

Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]

This the way in which we (God’s children) should all be blessing each other whenever we are together and when we depart from each other!

17 The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write.

As was his custom, Paul himself wrote the final words of the epistle with his own hand. This was both a personal demonstration of affection, and proof that the letter was authentic and from all three of them, Paul, Silas and Timothy!

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

For Paul and his companions, God’s grace was the beginning and the end of the Christian life. It was appropriate that this letter – and most – of his letters began and ended with a mention of grace as it is by grace we have been saved.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (AMP)

8 For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; 9 not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].

Life application for today’s believers

1. Pray continually for each other.

2. Avoid brothers and sisters in Christ who willfully live in an unrepentant and disorderly manner.

3. Remain faithful to God and each other.

4. Be obedient to all the teachings of the Bible.

5. Serve the Lord in the local body and do not become a busybody!

6. Make a habit of blessing your brothers and sisters in Christ.

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 stand fast in my faith in Christ Jesus. 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!

The Great Commission and Evangelism

 This article was written by my dear friend and brother in Christ, Tony Kettle.

It is published with his permission as a guest writer on this blog.

Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV)

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

When I was called up for service in the former Rhodesian Army during the 1970s, I was determined to gain a commission – to become an officer, with all the prestige and status that accompanied it. So, I threw all my energy into the situation, doing all the right things, and, five and a half years later, after having progressively risen through the ranks, I was demobilised as a captain.

However, that all paled into insignificance when I became a Christian and, as a “soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3-4), I gained a better 'commission' – THE GREAT COMMISSION. Unlike my previous endeavours, though, this time there was no pride, no prestige, no status involved – just a humble desire to serve our 'Commander-in-Chief' – the Lord Jesus Christ!

2 Timothy 2:3-4 (ESV)

3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

So, what is the Great Commission? It was the final command given by Jesus before His Ascension to Heaven (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15; Luke 14:16-24; Acts 1:8). The Great Commission was not just for the disciples who Jesus was speaking to at the time – it is given to all believers down through the ages. Essentially, it involves 'evangelism' (derived from the Greek word euangelion, meaning “good news”) and I will now lay a basic 'platform' to explain the subject further.

Matthew 28:19 (ESV)

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Despite any attempts by lawmakers, we cannot effectively legislate righteousness. In other words, it is futile to pass a law with the object of making people live according to the standards, attitudes and values enshrined in the scriptures. Biblical righteousness cannot be achieved by this approach.

Such was the basic problem with the Mosaic Law. It provided a framework for God's covenant people to embrace as a benchmark for godly living – but, because of the fallen human nature, they could not effectively hold fast to it. All it accomplished was, at best, a partial adherence to its provisions, based on fear of the consequences arising from non-compliance.

Nevertheless, it did not change the hearts of people. True righteousness can only become a reality in people's lives through the influence of the Holy Spirit working in their hearts and bringing about genuine repentance (John 16:7-15; 1 Corinthians 12:3).

John 17:7-15 (ESV)

7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

1 Corinthians 12:3 (ESV)

Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.

And here's the thing, it is not OUR righteousness – we become “the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ” (Romans 3:22; 1 Corinthians 1:30 ESV).

Romans 3:22 (ESV)

the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:

1 Corinthians 1:30 (ESV)

And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

This is why evangelism is so important. It is the 'tool' which God has instituted whereby the Holy Spirit can touch the hearts of people, using Christ's message of the Gospel of the Kingdom (Romans 10:13-17). Like any 'tool', it needs to be used.

Romans 10:13-17 (ESV)

13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Evangelism, by definition, is the spreading of the Christian Gospel by public preaching or personal witness. Therefore, the original (and current) basic 'vehicle' for conveying the message of the Gospel was and is the spoken word.

Jesus used the example of “seeds” in order to describe the spoken word of the Gospel and this emerges powerfully in the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-20). The analogy of the different kinds of soil depicted clearly shows that the “seeds” of the Gospel, when 'sown', will fall upon diverse heart attitudes, some positive, some negative. You could virtually call this a 'shotgun' approach. The response to these “seeds”, therefore, is a personal choice and will depend on the kind of heart attitude which exists in the person concerned.

It has been stated, “God is at work in the world, and He wants you to join Him. This assignment is called your mission, and it is different from your ministry. Your ministry is your service to believers in the Body of Christ, while your mission is your service to unbelievers in the world. God created you for both.”

Our English word “mission” comes from the Latin word for “sending.” Being a Christian includes being sent into the world as a representative of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, I also send you” (John 20:21 NKJV).

John 17:18 (ESV)

18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.

Acts 20:24 (ESV)

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course (mission) and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Our mission (Latin mitto), as a representative of Jesus Christ, includes the primary task of talking to unbelievers about the Christian Gospel.

This is not the sole responsibility of 'professional' preachers, as some people seem to think. Sure, there are believers who are anointed and equipped with the ministry gift of an evangelist (Ephesians 4:11) – but each one of us, as individuals, has been given the obligation to take the Gospel to unbelievers – to “sow” the “seed” of the Word of Faith into the 'soil' of their hearts.

This precious “seed” needs to be 'planted' in the hearts of all who have not committed their lives to Jesus – be they our families, neighbours, work colleagues, schoolmates, as well as others in our community, our nation – and the rest of the world. Being a “seed-sower” is, therefore, the essence of the Great Commission.

“This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others.”

2 Corinthians 5:19 (ESV)

that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

The KJV calls it the “word of reconciliation” and verse 18 in the KJV indicates that each one of us has been given “the ministry of reconciliation” - reconciling others to God.

Consequently, let us fully embrace the whole concept of evangelism – and become “sowers” for the Kingdom!

Which brings me to another point:

Psalm 40:9-10 ESV - emphasis added

“I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great CONGREGATION; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord. I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great CONGREGATION.”

The English word “congregation” is derived from the Hebrew word qahal, which means “assembly.” So, David is saying to God that he has declared the Good News of God’s Salvation to the Israelites - God’s COVENANT people. It is not categorically known what David’s status was when he wrote Psalm 40 but it is likely to have been written either during the beginning of his reign as King of Israel, or during one of his exiles in the wilderness.

While it is clear that believers today are required to declare the Good News of God’s Salvation to unbelievers - what about other believers? Are we ministering the Gospel - the Word of God - to our fellow believers - God’s present-day COVENANT people - in our churches and home groups? Despite what many Christians traditionally think, this is not a duty for church leaders only:

1 Corinthians 14:26 ESV - emphasis added

“What then, brothers? When you come together, EACH ONE has a hymn, a LESSON, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.”

Therefore, in answer to those Christians who hold the view that ministering the Gospel - the Word of God - to other believers is the job of church leaders only, even if David was reigning as King when he wrote Psalm 40, he was NOT the High Priest or one of the subordinate priests (equivalent of modern-day church leadership). On the other hand, if he was hiding from King Saul in the wilderness at the time, he occupied NO official position of leadership of any kind.

Pursuing the point further, Revelation 1:6 (NKJV) shows us that Christ has made ALL believers to be “kings and priests”, so I believe this emerges as a ‘play on words’ in terms of the comments above, and supports my assertion that the preaching/teaching of the Gospel - the Word of God - to ‘ordinary’ Christians (i.e. the so-called ‘laity’) is the responsibility of ALL believers regardless of status.

Revelation 1:6 (NKJV)

 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

• Believers also need to hear the Gospel - the Word of God - for the reason below:

Romans 10:17 AMP - emphasis added

“So FAITH comes from HEARING [what is told], and what is HEARD comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ.”

Believers need to hear, again and again, the Gospel - the Word of God - because it maintains - reinforces - FAITH and is a reminder of our COVENANT with God.

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!

Unpacking 2 Thessalonians: Chapter 2

 

In this Chapter the trio of missionaries, Paul, Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy, continue to encourage the Thessalonian Church to stand firm in the face of trials and tribulation in the context of the second coming of Christs and the events that will happen that will usher in Christ’s second coming.

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

The Great Apostasy
1 Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.

In verses 1 and 2 Paul and his companions (we ask you) are probably responding to questions from the Thessalonian Church about their first letter and concerning the second coming of the Lord and the Lord’s gathering of the Church to Himself – these days “the gathering of the Church” is commonly referred to in many Christian circles as the rapture (see 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NKJV)

16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

From the wording in verse 1 of our current chapter we can see that the second coming of the Lord is a significant two stage event. Firstly, He will gather His Church, both the dead in the Lord who will be resurrected and those that are still alive at the time.

And the second stage, after a period of time has passed from stage 1, of His second coming is when the Lord returns with His Church and heavenly hosts to establish the Messianic Kingdom on earth for 1000 years. This will happen after the Tribulation and when the 100 years is over, it will usher in the Great White Throne Judgement where Satan and his followers and all those that have not accepted Jesus as Lord and Saviour and whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will be cast into the Lake of Fire (Hell) for eternity!

Revelation 20:6 (NKJV)

Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

In verse 2 it is apparent that the Thessalonians had misunderstood the teaching on the second coming of Christ when Paul and his companions were with them in person. Some of the Thessalonians were thinking that the second coming had already taken place and that they had missed it and that they were now living in the Great Tribulation.

Paul is quick to assure them that Christ’s second coming had not yet taken place and told them not to be shaken, the word shaken here refers to a ship being tossed back and forth by s stormy sea, in mind or spirit as that day had not come!

3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

In verses 3 and 4 Paul tells them of two certain events and happenings that would need to take place before the Lords coming and the time of Great Tribulation. These two events are:
1. The falling away must come first.
2. And the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.

Ok, so let’s have a look at what the “falling away” is!

The term “falling away” here is a transliteration of the Greek word “apostasia” (pronounced ah-pos-tah-SEE-ah) from which we get our English word “apostasy”.
Its expanded meaning is: Apostasy, rebellion, defection, falling away, defection and revolt.

The Greek origin or root of the word “apostasia” is “aphistēmi” and means "to stand away" or "to depart from."

The concept of apostasy in the Old Testament is often related to the Hebrew word “meshubah”, meaning "backsliding" or "turning away," as seen in passages like Jeremiah 3:6. Israel had deserted God and taken to worshipping the idols of the nations around them – they are described as “backsliding” and “faithless.” What they had once believed in they had now turned their backs on – an apostasy of falling away

Jeremiah 3:6 (NKJV)

The Lord said also to me in the days of Josiah the king: “Have you seen what backsliding Israel has done? She has gone up on every high mountain and under every green tree, and there played the harlot.

The word "apostasia" refers to a departure or defection from a previously held position, often in the context of religious faith. In the New Testament, it is used to describe a falling away from the truth or a rebellion against God. It implies a deliberate abandonment of faith or a turning away from previously held beliefs. In other words, in these terrible times many will turn away from their faith in Jesus and return to the sin of what they were before they were saved and condemn themselves to Hell.

Now let’s have a look at the second event that must take place before the Great Tribulation.

This is what Paul, and his companions call the “revealing of the man of sin or the son of perdition.”

Here the “man of sin” is the antichrist who is the embodiment if Satanic sin – you could call him the “Son of Satan” as he is Satan’s counterfeit Jesus. He will appear as being a man of peace! But he is just like Satan, a liar, a thief and a destroyer! Hence, he is also called “the son of perdition.

Perdition here is a transliteration of the Greek word “apóleia” (ah-PO-lee-ah) and its expanded meaning is: destruction, ruin, loss, perishing; eternal ruin. Its word origin is derived from the Greek verb “apollymi”, meaning "to destroy" or "to perish."

The term "apóleia" is used in the New Testament to denote a state of destruction or ruin, often with a focus on eternal or spiritual loss. It can refer to both physical destruction and the ultimate spiritual ruin of a soul.

So, here we can see that the antichrist will initially pose as a man of peace, yet we will eventually destroy the peace that he pretends to broker and bring destruction to the world in many different ways – this is the time of the Great Tribulation. His mantra will be peace, peace! Yet their will be no peace, only destruction! His promises are false and superficial, He is a liar just like his master who is Satan! His eternal destiny is in Hell with his master!

Jeremiah 6:14-15 (NIV)

14 They dress the wound of my people

as though it were not serious.

‘Peace, peace,’ they say,

when there is no peace.

15 Are they ashamed of their detestable conduct?

No, they have no shame at all;

they do not even know how to blush.

So they will fall among the fallen;

they will be brought down when I punish them,”

says the Lord.

The Lawless One – verses 5 - 12

5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?

In verse 5 the Thessalonians are reminded by Paul and his companions that he told them about the return of the Lord and the certain conditions that had to be in place before His return when they were with them in person. See Acts 17:1-10.

6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 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.

In verses 6 and 7 we are also reminded that it is the Holy Spirit that restrains the emergence of the antichrist (He who now restrains). The antichrist will be revealed in his time – when Satan “thinks” the time is right. One of the descriptions of Satan is that he is the ruler of this world.

John 14:30 (AMP)

I will not speak with you much longer, for the ruler of the world (Satan) is coming. And he has no claim on Me [no power over Me nor anything that he can use against Me];

Ephesians 2:1-2 (AMP)

And you [He made alive when you] were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you once walked. You were following the ways of this world [influenced by this present age], in accordance with the prince of the power of the air (Satan), the spirit who is now at work in the disobedient [the unbelieving, who fight against the purposes of God].

In Ephesians 2:1-2 we are told that lawlessness is still at work in the world today the evidence is blatantly obvious to those who are born again and the things of the world will only get worse. But there is coming a time when the Holy Spirit will stand aside (not taken out of the way as He will be drawing men to salvation during the Great Tribulation) and allow the antichrist to be revealed.

The fate of the antichrist has already been determined by God

8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.

Revelation 19:20 (AMP)

20 And the beast (Antichrist) was seized and overpowered, and with him the false prophet who, in his presence, had performed [amazing] signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were hurled alive into the lake of fire which blazes with brimstone.

The Antichrist (the lawless one) will come in power

9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

In verses 9 and 10 we are told that the “lawless one” comes in accordance with Satan’s plans and he will have the power to perform signs and deceiving wonders. Using these things, he will completely deceive the unsaved, all those who have not repented and accepted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. He will also introduce and forcefully implement the mark of the beast – 666!

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.”

The eternal resting place for these people (all unbelievers) is with Satan and his demonic forces in Hell where they will be in eternal torment!

Matthew 25:46 (AMP)

Then these [unbelieving people] will go away into eternal (unending) punishment, but those who are righteous and in right standing with God [will go, by His remarkable grace] into eternal (unending) life.”

11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

In verses 11 and 12 we learn that it is God Himself that causes the unbeliever to believe the lies of the antichrist so that they will be condemned because they revel in their sins and go from bad to worse. God sends the unbeliever “a strong delusion.”

Now the phrase "a strong delusion” is a transliteration of two Greek words, ”energeia” and “plané” (Ref from Strong’s).

Energeia (pronounced en-ER-gay-ah) is defined as supernatural energy, working, operation or activity. This denotes the working of the Holy Spirit amongst men.

Plané (pronounced plä-nā') is defines as a deception (as in a leading astray), to error, delusion and a sinful wandering.

This reminds me of what the Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 1:28-32 (AMP):

28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or consider Him worth knowing [as their Creator], God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do things which are improper and repulsive, 29 until they were filled (permeated, saturated) with every kind of unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice and mean-spiritedness. They are gossips [spreading rumors], 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors [of new forms] of evil, disobedient and disrespectful to parents, 31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful [without pity]. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree and His judgment, that those who do such things deserve death, yet they not only do them, but they even [enthusiastically] approve and tolerate others who practice them.

This is certainly a picture of the reprobate world of today that denies God in every way. They will reap a whirlwind of destruction as did Sodom and Gomorrah as the world did in the days of Noah!

Jesus is coming soon are you ready? Do you know Him as Lord and Saviour. Do you follow Him in accordance with the teachings of the Bible? If you don’t you are hell-bent for Hell and eternal damnation and suffering!

Give Thanks to God and Stand Fast in your Faith

13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

In verse 13 Paul and his companions repeat what they told the Thessalonians in 2 Thessalonians 1:3, as brothers in Christ they are obligated to give thanks to God for them. This is a stance that every Christian today should do, give thanks to God for each other – we are the body of Christ and need to be in unity with each other in the power of the Holy Spirit. In this way we will bring glory to Jesus! It is certainly worth the repetition and reinforcement!

This verse goes on to further tell has that we are God’s chosen ones – He chose us for salvation in Christ Jesus. We are His sons and daughters because He chose us, we did not chose Him! We are a chosen generation.

John 15:16 (NKJV)

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Why were we chosen?

Well verse 13 continues by specifically telling us we were chosen for salvation through sanctification – He sets us apart from the world – through the Holy spirit and by our belief in the truth. The truth being belief in Jesus and God’s Word who is Jesus! 

There are two key spiritual dynamics here which are essential for every Christian in their walk to spiritual maturity – belief in Jesus and belief in the Bible! We need Jesus as our Saviour in order to be reconciled to God and we need to know the Bible in order to grow to spiritual maturity in the power of the Holy Spirit! It is the leading of the Holy Spirit that gives us revelation from the Word. The Lord Himself says that the Holy Spirit will guide us in all truth!

John 16:13 (AMP)

But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future].

In verse 14 we are told that the call for this salvation comes through the hearing the gospel, the Gospel Paul preached – Jesus Christ and him crucified.

1 Corinthians 2:2 (NKJV)

For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

and the Gospel that will enable us to obtain the glory of Jesus.

1 John 3:2 (AMP)

Beloved, we are [even here and] now children of God, and it is not yet made clear what we will be [after His coming]. We know that when He comes and is revealed, we will [as His children] be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is [in all His glory].

In verse 15 the missionary trio starts the verse by saying, “therefore”. This means that they want to draw our attention to what has already been said as it is because of this that we need to stand firmly in our faith in Christ Jesus.as we are taught in the scriptures.

The term “stand fast” is a command to us to not budge from our faith in Christ Jesus alone! He is our cornerstone, the rock of our salvation and apart from Him we can do nothing! He is the head of the Church.

Stand fast:
• Because the current distress and demonic sate of the world in which we live.
• Because of the coming judgment of this world in the fire of God’s wrath.
• Because of the strength of coming deception when the antichrist is revealed.
• Because of the glorious destiny that will be ours in Christ Jesus.

A blessing of comfort to the Church

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

Paul, Silvanus and Timothy end this chapter in verses 16 and 17 by pronouncing a blessing upon the Thessalonian Church of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God the Father who love us with an everlasting love and provides us with everlasting live with Them through grace. God comforts us our hearts and establishes us in every good work, that He prepared for us before we were born in the flesh, we do in Christ Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 2:10 (AMP)

For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].

Life application for today’s believers
1. Do not be afraid of what is happening in the world around us.
2. Do not be deceived by false prophets and teachers – test every spirit.
3. Watch out for false signs and wonders.
4. Always give thanks to God for all things and.at all times.
5. Give thanks to God for your brothers and sisters in Christ.
6. Stand fast in your faith in Christ Jesus. Without faith it is impossible to please God!
7. Make a habit of blessing your brothers and sisters in Christ.

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 stand fast in my faith in Christ Jesus. 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!

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!