Unpacking the Book of Hebrews: Chapter 2

In this chapter the writer urges us to pay attention to our salvation in Christ Jesus and not to neglect it, remembering that Jesus died for us on the cross that we might be reconciled with God through Him! We, the Church, are God’s sons and daughters through Christ Jesus and thus are coheirs with Jesus in all God’s blessings that He has stored up for us!

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

Do not neglect your salvation

1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.

Verse 1 starts off with the word therefore (because of) which implies that we need to follow on with a principle that was started in chapter one. This principle is the supremacy of Christ over all things and that it is only by His name that we are saved!

The verse ends with the phrase, “less we drift away.” So, let’s now analyse what this phrase means by examining it from the original Greek it was written in!

“Drift away” is a transliteration of the Greek word “pararreó” (Strong’s 3901 – pronounced pah-rah-RREH-oh) and its full definition is: to drift away, to slip away, to flow past. In this context it literally means to flow or glide past Jesus and not flow with or alongside Him by being led by the Holy Spirit who we should be letting lead us and guide us through life!

The word “pararreó” is derived from the Greek prefixes "para-" meaning "beside" or "alongside," and "rheo," meaning "to flow" or "to run” past.

John 14:15-17 (AMP)

15 “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.

Role of the Spirit

16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another [c]Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.

When we persistently and wilfully do not “flow” with Jesus through the leading of the Holy Spirit, we will fall away (drift) from our faith and will perish as the world will perish. We must remain in the vine – Jesus!

The word "pararreó" is a verb and thus is this a doing word, something that we put into action ourselves (by our own choice) and is used here metaphorically to describe the act of drifting away or slipping away in both a spiritual and moral sense. It conveys the idea of something that is not anchored (Christ is our anchor in life) and thus moves away or drifts from its intended path or position. In the context of the New Testament, it is used to warn believers about the danger of neglecting their faith and allowing themselves to drift away from the truth of the Gospel.

So, verse one in this chapter is saying this principle, stated in chapter one, is one that we need to apply to our daily lives, our daily walk in Christ Jesus and hold fast to tooth and nail – the principle of life in Christ Jesus – which teaches us how to live as Christians or we will be at risk of drifting or moving or falling away from our salvation in Him. We must remain in Jesus who is the vine and the sustainer of our salvation if we abide or live in Him.

John 15:5-8 (NKJV)

5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

John 15:6 clearly states that if we do not abide in Him we drift away and will be cast out and thrown into the fire. This is speaking of people who once ‘abided’ in Him, who were once born again, but have wilfully drifted away from their faith and no longer abide in Him!

2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward,

In verse 2 the writer starts to expand on what he means by “earnestly take heed” of what we heard in chapter one about the supremacy of Christ over all things and that our salvation comes through Him alone! He does this expansion by initially taking us back to the Mosaic Law.

The phrase “For if the word spoken through angels” refers to the Mosaic law which was given to Moses at Mount Sinai.

Deuteronomy 33:2 (NKJV)

And he said:

“The Lord came from Sinai,

And dawned on them from Seir;

He shone forth from Mount Paran,

And He came with ten thousands of saints;

From His right hand

Came a fiery law for them.

The word “saints” in the above word can also be translated as “holy ones” which is another name for “angels.”

The Apostle Luke in the Book of Acts refers to Moses receiving the Law through angels at the stoning of Stephen after he chastises the religious rulers of the day.

Acts 7:51-53 (NKJV)

51 “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, 53 who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.”

The Mosaic Law was steadfast and strict with “every transgression and disobedience receiving a just reward.” A just reward means every transgression of the Law received a fitting punishment! It demanded to be taken seriously. The word steadfast in the original Greek is “bebaios” (pronounced BEH-bah-yos) and its full definition is: firm, secure, steadfast, sure and certain. The sense here is that God dealt with transgressions of the Law in a firm and steadfast manner.

3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,

In verse 3 the writer is telling us that if the lord dealt with transgressions of the Law were “steadfastly”, how can we escape His discipline if we neglect our salvation! Remember, Jesus came to fulfil the Law and if we thus neglect to obey God’s Word, the Word is Jesus, then we will face His steadfast discipline! We must abide in Him and cultivate an ever repentant heart – a heart such as King David had who the Bible describes as being a man after God’s own heart.

Matthew 5:17 (NKJV)

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.

Acts 13:22 (NKJV)

And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’

Once we are born again (saved) we must be doers of the Word not just readers! Our Father’s will is that we abide in Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour!

Luke 11:28 (NKJV)

But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

James 1:22-25 (AMP)

22 But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth]. 23 For if anyone only listens to the word without obeying it, he is like a man who looks very carefully at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he immediately forgets what he looked like. 25 But he who looks carefully into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and faithfully abides by it, not having become a [careless] listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he will be blessed and favored by God in what he does [in his life of obedience].

The second half of verse 3 tells us that this word (the gospel of salvation in Christ Jesus) was first spoken by Jesus himself and was confirmed by eyewitnesses (those who heard Him, such as the apostles). Then it was confirmed with signs, wonders, miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit given by God.

4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?

In verse 4 we are told that God bears His own witness with miracles, signs and wonders that he performs through man in the power of the Holy Spirit. These things are done solely in accordance with God’s will and not in accordance with the will of man who often, tragically, fabricates a supposed move of the Holy Spirit in accordance with the flesh!

Man’s fabrication of the move of the Holy Spirit is blasphemous and truly grieves the Holy Spirit!

The Son Made Lower than Angels – Jesus the foundation of our salvation

5 For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels.

God did not put this world or the world to come in subjection to angels, He put this world under man’s dominion and the world to come under the dominion of Jesus and man will rule and reign with Him.

Genesis 1:26 (NKJV)

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

2 Timothy 2:12 (NKJV)

If we endure,

We shall also reign with Him.

If we deny Him,

He also will deny us.

Revelation 20:4 (AMP)

And then I saw thrones, and sitting on them were those to whom judgment [that is, the authority to act as judges] was given. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had refused to worship the beast or his image, and had not accepted his mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

6 But one testified in a certain place, saying:
“What is man that You are mindful of him,
Or the son of man that You take care of him?
7 You have crowned him with glory and honor,
And set him over the works of Your hands.
8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet.”
For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.

In verses 6b-8a the writer, quoting from Psalm 8:4-6 tells us that Jesus became fully man in order to fully identify with man and to suffer death for us all so that by our acceptance of Him as our Lord and Saviour, becoming saved or born again, and through His death on the cross for our sins we will also receive the gift of salvation and resurrection to eternal life!

In verse 6 we are again reminded of Christ’s full humanity, What is man…. and “or the son of man….”. Jesus referred to Himself as the “son of man” on a number of occasions!

Matthew 25:31 (NKJV)

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.

Mark 14:62 (NKJV)

Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

John 3:13 (AMP)

No one has gone up into heaven, but there is One who came down from heaven, the Son of Man [Himself—whose home is in heaven].

In verses 7-8 we are reminded that under God’s direction Jesus alone is worthy of all glory and honour and God has subjected all His creation under the authority of Jesus.

Matthew 28:18 (NKJV)

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

John 1:14 (NKJV)

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.

In verse 9 we are told that man’s dominion over all things on earth was lost at the fall of man in Eden and the promised dominion could only be restored by God through Jesus coming to earth as fully man in order to cover all man’s sin through his death on the cross. He suffered and died for us hence we have the phrase “Who was made a little lower than the angels.” This identifies Jesus as a man. Jesus defeated the evil Adam brought into the world – which was death through sin!

Romans 5:12 (NKJV)

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—

But Jesus came in humility and suffering and defeated the power of death at the cross and made possible the fulfilment of God’s promise that humans will have dominion over the earth – fulfilled both through Jesus’ own dominion, and the rule of believers with Him.

Revelation 20:4 (NKJV)

And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

“Crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone."

This tells us that by the grace of God and Jesus’ death on the cross and our acceptance of Him and our Lord and Saviour, we receive the same crown as Jesus.

1 Peter 5:4 (AMP)

And when the Chief Shepherd (Christ) appears, you will receive the [conqueror’s] unfading crown of glory.

Bringing Many Sons to Glory

10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

In verse 10 we are told that it is appropriate that God would sacrifice His son in order to redeem man and restore his glory by making Jesus our Lord and Saviour. Jesus is our salvation.

The Greek word captain here is a transliteration of the Greek word “archégos” (pronounced ar-khay-gos' – Strong’s) and its full definition is: leader, author, pioneer, originator and prince.

The term "archégos" is used in the New Testament to denote someone who is a leader, originator, or pioneer. It conveys the idea of one who initiates or leads the way, often with a sense of authority and pre-eminence. In a biblical context, it is frequently used to describe Jesus Christ as the originator and leader of faith and salvation.

Hebrews 12:2 (AMP)

[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].

Jesus died for us that we may by reconciled to God through Him for the forgiveness of our sins by the shedding of His blood. It is Jesus that washes us clean of the filth of sin because he is without sin.

Hebrews 9:22 (AMP)

In fact under the Law almost everything is cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness [neither release from sin and its guilt, nor cancellation of the merited punishment].

2 Corinthians 5:21 (AMP)

He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness].

11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,

As born again Christians we are being sanctified by Jesus our saviour and because of this He calls us his brothers (and sisters). We are coheirs with Christ in all the He has with God because through Him we become children of God.

John 1:12 (NKJV)

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

Romans 8:16-17 (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.

12 saying:
“I will declare Your name to My brethren;
In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.”
13 And again:
“I will put My trust in Him.”
And again:
“Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.”

In verses 12 and 13 the writer is referencing three verses from the Old Testament that confirms that Jesus views those that are His as His brothers in his humanity and also as God’s children in his deity. Verse 12 is a quote from Psalm 22:22 and verse 13 quotes from Isaiah 8:17 and 18. These are also prophetic verses that refer to Jesus’ second coming!

14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

In verse 14 the writer explains that just as we as humans are flesh and blood Jesus also had to become fully human and take on flesh and blood so that through His death on the cross and the shedding of His human blood, He defeated the one who had the power of death on earth, that is the devil. Death (spiritual death being eternal separation from God) no longer has hold on us, as born again Christians. For us death has no sting as Jesus has the victory over death!

Romans 8:1-2 (NKJV)

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

1 Corinthians 15:55-57 (NKJV)

55 “O Death, where is your sting?

O Hades, where is your victory?”

56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Verse 15 tells us that Jesus victory over death through His resurrection has conquered the fear of death for those of us who are born again!

The fear of death rules as a tyrant over humanity. But born again Christians should have no fear of death because it is a defeated enemy that now serves God’s purpose in the believer’s life. After our physical death we will receive a resurrected body when Christ returns at His second coming and we will live an eternal life in Heaven!

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (NKJV)

51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

16 For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham.

The Father’s work in Jesus is primarily for the sake of the elect His Church who are the seed of Abraham and not angels.

Galatians 3:7-9 (NKJV)

7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.

17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

In verses 17-18 we learn that if Jesus were not like us (fully human) He could not be our High Priest and our Saviour, representing us before the Father and making atonement (propitiation) for our sins.

The Old Testament High Priest wore a breastplate with stones engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel on both his chest and his shoulders. The High Priest was therefore in constant sympathy with the people of God, carrying them on his heart and on his shoulders.

Jesus did not wear the High Priest’s breastplate. But the wound in His chest and the cross on His shoulders are even more eloquent testimony to His heart for us and work on our behalf – to make propitiation for our sins.

Jesus in His humanity was tempted in every way just as we are, but He did not sin! He knew the temptations of power and the temptations of pain. He knew the temptations of riches and the temptations of poverty. He knew the temptations of popularity and the temptations of rejection. He knew the temptations of the boy and the temptations of the man. He knew temptation from His friends and temptation from His enemies. He knew temptation from His family and temptation from strangers.

He knew temptation in every human way possible – yet He did not sin. Because of this only He is able to help resist temptation, and we can only resist temptation through Him, by abiding in Him!

2 Corinthians 5:21 (AMP)

He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness].

1 John 3:5 (NKJV

And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.

1 Peter 2:21-22 (NIV)

21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

22 “He committed no sin,

and no deceit was found in his mouth. (Isaiah 53:9)

Life application for today’s believers
1. We must not neglect our salvation; we must be doers of the Word and not be disobedient to the Word.
2. Remember that Jesus is supreme over all things.
3. We must live in accordance with God’s will and not our own.
4. Jesus alone is worthy of glory, honour and praise.
5. We must abide in Jesus and not drift away from our faith and return to our old ways!

Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven
Thank you for Jesus my Lord and Saviour. Thank you that it is by His name alone that I am saved, and it is only through Him that I receive your sonship and can share in your spiritual blessings that are for Your children only. Help me, Father by the power of your Holy Spirit to walk in a manner that is worthy of my salvation in Christ Jesus. 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!

Poem: Golgotha's Dark Hill. A sacrifice of love!

John 3:16-17

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

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Golgotha's Dark Hill 

A Sacrifice of Love - He Died that I might Live!

Crucify! Crucify! 

Was their cry.

But no crime was committed.

Release the murderer! Release the murderer!

Relentless was their scream.

Crucify! Crucify! 

An endless, torrential stream.

The washing of hands to signify

Was Rome’s reply that He would die.

The Skull was beckoning,

There was the reckoning.

He went for me, He went for you

True love’s greatest gift!

Through beatings and battering flowed His blood.

Man’s darkest hour was here.

Cursing, swearing, mocking 

Greeted His mother’s tear.

No fear of God, no understanding!

Man’s ignorance, man’s unbelief!

Ultimately man’s grief!

The road was long, 

There lined the throng,

He staggered on

To Golgotha’s dark hill.

His flesh was torn, 

Carrion sworn!

He knew His fate, 

This was His date. 

At Golgotha’s dark hill.

Nailed to a tree,

Shattered hands, shattered feet

Excruciating pain,

What was to gain?

Nothing for Him!

Everything for me!

On Golgotha’s dark hill

On Golgotha’s dark hill

He was there our sins to bear.

At His last breath,

His last request was

Forgive them Father

They know not what they do.

On Golgotha’s dark hill

From Golgotha’s dark hill

To victory He rose!

Man’s salvation,

His glorious salutation

Death has no sting.

He is alive!

And through Him, we live too

From Golgotha’s dark hill.

Sunrise came on the third,

The Son rose from the grave.

Resurrection life eased man’s strife

Death has no sting. 

Glory to Jesus do we sing!

His creation through Him receives salvation.

Thanks to Him, our Father’s Son

No cross will I bear.

Thanks to Him, our Father’s Son

Thanks to Him, our Father’s Son my sin is forgiven

My salvation is fair.

Thank you, Jesus Son of God.

Light of the world, salvation bright.

Out of darkness and into the light.

No more dark hill, but everlasting life!

We move into His marvellous light.

All hail the King of Glory

Jesus is His name!

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John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 

Unpacking the Book of Hebrews: Chapter 1

The Book of Hebrews was written between 60 and 70 C.E. during the Roman Emperor Nero’s persecution of the Church. The author is unknown but the inspiration behind it is unmistakably the Holy Spirit who always brings glory to Jesus! Some people think that the human author might have been Paul, but this doesn’t carry much weight as it is not written in his usual style. 

But whoever wrote it was definitely writing under the power of the Holy Spirit, he was also a well educated person with a sound knowledge of the Mosaic Law and the Old Testament Prophets.

In every one of Paul’s epistles, he starts off by identifying who the letter is written to, “To the church in….” and he also identifies himself as the writer of the letter. In other words, Paul has his particular style, the book of Hebrews is not started off like this and is not written in Paul's style of writing! This is just one of the reasons that I do not believe Paul wrote the Book of Hebrews. At the end of the day the Book was divinely inspired - that's what counts to me!

It was written to present the Lord Jesus Christ as perfect and superior in comparison to anything Judaism and the old covenant had to offer. The author was writing to a group of Christian converts from Judaism who were under intense persecution at the time, and because of this persecution some were contemplating a return to Judaism.

The book is a study in contrast between the imperfect and incomplete provisions of the Old Covenant and the infinitely better provisions of the New Covenant offered by faith in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life in Heaven or alternatively the rejection of Jesus that will bring eternal death in Hell. The choice is ours!

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

Old Testament - God speaks through the Jewish "Fathers" and His Prophets
1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,

In verse 1 the writer stars off the book by contrasting how God worked in the Old Testament with how He is working with us in the New Testament including the Church today! We are reminded that in the Old Testament God spoke to the fathers (Abraham and Moses and others) and the prophets in different ways and at various times to give specific instructions, direction, warnings, discipline and such. The New Testament was written to teach us how to live Godly lives in Christ Jesus even though we are still human!

New Testament - God speaks through His Son
2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;
 
From verse 2 the writer moves in to telling us about how the new covenant of faith in Christ Jesus alone is so much superior to the Old Testament covenant of the “Law”!

We are told in this verse that “in these last days God has spoken to us by His Son”.

Now, dear Readers, it is important for us to understand what is meant by the phrase “last days”.

In this context the Greek word for “last” is “eschatos” (Strong’s 2078 pronounced es'-kha-tos) and its full definition and meaning is: last, final, utmost, extreme, at the last, finally and till the end. It is also often translated as the "end" or "latter days," referring to the future or final period of time.

Primarily the term "eschatos" is used in the New Testament to denote the last in a series, the final stage, or the utmost degree of something. It often refers to the end times or the final events in God's redemptive plan, commonly known as eschatology. It can also describe the last or least in terms of rank or importance.

Now, let’s take a look at the Greek word for “days”.

This is “hémera” (pronounced hay-MER-ah) and its full definition and meaning is: a day, the period from sunrise to sunset or a measured period of time (not necessarily a 24 hour period of time). It can also denote a specific day, or a period of time characterized by a particular event or condition, such as "the day of the Lord." In the New Testament, "hémera" is used both literally and metaphorically, indicating not only the passage of time but also significant eschatological events.

So, in the context of this verse the term “last days” refers to the period of time from the resurrection of Christ until His second coming and the destruction of the world as we know it and the creation of the eternal New Heavens and the New Earth for those that are born again and know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Those that don’t know Jesus as Lord and Saviour of course are consigned to eternal death in Hell.

Isaiah 65:17 (AMP)

“Behold, I am creating new heavens and a new earth;

And the former things [of life] will not be remembered or come to mind.

Revelation 21:1 (AMP)

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away (vanished), and there is no longer any sea.

Revelation 21:8 (AMP)

But as for the cowards and unbelieving and abominable [who are devoid of character and personal integrity and practice or tolerate immorality], and murderers, and sorcerers [with intoxicating drugs], and idolaters and occultists [who practice and teach false religions], and all the liars [who knowingly deceive and twist truth], their part will be in the lake that blazes with fire and brimstone *(Hell), which is the second death.”

(*my insertion)

In Revelation 21:1 above, in biblical terms, heaven is seen as the abode of God and His created heavenly hosts like angels, cherubim and seraphim and possibly many others that we do not yet know about, and the sea often represents the place where evil resides and emerges and goes to (see Daniel 7:3; Mark 5:13; Revelation 13:1).

Daniel 7:3 (NKJV)

And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other.

Mark 5:13 (NKJV)

And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea.

Revelation 13:1 (NKJV)

Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name.

We are also told in this verse that Jesus has been appointed by the Father to be the heir of ALL things.

Right, now is the time for us to have a good look at the word heir and see what it fully means to and for us!

“Heir” is a transliteration of the Greek word “kléronomos” (pronounced klay-ron-OM-os – Strong’s 2818) and its full definition and meaning is: an Heir or an inheritor, it refers to someone who receives an inheritance. In the New Testament, it is used both in a literal sense, referring to someone who inherits property or wealth, and in a spiritual sense, referring to believers who are heirs of God's promises and eternal life through Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:17 (AMP)

And if [we are His] children, [then we are His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His spiritual blessing and inheritance], if indeed we share in His suffering so that we may also share in His glory.

Now, when we become born again, we also become children of God and so become co-heirs with Christ of all things and Romans 8:17 tells us exactly what our inheritance is. We share in His:

1. Spiritual blessings

2. Suffering

3. Glory

Wow! Yes please! Thank you, Jesus! But, if possible, not too much suffering! Yet not my will but Yours be done!

Verse 2 also tells us that God has made all things through Christ Jesus His son and the writer mentions “the worlds” (through whom also He made the worlds) which seems a strange thing to say as in my understanding when I look around me there is only one world!

But let’s have a closer look at the word “worlds” which will give us a better understanding of why the plural was used!

Here “words” is a transliteration of the Greek word “aión” (pronounced ah-ee-OWN, from this we get our English word "aeon") and its full definition and meaning is: an age, eternity, world, forever, everlasting, a cycle (of time), especially of the present age as contrasted with the future age, and of one of a series of ages stretching to infinity – the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end! Jesus!

Revelation 1:8 (AMP)

“I am the Alpha and the Omega [the Beginning and the End],” says the Lord God, “Who is [existing forever] and Who was [continually existing in the past] and Who is to come, the Almighty [the Omnipotent, the Ruler of all].”

It denotes an age or a long period of time. It can refer to the present age, the age to come, or eternity. In the New Testament, it is often used to describe the temporal world in contrast to the eternal kingdom of God. It can also imply the spiritual or moral state of the world during a particular age. The term is frequently used to express the concept of eternity, especially when describing God's eternal nature or the eternal life promised to believers.

Revelation 21:6-7 (NKJV)

6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.

So, from this we see that the term “worlds” in this verse does not only mean the circular rock on which we live but encompasses all the ages that the world has gone through since God created it and to the future ages as well!

Jesus the Light of the World
3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

In verse 3 we are told the Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, is in fact the brightness of the Father’s glory. This is why Jesus is also known (amongst many other names) as the “Light of the World!”

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.”

The Son Exalted Above Angels

4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

Verse 4 tells us that Jesus is much better than the angels because He is the son of God and His name is more excellent than any other!

Philippians 2:9-11 (NKJV)

9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Jesus is the only name by which man can be saved to salvation and eternal life!

Acts 4:12 (AMP)

And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].”

5 For to which of the angels did He ever say:

“You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You”?

And again:

“I will be to Him a Father,
And He shall be to Me a Son”?

Verse 5 reminds us that Jesus is God’s only begotten son! This was revealed to the Psalmist many years before Christ’s physical birth as a man.

Psalm 2:7 (NKJV)

“I will declare the decree:

,‘You are My Son,

Today I have begotten You.

6 But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says:

“Let all the angels of God worship Him.”

In verse 6 we see that Moses already new, by the power of the Holy Spirit, when he wrote the Book of Deuteronomy, that Jesus would come again after His crucifixion, resurrection and ascension back to the Father in heaven.

This was revealed to Moses when he wrote what the Bible calls “The Song of Moses.” The birth of Christ was always God’s plan for man’s salvation.

Deuteronomy 32:43 (NKJV)

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His *people;

For He will avenge the blood of His servants,

And render vengeance to His adversaries;

He will provide atonement for His land and His people.”

*In the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Septuagint manuscripts they have additional words besides "people) which the writer of Hebrews is aware of, “And let all the gods (angels) worship Him.” 

7 And of the angels He says:

“Who makes His angels spirits
And His ministers a flame of fire.”

In verse 7 we are told, to distinguish the inferior roles of angels from the superiority of Jesus, that the angels are ministering spirits as mentioned in verse 14 below.

8 But to the Son He says:

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.

In verse 8 we read that the Father addresses His Son as “God” which confirms to us that Jesus is God and the words “scepter of righteousness” (the scepter is a symbol of rulership) shows that Jesus is our righteousness and He is ruler of God’s creation – His kingdom is given to Jesus as the Son as the scripture specifically says, “Your kingdom” – referring to Jesus. This was all prophetically proclaimed in Psalm 45 hundreds of years before Christ was born.

Psalm 45:6 (NKJV)

Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;

A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.

9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness;
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.”

In verse 9 we again have a prophetic proclamation taken from Psalm 45.

Psalm 45:7 (NKJV)

You love righteousness and hate wickedness;

Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You

With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.

In Psalm 45:7 we are told that the Father has anointed Jesus; the act of anointing signifying God's blessing, selection, and empowerment for His specific role of being the Messiah our Saviour, Lord and King. Anointing just as importantly signifies the infilling of the Holy Spirit

The word gladness (Strong’s 20) conveys a spiritual sense of exuberant joy and exultation. It is often used in the context of spiritual or divine joy, reflecting a deep, overwhelming sense of gladness that transcends the ordinary human emotion of happiness. This joy is typically associated with the presence and work of God, the fulfilment of His anointing, His promises, or the anticipation of His salvation.

All this encompasses everything Jesus is to us. He is our saviour and the author and perfecter of our faith. Jesus is our everything!

Nehemiah 8:10b (NKJV)

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

Romans 5:1-2 (AMP)

1Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed). 2 Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in our hope and the confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying] the glory of [our great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power].

Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

10 And:
“You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth,
And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
11 They will perish, but You remain;
And they will all grow old like a garment;
12 Like a cloak You will fold them up,
And they will be changed.
But You are the same,
And Your years will not fail.”

In verses 10-12 the writer is quoting from Psalm 102:25-27. Theses verses tell of the greatness of God, how he never changes and that He is the everlasting God and that how everything in existence is the work of Hid hands. Verse 26 makes reference to how our current heaven and earth will perish and that they will be changed when the New Heaven and New Earth is created at the end of this age!

Psalm 102:25-27 (NKJV)

25 Of old You laid the foundation of the earth,

And the heavens are the work of Your hands.

26 They will perish, but You will endure;

Yes, they will all grow old like a garment;

Like a cloak You will change them,

And they will be changed.

27 But You are the same,

And Your years will have no end.

13 But to which of the angels has He ever said:
“Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool”?

In verse 13 the writer quotes from Psalm 110.

Psalm 110:1 (AMP)

The Lord (Father) says to my Lord (the Messiah, His Son),

“Sit at My right hand

Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet [subjugating them into complete submission].”

This verse (13 of our main text) reiterates the fact that Jesus is far superior to the angels. Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father where He was seated after His crucifixion, resurrection and ascension to heaven.

Mark 16:19 (NKJV)

So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.

14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?

Now, to end off this chapter, we are reminded that the angels are lower in rank to Jesus. It is He who sends out the angles to minister for God’s human children – those of us who are born again – those of us who have recognised and repented from our sins and have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour.

Life application for today’s believers

1. Remember! Jesus is the Name above all names!

2. Remember! Angels are real and they are ministering spirits.

Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven
Thank you for Jesus my Lord and Saviour. Thank you that it is by His name alone that I am saved, and it is only through Him that I receive your sonship and can share in your spiritual blessings that are for Your children only. Help me, Father by the power of your Holy Spirit to walk in a manner that is worthy of my salvation in Christ Jesus. 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 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!