Hostility toward the will of the Most High God began in Eden with a lone rebel. It irrupted again in the days leading to the flood with the transgression of the sons of God. God’s punitive rejection and division of the nations and subsequent creation of Israel as his own people precipitated the third rebellion, when the sons of God allotted to the nations went rogue. Michael Heiser
Scripture
But you know that we are destined for such troubles. Even while we were with you, we warned you troubles would soon come, and they did as you well know.
Observation
Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica while Paul remained in Athens. He sent him to encourage them in their faith and to keep them from being shaken by the troubles they were going through.
Paul had warned them that persecution would come. So he sent Timothy to check that their faith had endured.
Timothy returned with the good news that the Thessalonians were firm in their faith and love.
Application
Some evangelists try to make out that when we come to Jesus all of our problems disappear. In fact, coming to Christ often stirs up a whole lot of trouble.
Firstly, Satan makes it hard for us so that we will abandon our faith in Christ. If a person comes to Christ for shallow or self-serving reasons, they will not stand in times of difficulty.
Secondly, the Holy Spirit begins to minister to our hearts. This may involve a resurfacing of memories long-buried, perhaps related to secret sin or abuse suffered at the hands of others. This can be painful to go through, but is essential to our being made whole.
Thirdly, family and friends who are opposed to Christ will give us a hard time because of our new faith. They cannot understand why a person might change their values or lifestyle.
Troubles are a part of the Christian life. If we overcome and stand firm we will receive God’s reward.
Prayer
Lord, when the enemy comes in like a tidal wave, please remind me to find my strength in you. Amen.
Perfect riding conditions this morning. Thoroughly enjoyed my ride to Jacks Creek and Gun Club Roads. #narrabri #cycling
The Second Temple demonological picture that emerges is one that conceptually unifies the three rebellions with Satan as overlord in command of the fallen sons of God (who are imprisoned for their transgression), demonic disembodied spirits of the giants (a tenth of which are allowed to harass humanity), and the lesser gods allotted to the nations in the judgment at Babel. This portrait closely resembles what we will encounter in the demonology of the New Testament. Michael Heiser
Scripture
You have accepted what we said is the very word of God, which of course it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.
Observation
The Thessalonians accepted Paul’s message as the very word of God, not human ideas. Because of this, they were persecuted as were the brothers and sisters in Judea.
Paul tried again and again to come back to Thessalonica, but Satan prevented him. But they are his pride and joy, his reward and crown.
Application
The gospel is not just human wisdom – it is God’s own word.
Every philosophy is flawed because it is of human origin. The gospel is from God, and it is perfect.
No human wisdom can bring us salvation because people do not even see that we need salvation. Most human philosophies give a form of salvation in which we can rise above our failings by thinking and acting rightly .
God’s word says that to be saved we need to be set free from sin. Only God can save us, and that is through the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Prayer
Thank you Lord for the freedom that comes in surrendering myself to Jesus. It is true that the gospel is God’s word. Amen.
A beautiful day after three days of rain, although still quite humid. A nice ride to the end of Haire Drive. #cycling #Narrabri
New Life Narrabri 