2 Thessalonians

Reflection on 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

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2thes3-13

Passage: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+3.6-13

Scripture

As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.

Observation

Paul commands the Thessalonians to have nothing to do with those brothers and sisters who refuse to work. He set the example himself of not depending on the people he ministered to. He had previously told them anyone who will not work should not eat.

Yet some of the Thessalonians remain idle and meddle in other people’s business. He encourages them to work and to never tire of doing good deeds.

Application

Having an ethic of work rather than idleness is a long-standing christian (even pre-Christian) virtue. The Thessalonians may have been expecting Christ to return any moment, but Paul says they must continue to work and to do good deeds.

Contributing positively to society- whether through working for wages or running a business or through volunteering- is a part of our witness.

Christians must not only talk about the Saviour them must live lives which show that following Jesus makes a difference.

Whatever our financial arrangements, we must all ensure that our lives reflect the holiness of Christ.

Prayer

Lord you command us to never get tired of doing good. Please show me how to live up to this commandment today. Amen.

Reflection on 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5,13-17

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2_thessalonians

Passage: https://www.biblegatesway.com/passage/?search=2+Thessalonians+2.1-5,13-17

Scripture

Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.

Observation

Concerning the coming of the Lord, Paul encourages the brethren not to become unsettled by prophecies and reports supposedly coming from him saying that the day has already happened. That day will not happen until the man of lawlessness is revealed who will oppose every godly thing and proclaim himself to be God.

Paul encourages the Thessalonians to stand firm and hold onto Paul’s teaching.

Application

End time prophecies have always been a source for alarmist teaching. We can become very unsettled, and even fearful, because of false teaching, false prophecies and speculation presented as truth.

When I first became a christian in the 1970’s, the then USSR was supposed to be allying itself with China to bring on the battle of Armageddon. The Great Tribulation was supposed to happen by 1988. Lately the rise of ISIS and Britain’s vote to leave the European Union have all been “found” in Bible prophecy.

We are called by God to know the Scriptures (all of them and not just parts of Revelation) and to trust Him. He is the one- the only one- who knows the day, the hour and the manner of Christ’s coming.

Prayer

Come Lord Jesus, cone. Help me Lord to trust in you and to know that all of history is in your hands. Amen.

Reflection on 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

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2_thessalonians

Passage: https://www.biblegateway.com/search?%s=2+Thessalonians+1.1-12

Scripture

We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.

Observation

Paul tells the Thessalonians that he always thanks God for them because they are growing in faith and in love for one another.

They will be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God for which they are suffering. When the Lord Jesus returns, those who trouble them will receive judgement. All who do not know God will be punished with everlasting judgement and shut out from the presence and majesty of the Lord.

Paul prays for them constantly that God will fulfil every good deed prompted by their faith.

Application

What pleases God about our walk with Him is that we grow in faith in Him and in love for our brothers and sisters. Along with this, naturally, comes opposition. This may take the form of outright persecution or more subtle forms of mockery and derision.

In all of this, we must look to the big picture, that God is working out His purposes in us and through us. Those who remain hostile to God will experience God’s rigthteous judgement, eternal separation from Him.

That judgement will come; we don’t need to make it happen. In the meantime we set our hearts on growing in faith and love.

Prayer

Eternal Father, you are holy and righteous, gracious and loving. Help me to grow in my experience of you each and every day

Reflection on 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

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Scripture

As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.

 Observation

Paul commands the Thessalonians to stay away from believers who refuse to work for a living. Paul had told them to imitate his live which was far from idle. His attitude was that he should not be a burden to anyone. If people do not work they should not eat.

 Those who are idle must settle down and work for a living. They must never tire of doing good in the name of the Lord.

 Application

It is fairly common for people to think that the Lord should provide for their needs and they should not have to work to sustain themselves. We live in a culture of entitlement in which many people, christian and otherwise, think the world owes them a living.

 Paul tells us that we must all work to support ourselves. We must not remain idle because we have a calling to work for God’s good purposes in this world.

Those who are unable to work for wages because of the economy should do voluntary work or engage in some micro-business such as growing vegetables and selling them.

 For people who are tuned into the Holy Spirit, there is always something productive that can be done.

 Prayer

Lord God help me to be fruitful for you today. Amen.

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Reflection on 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17

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Scripture

So then, brothers, stand firm and hold on to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

Observation
Paul warns the Thessalonians against the teachings of those who claim the Day of the Lord has already come. No, that day will not come until the time of rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed. At that time the Lord Jesus will destroy the lawless one and all the works of satan.

Paul encourages the church of Thessalonica to stand firm in Christ in order to share in His glory.

Application
Through the ages there has been speculation about the end times and the return of Christ. Our age is no different.

Paul seems to be saying here that we cannot be confident of the details of the time of Christ’s return but we can be confident that there will be an uprisng in rebellion and that a man of lawlessness will be exposed as satan’s tool to deceive the elect.

Therefore we need to keep our eyes on Jesus and not on the time in which we live. Look to obeying Christ now, and trust Him for the details of His return and triumph over evil.

Prayer
Holy Spirit lead me into all truth. Let me stand firm in the power of your grace and never be deceived by the Evil One. Amen.