2Thessalonians 3:16-18 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens.
‘The Lord of peace himself give you peace always.’ There are however eight reasons for God not to hold His peace: The mouth of the wicked man is opened against me (Ps. 109:2). The mouth of the deceitful man is opened against me. They have lied against me. They surrounded me with words of hatred (Ps. 109:3). They fought against me without cause. They are my adversaries despite my love toward them (Ps. 109:4). They have rewarded me evil for good (Ps. 109:5). They have rewarded me hatred for love.
Five blessings to him who fears God: He will be taught by God (Ps. 25:12). He will be safe and at peace (Ps. 25:13). His children will be blessed. He will know God’s secrets (Ps. 25:14). He will know God’s covenant.
From Psalm 34 we have eighteen secrets of a long life: Freedom from fear (Ps. 34:4). Quickening from God (Ps. 34:5). Boldness – freedom from shame. Freedom from troubles (Ps. 34:6). Divine deliverance (Ps. 34:7). Partaking of God’s life (Ps. 34:8). Absolute trust in God. Fear (respect) of God (Ps. 34:7-9). Freedom from want (Ps. 34:9-10). Seeking God first (Ps. 34:10, 15; Matt. 6:33). Godly teaching (Ps. 34:11; 2Tim. 3:15). Control of the tongue (Ps. 34:12-13). Godliness – departing from evil (Ps. 34:14-16). Consecration to doing good (Ps. 34:14). Seeking and pursuing peace. Brokenness and humility (Ps. 34:18). Salvation of the soul (Ps. 34:22). Prosperity – freedom from worry.
To be continued…
Living the Word 