Category: Thessalonians

Stand Fast

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1Thessalonians 3:6-10 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that you have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? 

‘Good tidings of your faith and charity, and that you have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us.’ The only place (except Luke 1:19) where euangelizo does not refer to the gospel. The good news Timothy brought back to Paul was: their faith, their love, and their affection for Paul.

‘If you stand fast in the Lord.’ We live only if we stand fast in Christ (Heb. 3:6, 12-14). We must at all times be aware that we can backslide and that no amount of preaching “once-save-always-saved” can cancel what the Word of God clearly states. There are seven stages of apostasy: Refusal to hear God (Heb. 3:7). Hardness of heart through refusal to hear and obey God (Heb. 3:8, 13, 15). Unbelief is a consequence of hardening the heart against God (Heb. 3:12). Departure from the living God. Open rebellion against God to provoke and tempt Him (Heb. 3:8-9, 16). Habitual sinning, careless living, and flagrant violation of God’s laws (Heb. 3:10, 17). Apostasy – all faith in God and His redemptive work thrown overboard – beyond all hope of repentance because of no more faith (Heb. 3:11, 18-19).

‘Perfect’ [Greek: katartizo] arrange; adjust, to adjust; put in order again; restore; repair; settle by mediation. Translated “mend” (Matt. 4:21; Mark 1:19); “restore” (Gal. 6:1); fit (Rom. 9:22); “prepare” (Heb. 10:1-39); “frame” (Heb. 9:3); “perfectly joined together” (1Cor. 1:10); “be and make perfect” (Matt. 21:16; Luke 6:40; 1Thess. 3:10; 2Cor. 13:11; Heb. 13:21; 1Pet. 5:10).

Labour in Vain – Part 4

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1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

Thirty things that grace cannot do (continued): Guarantee any man eternal life if he refuses to obey (Jas. 5:19-20; 2Cor. 3:16-17; 6:1-18; 9:1-15; Ezek. 33:12-20). Force obedience (Rev. 22:17; John 3:16-20; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 1:6-8; 5:4; 6:7-8; 1Jn. 1:7). Make any man a child of God in the sense Jesus was (John 1:14, 18; 3:16). Force God to continue blessing any man who sins (Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 5:19-21; Jas. 5:19-20). Make the sins of the saved different from the sins of the unsaved (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; 2Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 1:5-10; 2Pet. 2:20-22). Condemn sinners and excuse saints who commit the same sins (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; 14:10-12; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8; Ezek. 18:4, 24-28; 33:12-16; Rev. 2:5, 16, 22; 3:2). Operate in the life of a free moral agent without his consent (John 3:16-20; 7:17; 8:34; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 22:17). Impart eternal life to men who serve sin and satan (Matt. 6:24; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8; 1Jn. 3:8). Keep man from moral falls if they wilfully sin (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Heb. 6:4-9; 10:26-29; Ezek. 33:12-20). Force God to go contrary to His own program of grace (Rom. 1:16; 1Jn. 1:7; Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-29). Cancel the law of sowing and reaping (Gal. 6:7-8; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; Ezek. 18:4, 24-28; 33:12-16; Rev. 2:5-22). Guarantee unconditional favour to anyone (2Cor. 6:1; Gal. 1:6-8; 2:21; 5:4; Heb. 12:15; Jas. 5:19-20). Guarantee unforfeitable life without conditions being met (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8; Jas. 5:19-20; Heb. 10:26-29). Guarantee sinlessness to men unless conditions are met (1Cor. 3:16-17; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; Gal. 5:16-26; 6:7-8; Heb. 6:1-9; 10:26-29; 12:14-15). Encourage anarchy in God’s government (Gen. 2:17; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; Gal. 6:7-8). Force God to be lenient with rebels (Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 6:23; 8:12-13; Gal. 6:7-8). Give any man a pardon that guarantees him salvation and eternal life regardless of how he lives in sin and rebellion (Ex. 32:32-33; Ezek. 18:4; 33:10-20; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8).

Labour in Vain – Part 3

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1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

Grace teaches men to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteously, and godly here and now (Tit. 2:11-12). If people do not obey its teaching grace can go no further (continued).

Thirty things that grace cannot do: Set aside forever all condemnation for future sins (John 5:14; 8:34; Rom. 6:1-23; 8:12-13; Gal. 5:21; 2Cor.5:10). Set aside the failure of saved men to meet the many conditions of salvation (1Jn. 1:7; Rom. 6:1-23; 8:1-13; Jas. 5:19-20; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 1:23; 2:6-7). Cancel free moral agency (Col. 1:23; 1Jn. 1:7; Rom. 6:16-23; Rev. 22:17). Keep men saved when they sin (Rom. 8:12-13; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8; Jas. 5:19-20; Heb. 6:4-6; 10:26-29; 2Pet. 2:20-21). Cancel the death penalty when saved men break the law (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; Heb. 10:26-29; Jas. 5:19-20; Ezek. 18:4, 20-24; 33:12-13, 18). Make God a liar who said every man that sins must die (Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Rev. 21:8). Cancel the law of confession of sins before they are forgiven (1Jn. 1:7, 9; Rev. 2:5, 16; 3:19; Luke 13:1-5; Acts 2:38). Forgive future sins, for transgression and confession are necessary before forgiveness (1Jn. 1:9; Rev. 2:5, 16, 22; 3:19; Luke 13:1-5; Acts 2:38; Mark 6:12; Rom. 2:4-6; 2Cor. 7:10). Cancel responsibility of saved men concerning sin (Rom. 14:10; 2Cor. 5:10; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8; Rom. 14:12). Be responsible should saved men backslide (1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 2:5; 3:2; Jas. 5:19-20; Gal. 5:19-21). Free saved men from condemnation for future sins unless confessed (1Jn. 1:7, 9; Rev. 2:5, 22; 3:2; Jas. 5:19-20). Permit God to forgive unconfessed sin (2Chron. 7:14; 2Cor. 7:9-10; 1Jn. 1:9; 2Tim. 2:25; Rev. 2:5; 3:2). Bind men so that they cannot sin if they choose to do so (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; 1Jn. 1:7; Heb. 6:4-9; 10:26-29).

Labour in Vain – Part 2

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1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

Grace teaches men to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteously, and godly here and now (Tit. 2:11-12). If people do not obey its teaching grace can go no further (continued).

Thirty things that grace can do: Grace can save the world (Gen. 6:8; Eph. 2:8-9). Grace can give one all good things (Ps. 84:11). Grace can bring men to repentance (Zech. 12:10). Grace can impart great blessings (Acts 4:33). Grace can bring salvation (Tit. 2:11-12; Eph. 2:1-22). Grace can impart faith (Acts 18:27). Grace can justify (Rom. 3:24-25; Tit. 3:7). Grace can overcome sin (Rom. 5:20). Grace can reign in life if permitted (Rom. 5:21). Grace can make one God’s elect (Rom. 11:5-6). Grace can give boldness (Rom. 15:15). Grace can make partaker of Christ (1Cor. 10:30). Grace can give power (1Cor. 15:10). Grace can inspire liberality (2Cor. 8:1-2, 6-9; 9:8). Grace can give endurance (2Cor. 12:9). Grace can call people to the ministry (Gal. 1:15). Grace can impart riches (Eph. 2:7). Grace can inspire singing (Col. 3:16). Grace can give seasoning to speech (Col. 4:6). Grace can give strength (2Tim. 2:1). Grace can teach (Tit. 2:11-12). Grace can give aid in suffering (Heb. 2:9). Grace can help in time of need (Heb. 4:16). Grace can give stability (Heb. 13:9). Grace can give life (1Pet. 3:7). Grace can help render true service (Heb. 12:28). Grace can become abundant (1Tim. 1:14). Grace can bring hope (2Thess. 2:16). Grace can give the ability to preach (Eph. 3:8). Grace can change lives (1Cor. 15:10).

To be continued…

Labour in Vain – Part 1

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1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

‘Labour be in vain’ – Why would His labour be in vain if there was no possibility of satan tempting Christians, causing them to fall and be lost? Surely Paul understood the grace of God and its limitations to those who refuse to obey the gospel, for he used the word 110 of the 156 times the Greek: charis (grace) is found in the New Testament. It is true that grace cannot be withheld from man because of demerit, lessened by demerit, or mixed with the law of works; but this does not prove that there are no conditions men must meet to get the benefits of grace. Not one scripture teaches unconditional grace, or that God gives grace to men who disobey the gospel. If so, then God is under obligation to save all, even sinners who disobey if He saves even one (Rom. 2:11). God is under obligation to saints only when they walk in the light and remain true to the gospel (1Jn. 1:7). He is not under obligation to sinners until they come to full obedience of the gospel. Grace teaches men to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteously, and godly here and now (Tit. 2:11-12). If people do not obey its teaching grace can go no further. Anyone may: Receive grace in vain (2Cor. 6:1). Frustrate it in his life (Gal. 2:21). Fall from it (Gal. 1:6-8; 5:4). Fail of the grace of God (Heb. 12:15). Turn it into lasciviousness (Jude 1:4). Sin despite it (Rom. 6:1). Continue or discontinue in it (Acts 13:43). Minister it to others (1Pet. 4:10). Grow or not grow in it (2Pet. 3:18). Receive or reject it (John 3:16; Rev. 22:17; Heb. 12:15; Jas. 4:6).

To be continued…

The Tempter have Tempted You – Part 2

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1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you…

What he is (continued): The personal names and titles that are given to him: Lucifer (Isa. 14:12-14); the devil and satan (Rev. 12:9); Beelzebub (Matt. 10:25; 12:24); Belial (2Cor. 6:15); the adversary (1Pet. 5:8-9); the dragon (Rev. 12:3-12; 13:1-4; 20:1-3); the serpent (2Cor. 11:3; Rev. 12:9); the god of this world (2Cor. 4:4); the prince of this world (John 12:31); the prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:1-3); the accuser of our brethren (Rev. 12:10); the enemy (Matt. 13:39); the tempter (Matt. 4:3); the wicked one (Matt. 13:19, 38); that wicked one (1Jn. 5:18). Personal acts and attributes are ascribed to him. He is an angel with a body, soul, and spirit like all other angels (Ezek. 28:11-17; Rev. 12:7-12). He is described as a most beautiful creature who fell through personal pride over his own beauty (Ezek. 28:11-17; 1Tim. 3:6). He has been seen with a body (1Chron. 21:1; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Ps. 109:6; Zech. 3:1-2; Matt. 4:1-11; Rev. 20:1-3). He will be bound physically with a chain and cast into prison (Rev. 20:1-3). He has a heart (Isa. 14:12-14); pride (Ezek. 28:17; 1Tim. 3:6); speech (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Matt. 4:1-11); knowledge (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Matt. 4:1-11; Rev. 12:12); power (Job 1:6-22; 2:1-7; Acts 10:38; 26:18; 2Thess. 2:8-12; Rev. 13:1-4); desires (Luke 22:31); lusts (John 8:44; Eph. 2:1-3); and many other physical parts, soul passions, and spirit faculties. He goes from place to place in a body like anyone else (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Matt. 4:10-11; Mark 4:15). He has a kingdom (Mark 3:22-26). He has access to heaven (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6; Rev. 12:9-12). He is a great celestial and terrestrial ruler (John 12:31; 2Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2; 6:10-18). He rules the business, social, political, and religious activities of the majority of mankind. His realm is divided into organized principalities and powers in heaven (Dan. 10:12 – 11:1; Matt. 12:24-30; Eph. 6:10-12). His subjects are fallen angels, fallen men, and demons of various kinds (Matt. 25:41; John 8:44; Jas. 2:19; 1Jn. 3:8-10; Rev. 12:7-12). He is head of any religion that contradicts God’s Word and is a leader in religious affairs (2Cor. 2:9; 3:9; 11:14).

The Tempter have Tempted You – Part 1

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1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you… 

‘Some means’ – satan has innumerable means and many millenniums of experience and cannot be overcome by argument, pleading mercy, or any other dealings with him. He must be rejected and resisted, and all relationships cut off from him (Jas. 4:7; 1Pet. 5:8-9; Eph. 6:10-18; 2Cor. 10:4-7). The devil will take advantage of every failure of the Christian using it to get into his life and cause his downfall (1Cor. 10:13; 1Pet. 5:8-9; Eph. 6:10-18). In this case, satan could lead the despairing one into apostasy and hell, or believers into undue severity and hardness of heart toward guilty members, working untold harm to the cause of Christ.

‘The tempter’ – satan is not an evil principle, an error of the mortal mind, an abstract power, or a being with hoofs, horns, and tail, holding a pitchfork and presiding over a lake of fire and the realm of the dead. What he is: He is a real person (1Chron. 21:1; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Ps. 109:6; Zech. 3:1-2; 1Pet. 5:8-9; Rev. 12:7-12). Jesus dealt with him as with a person (Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). Jesus waged war on satan as on a person (Luke 13:16; Acts 10:38; 1Jn. 3:8). Christ taught that satan was a real person (Luke 10:18; Rev. 12:7-12; 13:1-4; 20:1-10). The apostles fought with satan as with a real person (Eph. 6:10-18; 1Thess. 2:18; 1Pet. 5:8-9). The apostles warned men against a personal devil (Eph. 4:27; 6:11; Jas. 4:7; 1Pet. 5:8-9). Personal singular pronouns are used of satan (Matt. 4:7-11; 12:26; Luke 11:18). Personal statements are made to him (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17; Zech. 3:1-2; Matt. 4:1-10; Jude 1:9). Personal conversation is carried on with him (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; Isa. 14:12-14; Matt. 4:1-10; Jude 1:9). Personal descriptions are given of him (Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17).

To be continued…

These Afflictions

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1Thessalonians 3:1-4 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow-labourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and you know. 

‘Could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone.’ When I could not bear to continue without knowing of your state I sent Timothy from Athens, choosing to be left alone than to be uncertain of your welfare (3:1-5).

‘Fellow-labourer’ [Greek: sunergos] fellow-labourer (3:2; Php. 4:3; Phm. 1:1, 24); fellow-worker (Col. 4:11); workfellow (Rom. 16:21); labourers together (1Cor. 3:9); companion in labour (Php. 2:25); fellow helper (2Cor. 8:23; 3Jn. 1:8); and helper (Rom. 16:3, 9; 2Cor. 1:24).

‘Afflictions’ [Greek: thlipsis] does not refer to a disease, as usually understood, but tribulation. Translated “tribulation” 20 times; “affliction” in the sense of tribulation 18 times; “burdened” (2Cor. 8:13); “anguish” (John 16:21); “persecution” (Acts 11:19); and “trouble” (1Cor. 7:28; 2Cor. 1:4, 8). Not once is it used for physical sickness or disease.

‘Tribulation’ [Greek: thlibo] narrow (Matt. 7:14); suffer tribulation (3:4); throng (Mark 3:9); afflict (2Cor. 1:6; 1Tim. 5:10; Heb. 11:37); and trouble (2Cor. 4:8; 7:5; 2Thess. 1:6-7).

At His Coming – Part 2

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1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For you are our glory and joy.

Scriptures on the Rapture – Christ’s coming FOR the Saints: Pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things … and to stand before the Son of man (Luke 21:34). In My Father’s house are many mansions … I go to prepare a place for you … I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also (John 14:1-3). We shall not all sleep (die physically), but we shall all be changed. In a moment … at the last trump … the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we (the living) shall be changed … put on immortality … then … death is swallowed up in victory (1Cor. 15:51-56). Christ loved the church … that He might present it to Himself (Eph. 5:25-27). From whence (heaven) also we look for … Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body (Php. 3:11, 20-21; 2Cor. 5:1-9). For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven … the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air (note on earth, to go back to heaven with Him; 1Thess. 4:13-18; 2:19; 3:13; 5:9, 23). We beseech you … by our gathering together unto Him … until he be taken out of the way (2Thess. 2:1, 7-8). When Christ … shall appear, then shall you also appear with Him in glory (Col. 3:4; 1Jn. 2:28; 3:2; 1Pet. 5:4). Be patient … unto the coming of the Lord… until He receive the early and latter rain (Jas. 5:7-8).

Scriptures on the Second Coming – Christ’s Coming WITH the Saints: One like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought Him near before Him. And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages shall serve Him (Dan. 2:44-45; 7:13-14, 18, 27). Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations … His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which … shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west … the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with Thee (Zech. 14:1-5, 9, 16-21). Immediately after the tribulation … then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (Matt. 24:29-31). When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory. And before Him shall be gathered all nations (Matt. 25:31-46). When the Lord shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them, that know not God (2Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8). The Lord comes with ten thousand of His saints, to execute judgment upon all … that are ungodly (Jude 1:14-15). He comes with clouds, and every eye shall see Him … all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him … the armies of heaven followed Him upon white horses (Rev. 1:7. 19:11-21; Isa. 63:1-6; Joel 3:1-21).

At His Coming – Part 1

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1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For you are our glory and joy. 

‘Are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming.’ This is the 2nd New Testament prophecy in 1 Thessalonians (2:19) and it is unfulfilled.

‘Coming’ The Greek word parousia refers to personal presence. Here it refers to the rapture, not the second coming of Christ. It is the same as in 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 4:13-17; 5:8 and 2 Thessalonians 2:7. The rapture and the Second Coming of Christ should not be confused. The scriptures that apply to one do not apply to the other. Not one passage refers to both events as if they were one. These two distinct comings are separated by several years, so they aren’t two stages or phases of one coming. The rapture is the first of the two comings, not a coming to earth but in the air. It could not be the second coming because Christ does not come to the earth to live here and fulfil a mission as He did at the first coming. When Christ meets the saints in the air He takes them back to heaven with Him and presents them before the Father’s throne where they remain during the time the 7-year tribulation is running its course on the earth (3:13; John 14:1-3). Christ does not remain in the air with the saints when they meet Him as in 1Thessalonians 4:13-17. The marriage supper and the judgment of saints take place in heaven, then at the second coming after the tribulation, Christ and the saints leave heaven together to come down to the earth (2Cor. 5:10; Rev. 19:1-21). The rapture is the time Christ comes for the saints to take them to heaven.

The second coming is the time He comes to the earth to live here and fulfil a mission. This is the time He comes from heaven with the saints, having raptured them at least seven years before. The second coming cannot take place until all of Revelation 2:1 – 19:21 is fulfilled while the rapture can take place any moment without anything being fulfilled.

To be continued…