Peace Part 3

March 3, 2023February 10, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Thessalonians 3:16-18 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means.

All the promises of God reveal that He has provided for man here and now despite the curse. Everyone can enjoy to the full all the benefits of these promises if he will surrender his life to God, experience the genuine new birth and live a godly life in this present world according to the gospel of Christ. Many of these benefits are even for the unsaved to prove to them that God provides for all creation despite their rebellion. The purpose of such goodness to the unsaved is to lead to repentance (Rom. 2:4). The following scriptures teach that it is God’s will for man to be blessed: [1] Prosperity (Jos. 1:5-9; 1Sam. 2:7-8; 1Kin. 2:3-4; 1Chron. 29:12; Ezra 8:22; Job 36:11; Ps. 1:1-3; Matt. 6:31-33; 7:7-11; Mark 11:22-24; John 15:7, 16; 2Cor. 9:6-8; Php. 4:19; 3Jn. 1:2). [2] Healing and health (Ex. 15:26; Ps. 91:1-16; 103:3-5; Isa. 53:4-5; 58:8; Matt. 8:16-17; Jas. 5:14-16; 1Pet. 2:24; 3Jn. 1:2). Christ came to “destroy the works of the devil” (1Jn. 3:8), and to deliver “all that were oppressed by the devil” (Acts 10:38). He came to do this not only for three years during His ministry but forever. He commissioned the disciples to carry on the work that He began both to do and to teach (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-20; John 14:12-15; Acts 1:1-2, 8). Early believers did carry on this work until they lost faith (Acts 3:1-26; 5:16; Jas. 5:14-16; etc.). Present Christians are to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3; 2Cor. 10:4-6; Eph. 6:10-18). [3] Wants and needs (Ps. 23:1-6; 34:9-10; 37:3-6; 84:11; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26; 1Jn. 3:21-22; 5:14-15).

The scriptures prove that Divine providence has been working in all ages in all the affairs of men. It was providence that originally brought all things into existence (Isa. 45:18; Col. 1:15-19), that provided redemption for the fall (Gen. 3:15; Eph. 1:1-11), that preserved humanity at the flood (Gen. 6:8 – 8:22), and that dealt with men in each dispensation giving them a chance to make good in every age. The continued preservation of all things from the creation of man proves that God’s providence is working out all things after the counsel of His own will. God’s love in creating and redeeming all things proves His desire to preserve creation and finally reconcile it to Himself. The prevalence of order in all things proves divine providence. One can see fixed and eternal laws governing everything in creation, evidencing an all-wise Ruler and Preserver of all things.

God’s purpose has been to create a race of beings who would find their highest degree of happiness in the highest degree of holiness and who would, in proportion to their highest holiness and happiness, glorify their Creator (Gen. 1:26-28; Isa. 43:7; 45:18; Eph. 1:12; Col. 1:15-22; Rev. 4:9-11; 5:11-14; 7:10-12).

Peace Part 2

March 2, 2023February 10, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

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…

Peace Part 1

March 1, 2023February 10, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘The Lord of peace.’ From Isaiah 47:5 we read that God says: “I make peace” meaning freedom from war or civil disorder; harmony in human and divine relations; quietness and tranquillity. God is the Author of peace and Christ is called “the Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6-7). All real and lasting peace comes from God; it originated with Him.

‘Give you peace.’ The Greek word for peace is eirene, the state of quietness, rest, repose, harmony, order and security amid turmoil, strife, and temptations.

From Isaiah 26:3 we have the promise of being in perfect peace for all men of all ages who meet the condition of keeping the mind stayed on God, and who trust in Him at all times, in all things, and in all places (Ps. 91:1-16).

Christ promises to leave us with His peace and to give it to us if we won’t let our hearts be troubled or afraid (John 14:27). We must lay our burdens and troubles on Him and live in righteousness to accomplish this truth.

In Psalm 34:14 we are commanded to depart from evil, to do good, to seek peace and pursue it.

We see three final commands in 2 Peter 3:14-18 that save the soul: Be diligent that you may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless (2Pet. 3:14). Beware lest you also (like the backsliders of 2Pet. 2:1-22), being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness (2Pet. 3:17). Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ (2Pet. 3:18).

‘The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.’ Compare this with the ending of other epistles of Paul.

To be continued…

Disorderly

February 27, 2023February 10, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

‘That if any would not work, neither should he eat.’ This is a principle based upon the part of the curse to make a living by the sweat of the brow (Gen. 3:19). Idleness has always been a curse and always will be. It is wrong to support men who will not work and share their own responsibility.

‘For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly.’ How and by whom Paul learned of the state of the congregation is not known, but from this information, he wrote this epistle.

‘Working not at all.’ Either lounging around or becoming a religious gossip to stir up trouble.

‘Busybodies’ [Greek: periergazomai] to be busy with useless matters; doing everything that they should not do; meddlers in the business of others; prying into the domestic affairs of others. Such people are a curse to every neighbourhood and a plague to every religious group.

‘With quietness they work, and eat their own bread.’ [Greek: hesuchazo] Translated “be quiet” (1Thess. 4:11); “rest” (Luke 23:56); “cease” (Acts 21:14); and “hold one’s peace” (Luke 14:4; Acts 11:18). The thought is that of a disposition and life of peace, and contentment; even temperament; to be meek; and learn self-control in all things; not to permit anything to disturb or cause a display of temper tantrums or disturb the peace of others. There evidently were a few idle, tattling people in this church, who, instead of working, went from place to place carrying on religious gossip, meddling with the business of others, and causing splits or divisions. Hence, the commands to quit such practices, to do their own business, leave others alone, hold their peace, walk honestly toward the world, and work with their own hands so they would have no time to meander and gossip (1Thess. 4:11-12).

An Ensample unto You

February 24, 2023February 10, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Thessalonians 3:7-9 For yourselves know how you ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

‘Follow’ [Greek: mimeomai] imitate (3:9; Heb. 13:7; 3Jn. 1:11). Paul constantly held himself up as an example for all Christians, for Christ had chosen him to be this for all men (1Tim. 1:16).

‘Disorderly’ [Greek: atakteo] means out of order; not in order of battle; not at one’s post of duty; undisciplined; irregular; lawless, and disorderly. They act according to their own wills and are idle busybodies (3:11). Paul here says that he did not go out of his rank or post of duty, but kept his place and discharged his duties at all times and places as a true and tried soldier of Jesus Christ (3:7).

‘Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you.’ We paid for what we ate of any man’s bread. We worked and paid our own debts. We were not chargeable to any man. We laboured night and day not to be a burden on them and to be an example to all men not to depend upon others for support (3:8-9).

‘To make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.’ The example that they set in following Christ (1Pet. 2:21-23) we can follow [Greek: tupos] example (Php. 3:17; 1Cor. 10:6, 11; 1Thess. 1:7; 2Thess. 3:9; 1Tim. 4:12; 1Pet. 5:3); pattern (Tit. 2:7; Heb. 8:5); manner (Acts 23:25); fashion (Acts 7:44); form (Rom. 6:17); figure (Acts 7:43; Rom. 5:14), and print (John 20:25).

The Lord is Faithful

February 23, 2023February 10, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Thessalonians 3:3-6 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that you both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

‘But the Lord is faithful.’ Twelve times God and Christ are called faithful (Deut. 7:9; Isa. 49:7; 1Cor. 1:9; 10:13; 2Thess. 3:3; Heb. 10:23; 11:11; 1Pet. 4:19; 1Jn. 1:9; Rev. 1:5; 3:14; 19:11).

‘Confidence in the Lord.’ Paul’s threefold confidence: In God to establish and keep saints from evil (3:3). In saints that they will obey (3:4). In God to direct their hearts into deeper love and patience (3:5).

‘Command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.’ Seven parting commands: Withdraw from unruly brothers (3:6). Work or don’t eat (3:11). Work peaceably (3:12). Make your own living. Be not weary in well doing (3:13). Have no fellowship with rebels (3:14). Admonish rebels (3:15).

‘Disorderly’ [Greek: ataktos] here and 2Thessalonians 3:11 (the verb atakteo, to behave disorderly, is used in 2Thess. 3:7). It means out of order; not in order of battle; not at one’s post of duty; undisciplined; irregular; lawless, and disorderly. They act according to their own wills and are idle busybodies (3:11). Paul here says that he did not go out of his rank or post of duty, but kept his place and discharged his duties at all times and places as a true and tried soldier of Jesus Christ (3:7).

‘Tradition’ [Greek: paradosis] is a handing down; doctrines; traditions (Matt. 15:2-6; Mark 7:3-13; Gal. 1:14; Col. 2:8; 2Thess. 2:15; 3:6). Translated “ordinances” only here. What ordinances he refers to are not listed, but they no doubt include the whole body of truth of the gospel and not only the Lord’s Supper and water baptism.

Stand Fast Part 7

February 21, 2023February 10, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

2Thessalonians 2:15-17 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which has loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

We submit the following facts in Scripture to prove a Divine Trinity of separate persons in the Godhead (continues): [20] The words through and by, used of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, but not once of the Father, prove that God is a separate Person and the Head and Director of all things done by and through them (1Cor. 3:23; 11:3; John 10:29; 14:28; 16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-15; Acts 2:33-34): (1) Through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:2; Rom. 1:8; 5:1, 9, 11; 6:23; 7:25; 15:17; 16:27; 1Cor. 15:57; 2Cor. 3:4; Gal. 3:14; 4:7; 5:10; Eph. 2:7, 18; Php. 4:7, 13; Tit. 3:6; Heb. 13:21; 1Pet. 1:22; 4:11; 1Jn. 4:9); (2) By Jesus Christ (John 1:3, 10, 17; 10:9; Acts 4:10; 10:36; Rom. 2:16; 3:22; 5:17, 21; Gal. 1:1; Eph. 1:5; 3:9; Col. 1:15-20; 3:17; Heb. 1:1-3; 1Pet. 2:5; 5:10); (3) Through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:2; 21:4; Rom. 8:13; 15:13, 19; Gal. 5:5; Eph. 2:22; Heb. 9:14); (4) By the Holy Spirit (Ezek. 11:24; Mic. 3:8; Zech. 4:6; Matt. 12:28; Luke 2:27; 4:1; Acts 11:28; Rom. 5:5; 15:19; 1Cor. 2:10; 6:11; 12:3, 13).

‘Loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace.’ Six facts about God: He has loved us (2Thess. 2:16; John 3:16). He has given us everlasting consolation (2Thess. 2:16; Acts 13:15). He has given us good hope through grace. He comforts our hearts (2Thess. 2:17). He establishes us in good words. He establishes us in good works.

Stand Fast Part 6

February 20, 2023February 10, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

We submit the following facts in Scripture to prove a Divine Trinity of separate persons in the Godhead (continues): [18] Two and three Persons are referred to in every New Testament book (Matt. 3:16-17; 12:31-32; 17:5; 22:43-45; 28:19; Mark 1:1-2, 10; 13:32; Luke 1:32-35; 2:40, 52; 3:22; 4:1; 18; 9:35; 23:46; 24:39 with John 4:24; John 1:1-3, 14, 18; 5:17-25, 31-38; 6:37, 44-46, 57; 7:16-18, 28, 37-39; 8:13-19, 26-38, 42, 54; 10:15-18, 24, 29, 36; 12:26-31, 44, 49-50; 14:1-26, 28-30; 15:1-26; 16:1-33; 17:1-26; 18:11; 20:17, 21; 11; 20:17, 21; Acts 1:7-8; 2:24-36; 3:13-26; 4:10, 26-31; 5:29-33; 7:37, 55-56; 8:12-17; 9:17; 10:38-48; 17:31; Rom. 1:3, 7, 9; 5:1-11; 8:1-13, 26-39; 1Cor. 1:3-9; 2:10; 3:23; 8:6; 11:3; 12:3; 15:57; 2Cor. 1:2-3; 5:17-21; 13:14; Gal. 1:1-3; Eph. 1:2-3; 3:14; 4:3-6; 6:23; Php. 1:2; 2:5-11; Col. 1:2-3, 13-19; 3:1; 1Thess. 1:1-10; 3:13; 2Thess. 1:1-2; 2:16; 1Tim. 1:2; 2:5; 5:21; 6:14-16; 2Tim. 1:2; 4:1; Tit. 1:4; 2:13; Phm. 1:3). In no conceivable way can we force a meaning of three persons in one person; three beings in one being; or three manifestations of only one person in any of these or any other scripture. [19] Three distinct and separate witnesses bear witness of Christ (1Jn. 5:5-11, 13, 20). Both God and man require this many personal and separate witnesses to confirm any point (Matt. 18:16; 2Cor. 13:1). The water and blood of 1John 5:8 could not be accepted as accredited personal witnesses to confirm any point (Matt. 18:16; 2Cor. 13:1). The water and blood of 1John 5:8 could not be accepted as an accredited personal witness in themselves. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are the only personal witnesses of this passage. If we consider these to be only one person, then there are not the required number of witnesses to establish the truth of the Sonship of Jesus Christ. We are forced by facts to admit all of 1John 5:7-8 as inspired Scripture and therefore, the fact that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are three separate and personal witnesses instead of being only one person or witness. Indeed, many scriptures confirm these three witnesses: (1) The Father (Jer. 29:23; Mal. 3:5; John 5:31-37; Rom. 1:9; Heb. 1:1-2; 2:3-4); (2) The Son (Isa. 55:4; John 18:37; 1Tim. 6:13; Rev. 1:5); (3) The Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:16; John 15:26; Heb. 10:15; 1Jn. 3:6). If all three are witnesses, then they must be separate Persons. The water and the blood simply confirm the intelligent testimonies of the three Persons of the Godhead and give additional weight to the Sonship of Jesus.

To be continued…

Stand Fast Part 5

February 17, 2023January 23, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

We submit the following facts in Scripture to prove a Divine Trinity of separate persons in the Godhead (continues): [10] Two Persons are mentioned and required to understand the plain language of Psalm 2:1-12; 9:19; 132:17; Pro. 30:4; Isa. 4:2; 10:16-17; 28:16; 49:1-10; 50:4-11; 52:13-53:12; 62:11; Mic. 5:1-5; Jer. 23:4-8; 33:14-26; Zech. 3:8-10; 6:12-13. In these passages one is anointed, becomes the son of, is sent by, is taught by, and becomes the servant of the other; and both are called Lord. [11] Three self-acting Persons – the Lord God, the Messiah, and the Holy Spirit – are referred to as blessing, anointing, sending, and doing things for one another in Isaiah 11:2; 42:1-7; 48:16; 59:21; 61:1-2; 63:1-14; Zech. 12:10-13:2. [12] In Zechariah 1:7-21 the Lord of Hosts and the angel of the Lord (also called Lord, Zech. 1:19-20; 2:1-13) are talking together. One Lord says of the other Lord that He has sent Him to Israel (Zech. 2:8-13). One Lord refers to Himself as “Me” and the Lord of Hosts as “His” and “He” (Zech. 2:8-11). The conference continues throughout Zechariah until Zechariah 13:6-7 where both Lords are called fellows or associates. [13] Jesus Christ is called the son of Abraham, David, Mary, and of God (Matt. 1:1; Mark 1:1; 6:3). He is just as much a separate person from God as He is of these other persons. [14] Two Persons are referred to many times in the New Testament (Matt. 11:27; Luke 23:46; John 1:1-2, 18; 5:19-20; 14:1-9; 16:15; 17:3, 10; Acts 2:38-39; 3:13-26; Php. 2:5-11; Eph. 3:5; Col. 1:5; 2Thess. 2:16-17; Tit. 2:13; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 20:6; 22:3). [15] Two and three Persons are mentioned in the introductions to New Testament books (Rom. 1:1-4, 7; 1Cor. 1:3; Jas. 1:1; 1Pet. 1:1-3; 2Jn. 1:3; Rev. 1:1-6; etc.). [16] God is the head of Christ and thus greater than He in position (1Cor. 3:23; 11:3; 1Chron. 29:11; John 14:28). [17] Christ is the mediator between God and man, not between Himself and man (1Tim. 2:5).

To be continued…

Stand Fast Part 4

February 16, 2023January 23, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

We submit the following facts in Scripture to prove a Divine Trinity of separate persons in the Godhead (continues): [3] Plural pronouns are used of God, proving plurality of persons (Gen. 1:26; 3:22; 11:7; Isa. 6:8; John 14:23; 17:11, 22-23). [4] First, second, and third personal pronouns are used hundreds of times in Scripture, referring to one, two, and three persons of the Godhead in the same sense they are used for men. Sometimes the different members of the Deity use them to and of one another in the same sense man uses them. In John 17:1-26 alone Jesus uses them 162 times in speaking to and of His Father (cp. John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-15). Sometimes singular pronouns are used of the whole Godhead of three members as a unity (Ex. 20:3; Isa. 44:6, 8; 45:5, 21; 46:9; Hos. 13:4), just like the whole church as a unit is spoken of as a man and “he” (Eph. 2:14-15; 4:13; 5:25-27; 2Thess. 2:7-8). [5] “Man is become as one of us” proves the plurality of persons (Gen. 3:22). [6] Two and three Persons called God have been seen by the same men at the same time and places as being separate persons (Dan. 7:9-14; Matt. 3:16-17; John 1:31-34; Acts 7:54-60; Rev. 6:16; 7:9-17; 21:22; 22:3). [7] Two Lords are mentioned in Genesis 19:24; one on earth and one in heaven. [8] Two Persons are referred to in the Old Testament – compare Psalm 8:5-6 with Hebrews 2:5-18; Psalm 16:8-10 with Acts 2:25-36; Psalm 22:1-22 with Matthew 27:35, 27:39-43, 27:45-46; Hebrews 9:14; 10:5-12; Psalms 40:6-10 with Hebrews 10:5-7; and Psalm 45:6-7 with Hebrews 1:8-9. [9] Two Lords are mentioned sitting side by side (Ps. 110:1, 5; Matt. 22:44; 26:64; Acts 2:33-34; 7:54-56; Rom. 8:34; Eph. 1:20; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; 1Pet. 3:22; Rev. 22:3).

To be continued…