Tag: Thessalonians

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…

Suffered Like Things

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1Thessalonians 2:14-18 For you, brethren, became followers of the churches [congregations] of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for you also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but satan hindered us. 

‘For you also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews.’ Both Jews and Gentiles suffered persecution from their own countrymen. The Jews were the persecutors of the congregations everywhere. Among the Gentiles they caused the heathen to be stirred up against Christianity (Acts 13:6, 45, 50; 14:2, 5, 19; 15:1-2, 5; 16:3; 17:5, 13; 18:5-6).

‘Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us, and they please not God, and are contrary to all men.’ Seven sins of the Jews: They killed Jesus Christ (2:15; Matt. 2:23). They killed their own prophets (2:15; Matt. 23:1-39). They persecuted believers. They lived contrary to God (2:15; Acts 7:51). They were contrary to all people (2:15; Matt. 23:1-39). They opposed the salvation of others (2:16). They multiplied sins continually (2:16).

‘For the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.’ For the seven sins (2:15) wrath comes upon them to the uttermost (Lev. 26:1-46; Deut. 28:1-68; 32:1-52; Matt. 23:34-39; Luke 21:20-24; Rom. 11:1-36).

‘Being taken’ [Greek: aporphanizomai] having been bereaved. Paul had compared himself to a parent and the people to his beloved children (2:7, 11). Here he represented himself as feeling what an affectionate father would feel if torn from his children. Because of this, he endeavoured to see them all the more. He would have seen them time and time again if satan had not hindered him (2:18).

‘Hindered’ [Greek: engkopto] Translated hinder (2:18; Rom. 15:22) and be tedious unto (Acts 24:4).

Without Ceasing

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1Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when you received the word of God which you heard of us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually works also in you that believe. 

‘Without ceasing’ – Things we must do without ceasing: [1] Remembering without ceasing our work of faith and labour of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ (1:3). [2] We must walk worthy of God, who had called us unto His kingdom and glory and for this cause also we thank God without ceasing (2:12-13). [3] We must pray without ceasing (5:17; Rom. 1:9). [4] We are bound to thank God always for believers’ faith that grows exceedingly and the charity of everyone towards each other (2Thess. 1:3).

‘You received the word of God which you heard of us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God.’ You received the Word of God, not as a fabrication of man, but as being in truth the very Word of God. You have the most total proof possible – the power of the Word of God working effectually in you that believe.

‘Effectually’ [Greek: energeo] energy that puts forth from within effectual operation. Translated “work effectually” (2:13; Gal. 2:8; 2Cor. 1:6); “effectual fervent” (Jas. 5:16); “show forth one’s self” (Matt. 14:2; Mark 6:14); “do” (Php. 2:13); “be mighty in” (Gal. 2:8); and “to work” (Rom. 7:5; 1Cor. 12:6, 11; 2Cor. 4:12; Gal. 3:5; 5:6; Eph. 1:11, 20; 2:2; 3:20; Php. 2:13; Col. 1:29; 2Thess. 2:7). This proves the power of the Word itself in lives of believers (Ps. 19:7; 107:20; John 15:7; Rom. 1:16; 10:17; Heb. 4:12).

Cloke of Covetousness

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1Thessalonians 2:5-6 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as you know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. 

‘Neither at any time used we flattering words.’ We were frank to tell the naked truth. Flattering is characteristic of deceit (Pro. 28:23; 29:5; Jude 1:16).

‘Cloke’ [Greek: prophasis] pretence, excuse. Translated “cloke” (2:5; John 15:22); “shew” (Luke 20:47); “colour” (Acts 27:30); and “pretence” (Matt. 23:14; Mark 12:40; Php. 1:18). He did not use the ministry as a pretence to make a personal gain.

‘Covetousness’  is forbidden (Ex. 20:17; Matt. 6:19-21; Rom. 13:9; Eph. 5:3; Heb. 13:5; 1Jn. 2:15-17). Hatred of it is one qualification of leaders, civil and religious (Ex. 18:21; 1Tim. 3:3; Tit. 1:7; 1Pet. 5:2). It will damn the soul (1Cor. 5:11; Eph. 5:3-5; 1Tim. 6:9-11; 2Pet. 2:3, 14). It must be cleaned out entirely (Col. 3:2-6). Covetousness breeds the following: Greed and murder (Pro. 1:19; Isa. 56:11; Jer. 22:17); poverty and rebellion (Pro. 11:24); oppression and violence (Pro. 22:16; Jer. 22:17; Mic. 2:2); denial of God (Pro. 30:8-9); injustice (Isa. 1:23; Mic. 7:3); backsliding (Mic. 3:11); deceptions (Matt. 13:22); defilement (Mark 7:21-23); temptations and lusts (1Tim. 6:9-11; 1Jn. 2:15-17); a short life and a fool’s end (Jer. 17:11; Luke 12:16-21).

Examples of covetousness in Scripture: Eve – forbidden fruit (Gen. 3:6); Lot – lands (Gen. 13:10-13); Jacob – birthright and his father’s blessing (Gen. 25:31; 27:6-29); Balaam – rewards (2Pet. 2:15); Achan – money (Jos. 7:21); David – woman (2Sam. 11:2-5); Ahab – vineyard (1Kin. 21:2-16); Gehazi – gifts (2Kin. 5:20-27); The rich fool – security (Luke 12:17); Judas – silver (Matt. 26:15-16); Pharisees – riches (Luke 16:14); Simon Magus – Holy Ghost power (Acts 8:18-23); Festus – money (Acts 24:26); Demas – pleasures (2Tim. 4:10).

‘Might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.’ We might have used our position to get wages from you, for we have that right (Luke 10:7; 1Cor. 9:7-18; Gal. 6:6). We did not exercise these rights.

Not As Pleasing Men

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1Thessalonians 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which tries our hearts. 

‘Allowed’ [Greek: dokimazo] test. We were tested and then accounted worthy to be trusted with the gospel. Twenty-one facts about the teachings in this epistle: Not in vain (2:1, 13-20). Preached in mistreatment (2:2). Preached in boldness. Preached in great conflict. Did not use deceit (2:3). Did not foster corrupt passions. Did not use guile. Was trusted of God with it (2:4). Preached to please God, not man. Used no flattering words (2:5). Was not covetous (2:5; Luke 12:15). Did not seek human glory (2:6) and ministered without pay (2:6, 9). Was patient and gentle (2:14). Preached with great affection (2:15). Was ready to sacrifice life (2:16). Worked day and night (2:9). Lived what he preached (2:10) and was complete (2:11). His purpose was right (2:12). Gave unceasing thanks to God for results of the gospel (2:13-20).

‘Not as pleasing men.’ From Galatians 1:10 we have the warning that if we strive to please men we are not servants of Christ.

‘But God, which tries our hearts’ The secret of pleasing God is to have faith in Him because without it, it is impossible to please Him and when we go to God, we must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6).

Exhortation

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1Thessalonians 2:2-3 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as you know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile

‘At Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God.’ Paul here refers to the events of Acts 16:16-40 when Silas and he were placed in prison and the keeper of the prison and his house became followers of Christ.

‘Contention’ [Greek: agon] conflict, a contest for a prize, a struggle or a battle.

‘Exhortation’ [Greek: paraklesis] translated “intreaty” (2Cor. 8:4); “comfort” (Acts 9:31; Rom. 15:4; 2Cor. 1:3-4; 7:4, 7:13); “exhortation” (2:3; Acts 13:15; Rom. 12:8; 1Cor. 14:3; 2Cor. 8:17; 1Tim. 4:13; Heb. 12:5; 13:22); and “consolation” (Luke 2:25; 6:24; Acts 4:36; 15:31; Rom. 15:5; 2Cor. 1:5-7; 7:7; Php. 2:1; 2Thess. 2:16; Phm. 1:7; Heb. 6:18).

Three marks of true exhortation: [1] Without deceit. [Greek: plane] fraudulence; straying from orthodoxy or piety. Translated “deceit” (2:3); “deceive” (Eph. 4:14); “delusion” (2Thess. 2:3); and “error” (Matt. 27:64; Rom. 1:27, note; Jas. 5:20; 2Pet. 2:18; 3:17; 1Jn. 4:6; Jude 1:11). [2] Without uncleanness. [Greek: akatharsia] whatever is opposite of purity; including sodomy, homosexuality, lesbianism, pederasty, bestiality, and all other forms of sexual perversion (Gal. 5:19; Matt. 23:27; Rom. 1:21-32). We did not minister to your corrupt passions but enforced their mortification (Col. 3:5; Rom. 8:12-13). [3] Without guile. [Greek: dolos] lying, falsity. [Taken from delo], to take with a bait. Translated “guile” (2:3; John 1:47; 2Cor. 12:16; 1Pet. 2:1, 22; 3:10; Rev. 14:5); “deceit” (Mark 7:22; Rom. 1:29); craft (Mark 14:1); and “subtilty” (Matt. 26:4; Acts 13:10).

Your Faith

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1Thessalonians 1:8-10 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. 

‘Sounded out’ [Greek: execheomai] to sound forth; publish. From Thessalonica went ministers preaching and confirming the Word of God in Macedonia, Greece, and many other places. Then, too, merchants went from Thessalonica to all parts, taking the news that the people had believed.

‘Your faith to God-ward is spread abroad.’ Their faith and power were matters of conversation among the heathen. If they had manifested only a formal confession of faith without the power they would not have been model saints for other congregations.

‘How you turned to God from idols.’ This shows that these converts were Gentiles who once served idol gods. They turned from these to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven (1:10).

‘Living’ God is here called living in contrast to lifeless idols. He is called true in contrast to the whole system of idolatry which was false in its gods, worship, doctrines, promises, and prospects of eternal life.

‘True God’ – Seven major Christian doctrines here: Conversion – they “turned” (1:9; Matt. 18:3). True and living God (1:9; John 17:3). Against idolatry (1:9; 1Cor. 8:1-13). Jesus the Son of God (1:10; John 3:16). Second coming of Jesus Christ (1:10). Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Salvation from the wrath to come.

‘And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.’ This is the 1st New Testament prophecy in 1 Thessalonians and it is unfulfilled until Christ’s Second Coming.

Followers

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1Thessalonians 1:6-7 And you became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that you were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 

‘Followers’ [Greek: mimetes] imitators. Follow or imitate us as we imitate Christ (1:6; 2:14; 1Cor. 4:16; 11:1; Eph. 5:1; Heb. 6:12; 1Pet. 3:13).

From 1 Peter 2:21-23 we learn that we were called to follow in Christ’s steps because He suffered for us and left us an example as to not live in sin, to have no guile or to revile when others revile against us; to threaten no one when we suffer, but to commit ourselves to Him that judges righteously. 

‘Affliction’ [Greek: thlipsis] not 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.

‘With joy of the Holy Ghost.’ This is the true way to receive the Word of God. There is too little joy in new converts today. Perhaps they do not see a true demonstration of the power of God in others’ lives, as referred to in 1Thessalonians 1:3, 5; 2:13-14; 2Thessalonians 1:3, 11; 2:17; 3:1, 9 and Hebrews 2:4. ‘Ensamples’ [Greek: tupos] example (1:7; 2Thess. 3:9; Php. 3:17; 1Cor. 10:6, 11; 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). These believers became models or patterns for all congregations in Macedonia and Greece (1:7-8) – models, not only of patience in hope but in faith and power that worked effectually through all of them which believed (2:13-14; 2Thess. 1:11). They were also imitators of the apostle and the Lord (1:6), as well as of the congregations in Judea who also exercised the power of God (2:13-14; Acts 2:43; 3:6; 5:16; 6:3, 8; 11:21).

Also in Power

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1Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as you know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

‘Gospel came unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance.’ Four ways the gospel should be taught or learned: In word (1:5; Matt. 28:20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; 1Cor. 1:18-24); in power (1:5; Matt. 17:20; Mark 16:16-17; Luke 24:49; John 14:12; 1Cor. 4:20); in the Holy Spirit (1:5; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8; Rom. 15:18-20, 29; Heb. 2:4); in much assurance (1:5; Col. 2:2).

‘And in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance.’ You know how we demonstrated the gospel in word, in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full assurance, and how we suffered in doing so (1:6; Acts 17:1-34).

Believers who are baptized in the Spirit (Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-11, 33, 38-39) must have new outpourings of the Spirit to maintain the fullness of God (Acts 4:31; John 1:16; Php. 1:19; 2Cor. 1:22; 5:5; Eph. 3:19; 1Jn. 4:13). Christ Himself lived in prayer and received many new infillings and fresh supplies of the Spirit and power to continue in all the fullness of God. As virtue went out of Him it had to be supplied again, as proved by the scriptures above and by the many times Christ prayed – as all men must do to maintain spiritual power in life. After Pentecost, the full endowment of power and full anointing of the Holy Spirit was made possible for all believers who lived in obedience to the Word of God (Gal. 3:13-14; John 7:37-39; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8,33).