King James Bible Study – [Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.]
Date: Monday, November 28, 2022
Chapters: THE BOOKS OF I & II THESSALONIANS
Study: Live Unto Christ
Hello My Brother/Sister/Friend,
As I was reading the chapters for today, this passage came to mind, [2 Corinthians 5:6-9 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.] Once we receive Christ as our Saviour we are already accepted by God, and while our salvation by grace is enough to get us to heaven, we should also aim at pleasing God by living a life that is acceptable to Him. Why? Well, why not? We should desire to live a life that is pleasing to God, after all, it is Jesus who paid the ultimate price of His own life to keep us from hell, and even worse, the lake of fire, [2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.]
The Book of I Thessalonians was written by Paul in AD 54, shortly after his departure from Thessalonica. The purpose of the letter was to reconfirm young disciples in the foundational truths already taught them, to encourage them to live holy lives, and to comfort their concerns about those saved who die before Christ returns. What we are to learn from the book is that the second coming of Christ is coming, and sooner than we think, the hope of His return is the inspiration, and comfort of the true saved, born again Christian, [1 Thessalonians 3:13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.]
Paul, presented this letter to the Thessalonians, along with Silas and Timothy, as we recall were with Paul while he was in Thessalonica. The church was facing a lot of affliction, so Paul decided to write this letter to let them know that he is praying for them and that their labor and hope in Christ is dully noted by the Holy Spirit.
[1 Thessalonians 1:1-6 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. 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 ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:]
[having received the word in much affliction,] There may be a few who will say that they received Christ because something was missing in their lives and just stumbled upon Him, but the majority find Christ in the midst of much affliction. And I mean truly find Him, we can know who Christ is, but until we know Him personally, there is no true joy. The true joy you receive after accepting Christ as your Saviour is something that nothing else on this earth can give you, even in the midst of the worst affliction, knowing that the Holy Spirit is inside of you brings great joy as He is your hope of deliverance, [1 Peter 4:13-14 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.]
So, when we who are faithful to Christ show them that there is hope, especially when they see our faith and the blessings that come with it, it does bring a few to Christ. However, that does also bring quite a few reprobates attacking us for our faith. Paul, reminds us that our faithfulness through tribulation strengthens our relationship and work with Christ. To be honest, no one really knows if someone is saved or not as there are many wolves in sheep’s clothing, however, we can pretty much figure out which ones are by how they present the Gospel.
[1 Thessalonians 2:1,4-5,8,13,19 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: 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 trieth our hearts. 5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: 8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. 13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?]
[For neither at any time used we flattering words,] Those who are true Christians do not serve God out of obligation, fame, or fortune, they do so out of the pureness of their hearts. In fact, Jesus, trusts you with the Gospel because you have not accepted Him in vain, [1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.]
Now, when we who are faithful suffer for something we know we have done wrong we can accept that, but when we suffer for doing what is right it can be down right discouraging. Paul stresses the importance of realizing that it is the tribulation that strengthens our relationship with God, keeps us faithful. and leads us to bring others to Christ.
[1 Thessalonians 3:1-3,8-9,12-13 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; 2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: 3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. 8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; 12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: 13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.]
[To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness] Do you see now why we face so much affliction in our walk with? It not only keeps us close to Christ, it brings Christ out in us. I do not have to tell you that being faithful to God does not mean that we are not going to fail Him from time to time because we do carry this flesh around with us. To be honest, I was one of those people who could never understand how a faithful, God fearing Christian could fall into sin until I was put to the test and failed Him miserably. While I would never encourage anyone to backslide, that is exactly what established my heart blameless in holiness. My biggest failure in my Christian walk has taught me one valuable lesson, never compromise with your faith for anyone, it truly is better to be alone than to have someone in your life that will ruin your testimony.
[1 Thessalonians 4:1-6 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.]
[that ye should abstain from fornication:] There are two kinds of fornication, one that is committed against the flesh and one committed against God. Paul, is referring to idolatry here, which would be committing fornication against God, and will also lead to fornication of the flesh by the way. Idolatry, is perhaps the most deadly sin that we could ever commit as God will have no other gods before Him, [Deuteronomy 4:23-24 Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee. 24 For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.]
When Jesus died on the cross it would have been enough to bring permanent salvation to all who believe, but He did not stop there, He arose three days later to prove not only that death cannot stop God, but all who believe in Him will live forever with Him. We will never lack anything as long as we are walking honestly with Christ. Why? Jesus is returning, and when He does we are going to want to make sure that we are ready for Him, even if our bodies are in the grave when He does.
[1 Thessalonians 4:7-8,13-16 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:]
[For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven] I think I quote from this passage more than any of them, but it is something that we need to always keep dear to us. The longer we walk with Christ the more we reflect Him, which only happens because we are living our lives to please God. We will never lack anything as long as we are walking honestly with Christ. Why? Jesus is returning, and when He does we are going to want to make sure that we are ready for Him, even if our bodies are in the grave when He does. No matter what we do in this life, we must remember that everyone is going to spend eternity in one of two places, if we are not living by the example of Christ living inside of us, then we are not going to be prepared for that either.
[1 Thessalonians 5:1-4,8-10 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.]
[we should live together with him.] We do not need to believe in God to know that the world is being destroyed and will only get worse before Christ returns. Why do you think that the world is trying to send people in rocket ships to Mars? They somehow think that if they control everything they will prolong the destruction and save themselves. Let me tell you, making people follow vegan diets, getting rid of coal, fuel, and guns, getting vaccines, sending them to Mars, and denying that God exists will never stop His judgment. Now, with that said, we are still commanded to live peaceably among them, not for our own sake, but for theirs actually.
[1 Thessalonians 5:14-23 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.]
II Thessalonians, was written also in 54 AD, shortly after Paul’s first letter, the reason being is that there was some confusion at the second coming of Christ. The purpose of this letter was to instruct believers awaiting the return of Christ while going through tribulation. What we are to learn from the book is that it is important to understand that tribulation will come, but it is for our benefit in obtaining the glory of Christ, [2 Thessalonians 2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.].
So, when we who are faithful to Christ show them that there is hope, especially when they see our faith and the blessings that come with it, it does bring a few to Christ. However, that does also bring quite a few reprobates attacking us for our faith. Paul, reminds us that our faithfulness through tribulation strengthens our relationship and work with Christ.
[2 Thessalonians 1:1-6 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; 4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: 5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: 6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;]
[Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation] While God does care for and avenge His faithful on some level while we are here (we just do may not see it), most of that will take place when Jesus returns. The day will come when Jesus will return, and avenge every believer that has had evil brought upon them, [2 Thessalonians 1:9-10 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.]
[And to be admired in all them that believe] Christ, wants to be glorified in you, but not only that, He wants to glorify you by being faithful to Him through it all, in fact, He admires you for it. And as for those who cause the tribulation, we need not to worry about them, because they will have their own tribulation to face.
[2 Thessalonians 2:1-4,8 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:]
[And then shall that Wicked be revealed,] This is none other than the Antichrist, and if we think things are bad now, wait until he makes his presence known. And yes, he is already here, and has been here since Christ went back up into heaven, but the day will come when he will show his face, deceiving so many into believing that he is Jesus. For a season he will have his glory, but the day will come when he will answer to Jesus, as well as those who trusted in him.
[2 Thessalonians 2:9-14 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.]
[And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion,] These would be known as the reprobates, as much as God would like every soul to be saved, He will not waste His time with those who are trusting in this Antichrist. God. is more concerned about those who love Him than those who do not, and shows us how these reprobates become as they believe these strong delusions, [Romans 1:22-25,28 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;]
Some people are beyond knowing Christ as their Saviour, and will never accept Him, they will even go to extremes to try to stop you from speaking about Him, but we must carry on in our faith. I do not know if you noticed, but it seems that immortality is at an all time high these days, sex, drugs, alcohol, alternative lifestyles, and there is not one ounce of humility. And let me tell you, there are many who call themselves Christians doing these very things. Here is the craziest thing of all, we are not to discount them.
[2 Thessalonians 3:4-7,11-15 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. 5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. 6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. 14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.]
[and have no company with him,] Just because we are not to discount them that does not mean that we are to hang out with them. We are to pray for them, most of all for their salvation and if they are saved, then we are pray for God to open their hearts to get right with Him. Let me tell you, I know I have my lazy days, but there is a difference between having a day or two in which we just do nothing, and being what Jesus would call idle. Idleness, will kill our testimony in a heartbeat as it will lead us to desires of the flesh, [Galatians 6:7-10 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.]
Today’s Prayer: God, I admit that I am not thrilled at the affliction I am going through, it seems as though the second I get over one problem another arises. I will not always understand this, but I do understand You are with me, growing me, establishing me, and strengthening my faith and trust in You through every trial, every tear, and every fear. Thank You for everything You do for me, I know nothing I go through is in vain and has a purpose. Lead me and guide me, give me the strength only You can give me to stand firm in my faith, and not be drawn away from You. I love You Lord, and pray in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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