Presents
II Thessalonians 1
Caution
to students of God's Word - Please remember
two things when using our studies: #1.
Our
commentary is not God's Word. It is only our interpretation or understanding
of "His Word" and even though we try our best to be accurate we may
or may not be correct. #2.
The King James translation, or any other translation, of the original Hebrew
text has some words which were given different translations at different
places probably because of the interpreters preconceived ideas of what
they think God meant to say.
For example:
According to the notes in the "Dake's Annotated Reference Bible" the Hebrew
word hayah in the KJV is Trans. (became) 67 times, (becamest or came to
pass) 505 times, (become) 66 times, and (come to pass) 131 times, but for
some reason in Genesis 1:2 it is translated (was)! That
sure changes the way a person perceives the original creation of the earth,
doesn't it? Gen. 1:2 And the earth
was
(became) without form, ... Having said that,
let us continue with our "Key Knowledge" lessons.
These
are pamphlets containing knowledge, we believe, you must have to fully
and accurately unlock and understand the Word of God.
Notice to our readers: If you come across and links in our studies that you can't open, go to http://www.americanwisdomseries.com You will find the files there on our web site.
John 15:26
But when the Comforter is
come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which
proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
John
16:13-14
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he
will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever
he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He
shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto
you.
This Bible Study was originally written by Roger
Christopherson,
published at http://www.theseason.org/
The American Wisdom Series
Without the leading by the Holy Spirit, there is no understanding of the truths, for all the truth of the Scriptures are revealed to us by God's Spirit.
Now here is our revised study of:
II Thessalonians 1
"The Obtaining of Rest and Glory"
Remember that the primary message of both I and II Thessalonians is our gathering back to Christ, or as Paul puts it, Christ returning to us. The second letter from Paul to the Thessalonians was written very shortly following the first letter. We see this in the fact that Silas and Timothy were still in Corinth at the letters arrival.
There was a lot of persecution in the Thessalonians church, yet it grew. Paul had a taste of that persecution in his beatings and jailing when he was there. The reason for sending this letter was to correct the misunderstanding brought about when his first letter come into the hands of false teachers who had come into the church. That confusion was concerning the time and events preceding the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
II Thessalonians 1:1 "Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:"
II Thessalonians 1:2 "Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Paul sends this peace to them because it is only in the Lord Jesus Christ that anyone can find peace.
II Thessalonians 1:3 "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;"
Paul was pleased that after only thirty days of his teaching in this area, and under severe persecution; yet the church grew, as did their love for one another. That seed took hold and brought in many more converts then when Paul visited. Adversity strengthens a group of Christians, and bonds it closer in love, while getting out the word of God.
II Thessalonians 1:4 "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:"
Through all the tribulations, these Christians grew in their faith, and patience.
II Thessalonians 1:5 "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:"
The Thessalonians were suffering, but they didn't let their problems stop them. Today it becomes a burden to give God one hour a week in the study of God's Word to many Christians, and then that hour has to be filled with entertainment. The faith most Christians reach, lasts only to the first adversity, then it wilts.
The victory we have over adversity can only come in the name of Jesus Christ. God wants people committed to Him, in these end days.
II Thessalonians 1:6 "Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;"
Don't read over this! When someone touches one of God's elect, God takes it as a personal insult. This is why He said in Romans 12:19, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." God will take care of your adversary in His way and time.
II Thessalonians 1:7 "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,"
Rest in your faith: The time will come when Jesus and His angels will take care of all matters.
II Thessalonians 1:8 "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:"
This fits right into the subject of this book, the return of Jesus Christ to us. God considers it righteousness that when you are working in the way of God's kingdom, Whether planting seeds, or in your daily life; if they [the Godless] trouble you, as they did the Thessalonians, God considers it righteousness to defend yourself from them. And that is exactly what Jesus Christ and his mighty angels will do. Jesus Christ will return and make an end to all evil. Our worries are His.
II Thessalonians 1:9 "Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;"
At Jesus Christ's return Satan will go to the pit. The false shepherds, Kenites, and fallen angels will be placed in a location of holding for final judgment.
Editors' note: Fallen angels to be held for final judgment. I agree with that statement. But, it is my understanding, [I'll have to do further research] I think false preachers and unrepenting, during this period of grace, descendants of Cain, will spend the Millennium in Christ's kingdom, here on earth with all of us, except with still mortal souls, the same as any of the rest of us who worship Satan when he comes to earth claiming that he is Christ. I think they will still be able to earn eternal life based on their works during the Millennium, at the Great White Throne of Judgment after the Millennium. May be I'm wrong! Wouldn't be the first time. Just ask my wife!
II Thessalonians 1:10 "When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired [marveled at] in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day."
Jesus Christ's saints are His "set aside" ones. The condition of belonging to Christ, and being His "saint", is that you believe on Him in Repentance. The "day of the Lord" shall come, however these Thessalonians have gotten a little premature in waiting for the "Lord's day", and this is why Paul is urged to write this letter [epistle] to them.
II Thessalonians 1:11 "Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this [your] calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:"
"The work of faith with power:" You don't have to be around a person very long before you know if ones faith has power. It is through that faith, and belief that brings God's power. Work is connected to your faith, and it is your works that will draw others to you.
II Thessalonians 1:12 "That the name of the Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Paul is giving the Thessalonians a pep-talk to boost their spirits, and remind them that as they glorify and increase in knowledge of Christ; He will increase in their lives. God is the same in all ages; He is just as concerned for the Thessalonians as He is for you and me today. His grace is extended to us especially in tough times.
We pray that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you accomplish both.
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