HOPE

God hath not promised

Skies always blue

Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through

God hath not promised

Sun without rain

Joy without sorrow

Peace without pain

But God hath promised

Strength for the day

Rest for the labor

Light for the way

Grace for the trials

Help from above

Unfailing sympathy

Undying Love

-Annie Johnson Flint

He gives power to the tired and worn, and strength to the weak.-Isaiah 40:29

For I the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "fear not I will help you."-Isaiah 41:13

You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.-Psalms 18:28

Who shall separate us from the love of CHRIST?

RESCUE AT SEA

Years ago, in a small fishing village in Holland, a young boy taught the world about the rewards of unselfish service. Because the entire village revolved around the fishing industry, a volunteer rescue team was needed in cases of emergency. One night the winds raged, the clouds burst and a gale force storm capsized a fishing boat at sea. Stranded and in trouble, the crew sent out the S.O.S. The captain of the rescue rowboat team sounded the alarm and the villagers assembled in the town square overlooking the bay.

While the team launched their rowboat and fought their way through the wild waves, the villagers waited restlessly on the beach, holding lanterns to light the way back. An hour later, the rescue boat reappeared through the fog and the cheering villagers ran to greet them.

Falling exhausted on the sand, the volunteers reported that the rescue boat could not hold any more passengers and they had to leave one man behind. Even one more passenger would have surely capsized the rescue boat and all would have been lost.

Frantically, the captain called for another volunteer team to go after the one survivor. Sixteen-year-old Hans stepped forward. His mother grabbed his arm, pleading, "Please don't go. Your father died in a shipwreck 10 years ago and your older brother, Paul, has been lost at sea for three weeks. Hans, you are all I have left."

Hans replied, "Mother, I have to go. What if everyone said, 'I can't go, let someone else do it?' Mother, this time I have to do my duty. When the call for service comes, we all need to take our turn and do our part." Hans kissed his mother, joined the team and disappeared into the night.

Another hour passed, which seemed to Hans' mother like an eternity. Finally, the rescue boat darted through the fog with Hans standing up in the bow. Cupping his hands, the captain called, "Did you find the lost man?" Barely able to contain himself, Hans excitedly yelled back, "Yes, we found him. Tell my mother it's my older brother, Paul!"

Dear Friend, There are many people in this world that are only interested in self gain and self recognition. That is a shame because they are going to miss God's best for their life. It is important that we remember that God's ways of blessing are contrary to the world's ways. The Bible says to gain, we must give; to be lifted up, we must be made low; to be the greatest, we must first be the least. Having success God's way will last much longer in our lives and more importantly our success will bring glory and honour to the Lord for His blessings. (Matthew 19:28-30) (Mark 9:35) (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)

I hope this story ministers to your heart to be quick to give and serve because in doing so you will receive much more than you had ever given before.

ILLUSTRATIONS

MY EXPERIENCE - by LIZZIE JANET KANNAN

Dear Friends,
I would like to narrate the following real incident for the glory of God.
July 21st 2007; Saturday; after a hectic school day I reached home dead tired. My husband was out of station. I and my daughter had a good confab of the Bible quiz programme in which she won a prize. It was a hot and humid day. At 10.40 p.m. we went to bed. Now midnight 12.05; strange sound; tuk-tuk tuk-tuk ….as if somebody was tapping! I could guess something was moving on my right side. I switched on the bedroom light; nothing; switched off the light. After sometime I felt something was slithering on my left arm. I immediately pushed that and realized that it was little bit lengthy. I switched on the light and to my utter horror saw a snake just 15 cms away from my left leg to strike me! I just said ‘Praise the LORD’ and with my slippers gave a blow on its head. Immediately it went and hid itself under bookshelf. My eyes fell on the clock and now it was 2.10 a.m. In my nervousness I forgot all the phone numbers and lost voice. Now my daughter woke up and asked what the commotion was going on.I couldn’t answer her anything and she said it might have been a mouse. There inside the room I stood like a statue without knowing what to do, how to do, whom to call and how to call. Now 2.40 a.m. Again it came from the computer rack and tried to get under the cot. The LORD JESUS gave me wisdom. There were some long skirts and towels on the chair. Standing cautiously I threw them on it. Now its head was covered and I hit it hard with my own slippers holding them on both the hands. I made sure that it breathed its last and then threw its dead body in the balcony and thanked the LORD JESUS profusely. In the morning light when I saw that deadly viper my heart missed a beat! How my LORD JESUS CHRIST protected me and my daughter on the horrible night! He is the living LORD and His promises are ever true.
‘Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you’ (Luke10; 19)

The Biggest Mathematical Miracle in the World!

Moses and the people were in the desert, but what was he going to do with them?They had to be fed, and feeding 2 or 3 million people requires a lot of food. According to the Quartermaster General in the Army, it is reported that Moses would have to have had 1500 tons of food each day. Do you know that to bring that much food each day, two freight trains, each at least a mile long, would be required!
Besides you must remember, they were out in the desert, so they would have to have firewood to use in cooking the food. This would take 4000 tons of wood and a few more freight trains, each a mile long, just for one day. And just think, they were forty years in transit.
And Oh yes! They would have to have water. If they only had enough to drink and wash a few dishes, it would take 11,000,000 gallons each day and a freight train with tank cars, 1800 miles long, just to bring water!
And then another thing! They had to get across the Red Sea at night. Now, if they went on a narrow path, double file, the line would be 800 miles long and would require 35 days and nights to get through. So there had to be a space in the Red Sea, 3 miles wide so that they could walk 5000 abreast to get over in one night.
But then, there is another problem... each time they camped at the end of the day, a campground two-thirds the size of the state of Rhode Island was required, or a total of 750 square miles long... think of it! This much space for camping.
Do you think Moses figured all this out before he left Egypt?
I think not! You see, Moses believed in God. God took care of these things for him.
Now do you think God has any problem taking care of all your needs?
I asked the Lord to bless you As I prayed for you today. To guide you and protect you as you go along your way...
His love is always with you, His promises are true, And when we give Him all our cares, You know He will see us through.
Our God is an Awesome God!!

Christ Taught Us To Reward Evil with Good
Barto was on the brink of starvation. Once a Communist Party official and prosecuting attorney, he was now considered expendable by the same party. He was sentenced to labor in a Romanian prison camp. His stomach, once full, was now wasting away. He wondered how much longer he could go on.
Seeing Barto’s frail stature, a fellow prisoner came up to him and offered to share his rations of food. “Thank you, my friend,” he said to the other prisoner. “How long must you be here?” Barto asked as he woofed down the food.
“Twenty years,” replied the prisoner. His eyes seemed to question Barto. “What crime did you commit?”
“I was tried and sentenced for giving food to a fugitive pastor who was being chased by the police,” the man stated calmly. Barto noticed his voice didn’t carry bitterness like Barto had heard from so many others. “Who gave you such a harsh punishment for doing a good deed?” demanded Barto.
The prisoner replied humbly, “Sir, you were the state prosecutor at my trial. You don’t recognize me now, but I remember you.”
The man went on. “I am a Christian. Christ taught us to reward evil with good. I wished then for you to realize that it is right and good to give food to a hungry man—even your enemy. Now, I can show you.” Barto began that day to understand that his own spiritual needs far outweighed his physical ones.
Kindness is the way to our enemies’ hearts. And it may do something for their souls. God uses kindness as his strategy of choice when dealing with us. Instead of giving us exactly what we deserve for our offenses against him, he deals with us kindly. His kindness is an example of how we should fashion our own approach to those who offend us. Kindness arrests their attention. It is as unexpected as it is undeserved. Like Barto, our kindness toward an enemy may awaken a spiritual hunger for the source of our compassion. However, regardless of their response, we must follow the example of our Lord when dealing with our enemies. Who needs your kindness today?

BOOKS OF THE HOLY BIBLE - THESSALONIANS

1THESSALONIANS

By: Apostle Paul inspired by the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD; One of the earliest letters.
Time: A.D. 51. While on second missionary journey.
From: Corinth.
To: Thessalonian Believers.
Context: After preaching persecution; Paul went to Berea, Athens and Corinth; Acts17.1-7; Timothy brought good report of Thessalonians; 1Thess3:1-8.
Purpose: To strengthen Thessalonians’ faith.
Vital Message: Return of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.1Thess4:16
Hope: On His return the LORD JESUS will
1) deliver us 5.9
2) bless us 3.13
3) resurrect/transform us 4:17
Thessalonica: Capital of Macedonia; trade centre; sea port; on highway from Rome to Egypt; population 200000; location – please see the map.

1THESSALONIANS1:1

“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”.

Paul; Author
Silvanus (Roman spelling of Hebrew name Silas) and Timotheus; Co-workers; Senders.
Church; Greek word – Ekklesia – means ‘Called-out people for special purpose’

POSITION OF THE CHURCH

Church of the Thessalonians – “in” GOD the FATHER and in the LORD JESUS CHRIST! – GOD is the source, root, foundation and life!


LORD; Greek equivalent of Hebrew ‘JEHOVAH’
JESUS; SAVIOUR from sins
CHRIST; Greek word for ‘MESSIAH’ – ANOINTED ONE- MEDIATOR


Grace; unmerited favour; forgiveness; rich gift





Peace; Peace of the LORD; Joy of fulfilment and prosperity in CHRIST; whole and complete. John14:27



1THESSALONIANS1:2, 3

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
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;
Thanks; Root word in Greek “eucharisto” meaning “grace”
Without ceasing; Greek meaning – incessant cough
Labour; Root word – “kapus” – means “to labour to the point of exhaustion”
PERFORMANCE OF THE CHURCH
1. Work of faith



2. Labour of love



3. Patience (endurance) of hope – steady looking forward to the second coming of the LORD


This is the hope that sustains us, this is our lamb in the night,
This is the beacon we follow, waiting till faith becomes sight!
This is our pillow of night time, the promise in each golden dawn,
This is the spur for the sluggish, occupy while I am gone!
This is our hearts choicest treasure, balm for our sorrow and pain,




1THESSALONIANS1:4, 5



Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
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.

brethren beloved or dear brothers: 21 times (in both epistles)


.

GOSPEL; GODSPELL - GOOD+SPEL – GOOD MESSAGE OR GOOD NEWS – Root Greek word ευαγγέλιον, euangelion (eu- "good", -angelion "message").





POWER; root Greek word – dunamis



1THESSALONIANS1:6, 7

‘And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.
So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.’




FOLLOWERS; imitators – Greek word means ‘mimicking’





Ensamples (example); Greek word means ‘pattern’






..in much affliction, with joy …

1THESSALONIANS1:8-10

“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 shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye 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.”

The WORD of the LORD; original Greek word means word from God; the
TEACHING

Sounded out; ringing out (it’s a melody!)



Spread abroad; comes from a word meaning trumpet blast or roll of thunder




Demonstration of repentance;


Wait; Greek word implies 1) waiting with anticipation or excitement 2) looking
forward


1THESSALONIANS 2; 1-6
For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:
But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye 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:
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.
For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye 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.

Bold in our heart to speak; In Greek it means ‘all speech’






With much contention; Greek word ‘agone’ from which English word ‘agony’ came




1THESSALONIANS 2; 7-11
But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
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.
For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
Ye are witnesses and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,



Nurse; that is nursing mother!
To cherish; to warm; the word used in Deut22; 6 (like a mother bird) -
‘agape’ love!





So being affectionately desirous of you; (faith, love, concern and compassion all in one Greek word)





willing to have imparted ………. but also our own souls; continuously giving






Exhortation; pleading


1THESSALONIANS 2; 12-20
12. That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
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.
14. For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
15. 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:
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
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?
20. For ye are our glory and joy.


V13 first ‘received’; to hear
second ‘received’; to welcome with delight and joy
effectually ; supernatural






V17 being taken from you; being torn away from you (like parent from children)



V18 hindered; cut up (the road) i.e. setting up road blocks (two times)




1THESSALONIANS 3; 1-5
1 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.
4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
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.



Thought it good; one Greek word meaning ‘were well pleased’

Athens; cultural as well as intellectual capital, city of philosophy and pride

alone; to be lonely

minister; deacon or servant

to strengthen; to build a support

moved; shaking or wagging like a dog’s tail; satan may beguile (to go back to old life



1THESSALONIANS 3; 6-10
6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:
7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
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;
10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

V6 good tidings; good news!
charity; love
faith and love; spiritual health




V7 brethren; dear brothers
comforted; greatly comforted
affliction; crushing affliction (suffering due to people)
distress; pressing distress (due to circumstances)




V8 Blessings in ‘standing fast!’





V10 to perfect; to render complete or to fill up
lack; crack



1THESSALONIANS 3; 11-13



11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
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.


V11 direct our way; level the way or prepare the way



V12 to abound - to overflow



V12, 13 ‘holy’ and ‘saints’ – root word - ‘set apart for God ‘




to stablish; to strengthen



1THESSALONIANS 4; 1-6
1. 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.
MEANINGS
We beseech you,… and exhort you; it is urgent and imperative for you to do what we demand
commandments; orders
sanctification; process of growth (into the likeness of CHRIST) from salvation to grave or coming of CHRIST. – Main vocation of the believer
Concupiscence; a desire for sexual intimacy; (Greek word – pornea)



1THESSALONIANS 4; 7-12
7 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.
9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
MEANINGS
despiseth; counts the commandments as nothing, as though they are of no consequence, no significance
love; agape (self-giving or self-denying love)
study; strive earnestly for
quiet; tranquillity (peace of God)
brother; Greek word means ‘from the same womb’








1THESSALONIANS 4; 13-18
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:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.


MEANINGS
asleep; Greek word for ‘sleep’ is ‘to lie down’ (Greek word for ‘resurrection’ is ‘to stand up’)
by the word of the Lord; special revelation of God
caught up; snatched away
to meet; Greek word means to ‘officially receive a royal dignitary’
1THESSALONIANS 5; 1-3
1 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.

MEANINGS
But; Greek word, ‘peri de’ – showing new line of thought
the times; blocks of time of specific duration
the seasons; particular kinds of time in which certain things will happen
the times and the seasons; (earthly)


NOTES
Peace; related to (false) religious system
Safety; related to (false) political system

1THESSALONIANS 5; 4-8

4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
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.
MEANINGS and NOTES
That day; Ro2;5, 2Pet3;12, Jud6
Eph4;30, Phil1;6, 1Co5;5, 1Co1;8, 2Thess1;10
Ye; (plural) all believers; ‘ye’ turns into ‘we!’
Children OF LIGHT (DAY) 2Pet2;9
Sleep; ‘inactive’, ‘insensitive’
Watch; make effort to be mentally alert to the dangers
Sober; (spiritual sobriety) – to keep one’s balance (calm and collected)
the breastplate of faith (2Thess2;12) and love (1Co16;22, 2Ti4;8)
the hope of salvation
Tit2;13, Ro8;23, 1Jn3;3

1THESSALONIANS 5; 9-13

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.
11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

MEANINGS and NOTES

Appointed; placed
Comfort; strengthen
Edify; build up

















1THESSALONIANS 5; 14-18

14 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.

MEANINGS and NOTES


Unruly; one who is out of step in a parade
without ceasing; repeated military assualts


















1THESSALONIANS 5; 19-23


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.

MEANINGS and NOTES

Hold fast; glue yourself to (not turn loose)
Sanctify; to be set apart for GOD





















1THESSALONIANS 5; 24-28

24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
25 Brethren, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.


MEANINGS and NOTES


V27 charge; command
V27 be read: (Greek word means) be read aloud
V28 pl. note down; “our Lord Jesus Christ’
Brethren – recipients of blessings!














2 THESSALONIANS
By: Apostle Paul
Time: A.D. 51; one of the earliest letters
From: Corinth
To: Thessalonian Believers
Context: after few months of writing 1THESSALONIANS
Purpose: To strengthen, encourage and exhort the Believers at Thessalonica
Vital Message: Second coming our LORD JESUS CHRIST
CHAPTER 1 VERSES 1-4
1 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:
MEANINGS and NOTES
V3 meet; duty
V3 charity; love
V4 glory; boast

2 THESSALONIANS 1; 5-9

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;
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

MEANINGS and NOTES

V5 the righteous judgment of God; fair and just way of God
V6 counted worthy of the kingdom of God; to be ready for his kingdom
V7 mighty angels; angels of power


2 THESSALONIANS 1; 10 - 12

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.
11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

MEANINGS and NOTES

V11 we pray always; we keep on praying (constantly)

Our provisions (by faith): God's grace and power
God's power;
1) Jer. 51;15
2) Ps 66;7
3) Lk 1;35
4) 2Co 13;4
5) Eph 1;19, 20
6) 1Co 6;14
7) Ps 21;13
8) Ps 59;16
9) Ps 145;11

2 THESSALONIANS 2; 1 - 3

1 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;

MEANINGS and NOTES

Beseech; to encourage (to challenge)
falling away; apostasia (great rebellion )

















2 THESSALONIANS 2; 4 – 8

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.
5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
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:


MEANINGS and NOTES

V 3 & 4 man of sin - the son of perdition - 'Antichrist' - It is translated from the combination of two ancient Greek words αντί + χριστος. In Greek, χριστος means “anointed one” and refers to LORD JESUS CHRIST. Αντί (anti) means f “against” and “opposite of”. Therefore, an antichrist opposes Christ

what withholdeth – neuter participle
he – masculine participle


Exercise

Write down the differences between CHRIST and antichrist.

2 THESSALONIANS2; 9-12

9 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.

MEANINGS and NOTES

V9 working of Satan – Satan’ tool
V10 deceivableness of unrighteousness – wicked deceit
V11 strong delusion – energy of error
V12 pleasure in unrighteousness – enjoying sin

DIFFERENCES BVETWEEN LORD JESUS CHRIST AND ANTICHRIST

1. CHRIST FROM ABOVE JOHN 6:38 "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
ANTICHRIST FROM BELOW Rev 13:1 And he stood on the sand of the seashore. And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names. NAS
2. CHRIST CAME IN HIS FATHER'S NAME JOHN 5:43 "I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another shall come in his own name, you will receive him.
ANTICHRIST COMES IN HIS OWN NAME JOHN 5:43 "I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another shall come in his own name, you will receive him.
3. CHRIST HUMBLED HIMSELF PHI 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
ANTICHRIST EXALTS HIMSELF 2 TH 2:4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.
4. CHRIST THE TRUTH JOHN 14:6 Jesus *said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.
ANTICHRIST THE LIE 2 TH 2:11 And for this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they might believe what is false,
5. CHRIST THE HOLY ONE MAR 1:24 saying, "What do we have to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are-- the Holy One of God!"
ANTICHRIST THE LAWLESS ONE 2 TH 2:8 And then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming;
6. CHRIST MAN OF SALVATION LUKE 1:69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of David His servant-- ACT 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved."
ANTICHRIST MAN OF SIN 2 TH 2:3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for {it will not come} unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,
7. CHRIST SON OF GOD LUKE 1:35 And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy offspring shall be called the Son of God.
ANTICHRIST SON OF PERDITION 2 TH 2:3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for {it will not come} unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,
8. CHRIST THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS 1 TI 3:16 And by common confession great is the mystery of godliness: #He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Beheld by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory.
ANTICHRIST THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY 2 TH 2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains {will do so} until he is taken out of the way.

2 THESSALONIANS 2; 13 – 17


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

MEANINGS and NOTES

V13 note the word ‘but’
are bound - must
beloved of the Lord – greater blessing!
from the beginning – before the foundation of the world
Our belief *** GOD’s choice
V14 obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ - more than a blessing! – compare Ro 3:23
V15 hold – keep a strong grip
traditions – word taught by the LORD and followed

2 THESSALONIANS 3; 1 – 5
(PRAYER AND CONFIDENCE)

1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
4 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.


MEANINGS and NOTES


V1 finally – coming to the end of the letter
free course – spread rapidly and tiumph
glorified - received fast in the hearts of the people
V2 delivered from – saved from the clutches of
have not faith – have not love
V3 stablish – make strong
keep you from evil – guard you from satanic attacks of every kind
V5 direct your hearts into the love of God – bring you into an ever deeper
understanding of God’s love

We shall love our enemies as our LORD JESUS told.
'On July 6, a mob attacked the Calvary Church after false rumors about Christians attacking a temple spread in the district of Colombo. At approximately 9:30 a.m., five Buddhist monks charged into the church building during a worship service and demanded that the service cease. The pastor led the monks outside where they told him that there was no need for Christians in the village and threatened to destroy all local churches. By the time the police arrived on scene a large mob had gathered around the building. Fearing violence, the pastor sent his congregation away. The mob then attacked the building, completely destroying the contents. They beat the pastor and at least five others with clubs and rods. The pastor and his father were severely injured while others sustained minor injuries.” Ask God to strengthen and heal the victims of these attacks. Pray that the faithfulness of Christians in Sri Lanka will be a light that draws others to Christ.'

2 THESSALONIANS 3; 6 – 9
(WORD OF COMMAND)

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;
8 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:
9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

MEANINGS and NOTES

V6 brethren dear brothers
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ – (by the authority of the LORD)
ye withdraw yourselves – stay away
disorderly – breaking the rank
v7ought – must
v8 chargeable - burden


2 THESSALONIANS 3: 10-13

10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
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.



MEANINGS and NOTES

V10 commanded you – gave you the rule
V 11 walk disorderly – living lazy
Busybodies – gossiping
V12 exhort – appeal ( please } ; root word is ‘encourage’

2 THESSALONIANS 3: 14-18

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.
16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
17 The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

MEANINGS and NOTES

V14 any man obey not – (rebellious nature - a serious sin)
our word by this epistle – i.e. apostolic teaching
Emphasis on church discipline

a. Note that person (according to classical Greek ‘marking out a wrongdoer’)

b. Do not keep company with him (stay away

c. That he may be ashamed (resulting in repentance and restoration)

V15 admonish him as a brother – speak to him as brother who needs to be warned
( those that are reproved may know that they are nevertheless loved - they should not be utterly cast away, as if they were cut off from all hope of salvation; but endeavors must be used, that they may be brought back to a sound mind.)
V16 ANOTHER PRAYER (COMMUNION AND FELLOWSHIP)

1. May the Lord of peace give them peace always in every way

2. May the Lord be with them all

V17 A CONFIRMATION OF HIS AUTHORSHIP (lest epistles falsely ascribed to him should find their way into the Churches.)

1. His own salutation with his own hand

2. As he writes in every epistle

V18 1. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with them all (He is ‘LORD’ in the midst of us)

2. Amen (so be it)