Author: Stan Cox

As we previously pointed our in verses1-7, Paul had a great love for the Thessalonians which led to his ministry to them.  The though continues in these verses, as he declares his affection, and his willingness even to die in his efforts to share with them the “gospel of God.”

The Thessalonians were well aware of Paul’s efforts, as he had labored diligently among them.  Further, his secular worked was a testament to his love, so that he would not be a financial burden to the brethren there. (Though note, such support was certainly scripturally defensible, cf. 1 Timothy 5:18).

But Paul, in every way wanted only to benefit his brethren. Thus he always acted in a way to protect his reputation, that his work of ministry would not be hindered.  He acted, “devoutly and justly and blamelessly” among them.

Paul’s concern was not for himself — only for them! His hope for them was a worthy walk, and an eternal reward.

It is an interesting question: Was John referring to an actual lady in 2 John 1, or was he referring to the church to which he was writing? I’m not sure the question is answerable, but it does not matter to his expression of love.

The word elect simply means chosen. So, the one to whom he wrote was either a Christian, or represented Christians. The little children are either actually the woman’s personal children, or referenced individual Christians in that church.

Regardless, there was a tender promise John made to her regarding God. “Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth in love.” (3)

There was an admonition given to her that applies to us all. “And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning; that we love one another” (5).

There was a universal warning concerning false teaching, given to her. “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine [the doctrine of Christ], do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (10-11).

All these sentiments we too must heed!

Christians, unlike other groups, have only a secondary allegiance to our country.  Also unlike other groups that does not mean that we are in any way unpatriotic, or lacking gratitude for the nation in which we live.  It also does not mean that we condone disobedience to the laws of the land, either civilly or criminally. Continue reading “Our Civil Responsibilities” →

In the first three verses here, Paul expressed his concern and diligence in encouraging his brethren.  Specifically those in Laodicea and Colosse. He did this in his ministry by sharing his understanding of God’s will, in which are “hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (3).

In verses 4-10 he contrasts the Divine wisdom with the foolish philosophies of men. What he refers to as “persuasive words.” They have persuasive power to the uninformed, but are false. We are to walk in God’s word, not “philosophy and empty deceit, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (8).

This is an important warning that Christians need to hear today. We are complete in Christ.  He is the preeminent One, the “head of all principality and power” (10). To place our trust and faith in any man rather than the Lord Jesus Christ is foolish and Paul wrote that it “cheat”-’s us out of our standing with God!

This what the apostle Paul claims, when he wrote to the Romans about the failures of the Jews, “Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.  As it is written: ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.’” (Romans 9:32-33).

Paul here referred to Psalm 118:22-24, a clear reference to the Messiah of Israel, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalms 118:22-24).

And so we see Paul’s point.  The Jews, did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah sent from God.  This was predicted by the psalmist, so it was no surprise.  Yes, Jesus is the Savior, He is the King, He is a wonderful Teacher, He was God on the earth, He is our eternal Intercessor.

This is the means of salvation the Jew AND ALSO for the Gentile. Faith in Christ is what makes Jesus positive to you, rather than you being one who stumbles “at that stumbling stone.” Paul stated the “fragrance of Christ” was an aroma of death to those who reject, but a precious “aroma to life” for those who are being saved, (2 Cor. 2:15-16a). What is He to you?

I just finished reading an article on my phone from USA TODAY titled, “Americans are become less religious. None more than this group.” The emphasis of the article was the departure of many from Christianity (especially younger people), and the fact that for the first time in American history, more women are leaving their faith than men.

Two statistics from the survey: Those who nominally identify as Christians in America  are 63%, down from 90% in the early 1990’s.  Second, “Among generation Z, however, the pattern has flipped (regarding men and women leaving their childhood faith): 54% of those who’d left the church are female. Meanwhile, nearly four in 10 Gen Z women identify as religious unaffiliated, compared to a third of Gen Z males. Continue reading “Women Leaving the Church” →

We are to become Christians because of the nature and consequence of sin; because of who Christ is; because of the certainty of death and judgment; and because of the benefits to our lives, both here and in eternity!

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A discussion of the book of Ezra, giving an overview, and examining several points of importance suggested by the book.

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Our lesson discusses the text of Romans 12. where Paul begs the Romans to be effective, living sacrifices. Verses 3-21 details this can be accomplished.

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A discussion of “choosing” and “predestination” using 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 as the primary text, with references to Ephesians 1.

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Marriages can look very different. This is because each union is between unique personalities. You have heard that opposites attract. That is true for some. Others are comforted by common proclivities or interests. Some are loud, some are quiet. Some are voluble, some are taciturn. Some may exhibit great passion, where the emotions of others resemble a placid body of water.

These differences have little to do with the success or failure of any marriage. Likewise, it does not determine the effectiveness of parenting.  None of this is “one size fits all,” and those who so claim need to be carefully examined before any advice is accepted and implemented. Continue reading “A Good Marriage” →

Paul appreciated the Philippians greatly.  Here in this text is the caveat he expressed. His great appreciation was contingent “only” with their continued “conduct” being “worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

There needed to be unity, standing fast “in one spirit, with one mind.” There needed to be effort, “striving together” for the gospel.  There needed to be courage in the face of their opponents, here probably referring to non-Christian Gentiles, as Philippi was a Roman city.

Consider of what these things were proof. First that the Christian’s lack of fear showed their understanding that God was with them.  It would indicate to the pagans surrounding them that perdition (ruin) followed those who opposed God, but that salvation from the one true God would be granted  to the brethren in Philippi.  Great conviction creates doubt in the mind of the enemy!

Yes, we will suffer, but in the end is glory! (cf. Matthew 10:28).

In 2 Corinthians 3, the apostle Paul discussed his reputation toward the Corinthians.  They knew him well, having received letters and strong teaching from him in the past. So, he did not need to introduce himself to them in an attempt by reputation to make his letters more influential to their faith. First, he stated in verse one to have no need to “commend” himself to them. They knew his authority and the truthfulness of his words to them. Continue reading “An Epistle of Christ” →

In Ruth 2, Boaz came upon Ruth, and found out who she was. He encouraged her to stay nearby, promising protection, food and drink. He was a good man, and his mercy toward Ruth was commendable.

But Ruth, a stranger to the country, had a hard time understanding why he would be so kind to her, so she asked, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” (2:10).

Listen to the answer Boaz gave, “It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before. The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge” (2:11-12 ).

Ruth’s kindness was rewarded by  Boaz with kindness returned. This does not always happen, but rest assured that good and decent people respond well to kindness on our part! And, more importantly, remember that if your kindness is not well received by men, it is nevertheless seen and accepted by God!

“But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High…” (Luke 6:35).

Paul wrote a test in 1 Timothy 2 that is no doubt familiar to many:

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-4 ).

The passage establishes several truths.  First, we are to pray for others.  These prayers are divided up into supplications (asking God to fill a need), intercessions (petitions made on behalf of), and giving of thanks (thanking God for the express blessings that come from any particular individual). Continue reading “God’s Pleasure in Our Prayers” →