Mining the Scriptures: 2 Thessalonians 2:5-12
Our text gives more details concerning the “son of perdition” (3) whose coming predated the final day of judgment. While the passage is a difficult one, the previous teaching that Paul had given to the Thessalonians when he was with them (5) would have made it clearer to them.
For us, it is important to note that the day of the Lord hadn’t come because the “son of perdition” had not yet been revealed. This individual, whoever he was, was to be defeated before the day of judgment. Up to that point, something (we do not know exactly what) had been holding back the revelation of the “son of perdition.” It has been suggested that some power (maybe God, maybe Satan) has held him back, but when revealed, God would defeat him.
Regardless, he would deceive many before his fall. This is the reason Paul wrote his letter. He wanted warn of the danger, and dispossess some of the view that the day of the Lord had come. He was successful on both counts.
Solomon and Modern Criticism
The text of 2 Chronicles 1:11-17 gives the Biblical view of the glory of Solomon’s reign in Israel. The son of David, and the last king to reign over a united Israel, was rich. We are told “he made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as sone, and he made cedars as abundant as the sycamores which are in the lowland” (15). He was powerful. He had 1,400 chariots, 12,000 horsemen. His fame went forth over the world at that time. The queen of Sheba visited him, enthralled by his reputation. She said, “It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. However I did not believe their words until I came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told me. You exceed the fame of which I heard” (2 Chronicles 9:5-6). Continue reading “Solomon and Modern Criticism”
Universal Judgment
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
A concise verse, establishing several important truths:
- Judgment is universal. It says “we must all appear before the judgment seat. The word “all” is inclusive. No one will escape judgment.
- Christ is the judge. We are thankful that the one who “died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us” (Romans 8:34) is the one who judges us.
- We will receive at judgment exactly what we deserve. “whether good or bad.”
- The judgment has a standard by which we will be judged. “The things done in the body.”
Finally, Paul writes of the consequence of these truths found in this verse. Our purpose should be His. We should make it our aim “to be well pleasing to him” (9). It makes no sense to offend the one who is our judge. Our primary purpose in life it to please Him. Because we know the “terror of the Lord” we do as He desires. His desire is that we persuade men, cf. Mark 16:15; Romans 1:15.
Seek to please Him in your life. It matters!
Sermon: Are You Carnal?
The flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh. You should have a spiritual mindset. Are you instead carnally minded? How do you fix this?
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How the World Identifies Me
Christians in our world are often identified as hateful and prejudiced. But, false accusation were raised to Christians in the first century. And even to Jesus Himself.
The Peril of Adultery
This past week I taught six elderly ladies the 5th chapter of Proverbs. While the truths are important, and they appreciated the hour of study, the lessons are of greater importance to the young, so I share them with you here. Also, with our society changing so clearly and quickly, the truths are important and applicable in other ways.
The book of Proverbs is a book of wisdom. A father is teaching his son its importance, so that he will avoid conflicts and errors in his life. He wrote in verse 1-2, “My son, pay attention to my wisdom; lend your ear to my understanding, that you may preserve discretion, and your lips may keep knowledge” (Proverbs 5:1-2). This is the universal plea of fathers to their sons. Listen to what I say so that you don’t make mistakes. Those mistakes are often mistakes the father has already made. Continue reading “The Peril of Adultery”
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10
Our text brings to mind the common saying, “A picture is worth a 1,000 words. In verse 8 of the passage, Paul affirms that their example had traveled far and wide, so that “we do not need to say anything.”
It is indeed powerful to note that the Thessalonians had turned away from serving idols, and embraced God due to the preaching they had received from Paul. They had readily received him and the gospel (though not all did, cf. Acts 17). They were content to bear their burden until the coming of the Lord.
This is something we all need to emulate. A good example is of great importance, as is steadfastness. God has promised, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12). Remember that the world (and the Lord) are watching. We have spent enough time living as the Gentiles (1 Peter 4:3). Now we are to glorify God in our life (Matthew 5:16).
The Example of Those in Thessalonica
There is a section of Paul’s first letter to Thessalonica where he praises their faith and example to others. It is found in the latter part of the first chapter, and is an interesting read. “For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe” (1 Thessalonians 1:5-7). Consider some truths found in the text. Continue reading “The Example of Those in Thessalonica”
Sermon: Lust, Marriage and Divorce
A lesson discussing an aspect of the radical teaching Jesus taught in His sermon on the mount. This section covers Matthew 5:27-32.
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Sermon: Paul and the Gospel
A discussion of 1 Corinthians 9, the value of the gospel of Christ to the Apostle Paul.
Sermon: Beware of False Prophets
Josh Cox preacher. A discussion of Matthew 7:15-20
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Sermon: Who Wanted a King?
The People of Israel were unhappy, and wanted a king like the nations around them. God has foreknowledge, and an ability to use men for his purposes. (1 Samuel 8:1-ff).
Mining the Scriptures: Colossians 1:19-20
It pleased the Father. This truth radiates throughout the scriptures. God’s intent, and pleasure in redeeming man through Jesus Christ. Paul wrote that it was in His mind since before time began, cf. Ephesians 1:4. So, when it happened, the Father was pleased. He said as much in Matthew 17:5, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”
It is in Jesus that all “the fullness should dwell” (19). In this context is has reference to the preeminence of Christ. He fulfilled the Father’s intent in redemption. He is the Lord. He is the Savior. He is the “word” that became flesh (John 1:14) and created all. As verse 20 of our text states, Jesus is the one who reconciles all things to the Father, “whether things on earth or things in heaven.” Jesus accomplished this by shedding His blood on the cross of Calvary.
This is the proper answer to any ecumenical tendency. It is not what we think or wish. It is what pleased God the Father. And it pleased Him to reconcile all things through His Son.
The Exhortations of Paul
Paul recognized that the acceptance of his exhortation was in part dependent upon acceptance of his person. He told the Thessalonians, “For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit” (1 Thessalonians 2:3). Walton Weaver in his commentary on this book I think had it right when he said that this verse in Paul’s writing had to do with motive. He basically states that he was not deceived (teaching error) nor did he seek to deceive. In addition he had no unclean motives in his teaching.
Paul was given his apostleship by God (cf. 2:4). He did not seek to please men, only God. So, the Thessalonians could accept and regard his teaching as pure.
Note that Paul stated this to make his exhortations effective, that they would be accepted by his readers. However, it is incumbent upon a child of God to accept exhortation, admonition or criticism regardless of who gives it, or their motivation.
When anyone speaks to us, our first and most important question should be, is what they sat valid? Regardless of motivation, slant, or personal integrity, is the criticism or exhortation just? If so, it should be accepted because our desire is only to be right!
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17).
Sermon: The Mystery Revealed
What do the words mystery and revelation entail? A discussion of the text of Colossians 1:24-29.
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