Hebrews 1-3 Sharing In Christ, If...

TMS Matthew 6:33 What Are Your Priorities in Life?

Mt 6:33 “31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

33 But seek first the kingdom of God

and His righteousness,

and all these things

shall be added to you.

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Observations: Mt 6:33 Instead of worrying about the trivial needs of this temporal existence, we should be trusting God for our daily bread, and be pursuing the eternal rewards God has awaiting believers in the future. The Sermon on the Mount is about how to get blessed in the Millennial Kingdom of the Messiah (see comments on Mt 5-7 if you aren't totally convinced of that). Seeking first the kingdom is to seek our blessing/reward in His kingdom, by embodying His righteousness (which He requires of us). It is not something we automatically get, otherwise we would not be told to seek it. If we focus on pleasing God, by doing what He said (like this verse), He will focus on meeting our needs. He knows that we need the things which we're tempted to get anxious about, and has abundant resources to meet them. There will always be the daily temptation to worry about what has to be done, but God gives daily strength and grace to do all He wants us to do each day. So if we're trusting Him to do that, we can concern ourselves with our Heavenly Father's business.

Application: How are you seeking first (as in top priority) God's kingdom and righteousness? Putting quality time into DailyTruthbase, morning and evening, might be a good start.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You that You know my needs, and can do a far better job of meeting them than I can; thanks that I can trust You to meet them; please guide me in doing what You want me to do with the life You've entrusted to me. Amen.

Hebrews The unnamed author of Hebrews writes to Jewish believers who were being pressured to return to Judaism. He shows them that what they have in Christ is superior to what they had previously, and warns them that they will lose out on blessing if they abandon their hope in the promises of Christ, and fail to progress to maturity. It's not about losing justification/forgiveness but losing out on glory/reward. He builds to a climax in chapter 10 and exhorts them to continue in faith, hope, and love, and then chiastically expands on faith in chapter 11, hope in chapter, 12, and love in chapter 13.

Hebrews 1 Final Revelation and Future Ruler

1:1 God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds. 3 His Son is the radiance of His glory, the very image of His substance, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself made purification for our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they have. 5 For to which of the angels did He say at any time, "You are my Son. Today have I become your father?" and again, "I will be to him a Father, and  He will be to me a Son?" 6 Again, when He brings in the firstborn into the world he says, "Let all the angels of God worship him." 7 Of the angels He says, "Who makes His angels winds, and His servants a flame of fire."

8 But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your fellows."

10 And, "You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the works of Your hands. 11 They will perish, but You continue. They all will grow old like a garment does. 12 As a mantle,  You will roll them up, and they will be changed; but You are the same. Your years will not fail." 13 But which of the angels has He told at any time, "Sit at My right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet?" 14 Aren’t they all serving spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?

Observations: 1:1-3 Unlike Paul's epistles, there is not formal greeting and introduction. The author jumps right into showing that Christ is superior to the OT law, which was given through many prophets, in contrast to Christianity which was communicated through the final revelation of God, His Son Jesus. Jesus is not just a prophet, but as Son, is the heir of all things, and also the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. The world holds together (as in electrons and planets don't spin out of orbit), by the word of His power. He is the radiance and revelation of the very image of God. Not only that, He is the One who alone made purification for our sins, and now is seated at the right hand of God. In an Ancient Near East victory banquet, the position of honor was at the right hand of the Emperor, where the future ruler of the conquered territory sat. Jesus finished His prophetic and priestly work and was now awaiting the timing of His role as King.

1:4-9 Christ is also superior to the angels (the ones the Jews considered mediators of the law) because He inherited a superior name/reputation/glory to them. Not only is He a son (in Suzerain-Vassal treaties, the greater power was called Father, and the one with whom he had a covenantal relationship was called Son), but the angels were to worship Him. Angels are servants before the throne of God, but Jesus sits on the throne, bearing the scepter of righteousness. Verses 8-9 are the chiastic center of the structure that goes to 2:4. Because He loved righteousness and hated iniquity, God anointed Him (“anointed” = “Messiah” in Hebrew; “Christ” in Greek) as King with the oil of joy/gladness (12:2), with/beside His companions (3:1, 14). Both joy and companions (partners/sharers) will be important later in the book. The latter are those who share in His reign, and the joy is that of being King with His faithful companions. Jesus received His Messianic Kingship because of His character, expressed in loving what is good and hating evil (which is similar to the basis of our reward as well).

1:10-14 Jesus' superiority is seen in His role as eternal Creator, who not only created the heavens and earth, but endures beyond them. Angels are not seated at the right hand of God, but are the servants of those who shall be heirs of salvation (a reference to glorification of faithful companions of the Messiah).

Application: Jesus was exalted because He hated wickedness and loved righteousness; we should do the same.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks that You have given Jesus as our Savior, and example, exalting Him to glory; may I never be tempted to abandon Him and go back to the way I was. Amen.

Hebrews 2 Don't Drift Nor Disobey

2:1 Therefore we ought to pay greater attention to the things that were heard, lest perhaps we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense; 3 how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation—which at the first having been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard; 4 God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, by various works of power, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will?

5 For he didn’t subject the world to come, of which we speak, to angels. 6 But one has somewhere testified, saying, "What is man, that you think of him? Or the son of man, that you care for him? 7 You made him a little lower than the angels. You crowned him with glory and honor. 8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet." For in that he subjected all things to him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we don’t see all things subjected to him, yet. 9 But we see him who has been made a little lower than the angels, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for everyone.

10 For it was fitting for him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many son's to glory, to make the author/captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying, "I will declare your name to my brothers. In the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise." 13 Again, "I will put my trust in him." Again, "Behold, here I am with the children whom God has given me."

14 Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in the same way partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For most certainly, he doesn’t give help to angels, but he gives help to the seed of Abraham. 17 Therefore he was obligated in all things to be made like his brothers, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

Observations: 2:1-4 In light of the fact that Jesus is the final revelation of God, and the future ruler of the world to come, believers need to give more careful attention to the message they heard regarding Him, lest they drift on by the destination God has planned for the men. This is the first of five warning passages in Hebrews, all addressed to the same audience (Jewish believers in Christ), warning them against failing to continue to follow Christ as revealed. The consequence was not loss of justification/forgiveness The word "drift" is used of a ship going with the flow of the current and missing its port or harbor. Believers who aren't careful to know and do God's revealed will for them, will miss the destination God has planned for them (cf Eph 1 - companionship with the Messiah; clearly conditional in Hebrews 3). The reason the author gives for paying careful attention is that the OT spoken by angels was binding, and every infraction received a just payback (only used in NT in 10:35 and 11:26 of reward), therefore those who would neglect the greater message given by someone greater than the angels would receive a greater punishment. As the author says, how would they escape (used in Rom 2:3 of sinning believers not escaping the judgment of God; and in Lk 21:33-36 of watchful believers escaping judgment) the neglect of such a great salvation (glorification, not justification). The salvation of the Messianic Age (which would reverse the effects of the Fall in returning people to glory) was first spoken of by the Lord (Lk 22-28-30)

Luke 22:28 "But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. 29 And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

Then the message was confirmed/authenticated to the audience by those (apostles) who originally heard it, with signs and wonders and the giving of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This would be another argument against Pauline authorship (besides the lack of Paul's typical introduction), since the message was not confirmed to him by the other apostles, but by Jesus Himself.

2:5-9 God didn't subject the world to come, of which the author is speaking, to angels. It should be obvious that this is the Messianic Age, which starts when Christ returns to resurrect His own and reign until all enemies, will be but under His feet. The last enemy is death, so there will be a period of rule between His return and the time death is destroyed. See comments on Ephesians 1:22.

1Corinthians 15:22 “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming. 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.”

The author quotes Psalm 8, applying it to the exalted Son of Man (Dan 7:10-14) who takes up His rule after the Tribulation. Everything is subject to Him, but we don't see it yet. In the USA, a president and other officials are selected in November, when they win the election, but do not actually take office and begin to “rule” until January, to provide for an orderly transfer of power. Christ “won” at the cross, but has not yet begun to reign (1Pt 5:8; Rev 11:15). What we see instead of all things being subjected to Him in glory, is the means by which He gained glory, which is the example for us. He is crowned with glory and honor because He suffered to do the Father's will in dying for the sins of everyone/all (as in the world - Jn 3:16; so much for limited atonement).

2:10-18 It was appropriate/fitting for Jesus to be perfected, brought to the end goal, by suffering. “Perfected” is an important concept in Hebrews (5:9; 7:19, 28; 9:9;10:1, 14; 11:40; 12:23) indicating the end goal of the process of life. Jesus is the Pioneer or Captain of our salvation, who goes before us in the path we must follow. The word can also mean “author” as in Acts 3:14; 5:31; and even Heb 12:2, but the idea of a leader whom we follow fits this context best.

Hebrews 5:8 “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation (glorification) to all who obey Him”

Note that God's purpose, after having Jesus death for all, is to bring many sons to glory. This is the chiastic center of 2:5-16. The path to glory involves suffering. (No pain; no gain.) Jesus who sanctifies (makes holy -Heb 13:12), and those who are sanctified, are ek one Father, therefore Jesus isn't ashamed to call mere but holy mortals His brothers. The author quotes Psalm 22:22 which is just after the hinge verse of the psalm where God saves the sufferer.

Since the children had flesh, Jesus took on flesh to die in their place, and destroy the power of the devil, who through fear of death enslaved people to do his will. Jesus wants to deliver all from bondage to sin and death into the glorious liberty of the sons of God (Rom 8:21). Jesus doesn't give help to angels but those who are the offspring of Abraham (by faith). Jesus was made like His brothers in all things so that He can be a faithful high priest, not only in making atonement, but in helping those who are tempted to be victorious over sin.

Application: Jesus wants to help us win the victory over sin and the devil, and lead us to share in His glory.

Prayer: Oh Captain of my salvation, may I loyally follow You, through whatever pain and suffering You deem best, in faith and faithfulness, to glory. Amen.

Hebrews 3 Sharing is Conditional

3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Jesus; 2 who was faithful to him who appointed him, as also was Moses in all his house. 3 For he has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who built the house has more honor than the house. 4 For every house is built by someone; but he who built all things is God. 5 Moses indeed was faithful in all his house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were afterward to be spoken, 6 but Christ is faithful as a Son over his house; whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the rejoicing of our hope firm to the end.

7 Therefore, even as the Holy Spirit says, "Today if you will hear his voice, 8 don’t harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, like as in the day of the trial in the wilderness, 9 where your fathers tested me by proving me, and saw my works for forty years. 10 Therefore I was displeased with that generation, and said, ‘They always err in their heart, but they didn’t know my ways’; 11 as I swore in my wrath, ‘They will not enter into my rest.’" 12 Beware, brothers, lest perhaps there be in any one of you an evil heart of unfaithfulness, in falling away from the living God; 13 but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called "today"; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm to the end: 15 while it is said, "Today if you will hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts, as in the rebellion." 16 For who, when they heard, rebelled? No, didn’t all those who came out of Egypt by Moses? 17 With whom was he displeased forty years? Wasn’t it with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18 To whom did he swear that they wouldn’t enter into his rest, but to those who were disobedient? 19 We see that they were not able to enter in because of unfaithfulness.

Observations: 3:1-6 In light of Jesus being the final revelation of God, and the future ruler of the world to come, who leads His faithful brothers to share/partake in His glory, through suffering, the author exhorts his audience to consider Jesus. The specific aspect the holy brothers/sisters are to consider is that His faithfulness resulted in His glory. Contrasted with Moses, Jesus is worthy of more glory than Moses, as both the builder and ruler of the house (dynasty). Thus the initial audience shouldn't go back to the law and Moses, but follow Jesus instead. We will share in His house/rule if (conditional) we hold fast our moral confidence and rejoicing sourced in our hope (and consequent faithfulness), firm, without wavering, until the end. This does not mean our sins aren't forgiven, if we waver, but that our glory will be in doubt if we disbelieve. Just like most who were redeemed from Egypt (parallel to justification) didn't make it into the blessings of the Promised Land (parallel to glorification; see comments on 1Cor 10 if you have any doubt of this).

3:7-17 In light of the fact that those who aren't loyal aren't sharers in the rule of Christ, the author exhorts the NT audience to not be like those in the OT, who failed to obey God's revelation, but instead hardened themselves against Him (Psalm 95). See the sermon on Roman 9 (last post and on DailyTruthbase.net) where it is shown that people sin because they harden their own heart against God. He sometimes fixes them in their decision to  display His glory and justice in judging them, but He doesn't force them to sin. The Exodus generation didn't continue to trust and obey God, and therefore missed out on His rest, which was blessing in the Promised Land. Not knowing His ways (law) and erring in their heart (making their decisions according to what pleased their unsanctified desires rather what pleased God) caused God to be displeased with them, and deprive them of the blessings He had planned (land flowing with milk and honey) when He delivered them from Egypt. NT believers are exhorted to watch out for themselves and each other, so no believer develops an evil heart of unfaithfulness (just like the Exodus generation), in departing from following the living God. NT believers should encourage each other daily, so none in their midst will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. It isn't God who makes our hearts hard and insensitive towards doing His will, it is our choice to embrace sin which causes the callus to form over our conscience, to the point where we insanely rebel against God. Those who rebelled against God's word were those who had placed their faith in God and Moses when they were redeemed from Egypt (Ex 14:31) and had been baptized into Christ and partook of Him (1Cor 10). Those who say believers don't or can't sin are deceived and deluded. Forgiven, justified, Spirit “indwelt” believers in Christ will only share in His future Millennial blessings if (conditional) they hold fast their moral confidence without wavering. Those who sinned in the OT were disciplined by loss of inheritance/reward. The disobedient in the NT will face the same discipline. There is no other way to read the verses. The translation of “unbelief” instead of unfaithfulness slightly obscures the meaning in some versions, but the parallel with the nation of Israel makes it clear, unfaithful believers will lose out on God's promised blessings. The Promised Land, where Israel would have enjoyed the earthly blessings of God, is not to be equated with heaven or the eternal state, but rather with the Kingdom the Lord Jesus will set up on earth in fulfillment of God's OT and NT promises.

Application: God designed the fellowship of believers to encourage one another to persevere in holiness for their future rest/reward or glory, especially in keeping each other from being deceived and hardened against God by sin. When was the last time you encouraged someone to not sin?

Prayer: God thanks for the promise of Your blessing, the examples of the OT and the encouragement of faithful saints in NT times; may I be faithful to follow You, and help others do the same. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God communicated through His prophets in the past, but has now finalized His revelation in His Son. He has exalted Christ because of His obedience in loving righteousness and hating wickedness. God has put everything under Christ, but that is not yet seen here on earth.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is superior to anything and everything in Judaism, and therefore should be followed to glory. He was exalted because of His obedience, and shares His glory and reign with companions who are faithful to Him. He not only died for all people but is leading many sons to glory, though the path of suffering. He will return to rule and reward.

Us in a nutshell: We who believe in Christ must faithfully follow Him if we would share in His glory. Those who depart from doing so will suffer disinheritance because of their disobedience and unfaithfulness, just like the Exodus generation did. We have the responsibility to watch out, not only for ourselves, but for each other was well. Our future rest is our reward in heaven, until get there, we should run to win.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

2 Timothy 3-4 Keeping the Faith

2 Timothy 3-4 Keeping the Faith

Bill Blurb: If you've been finding DailyTruthbase helpful, follow 2 Timothy 2:2 and pass it on to others (make it a monthly goal to get another person reading the Scriptures daily). Have them start in Genesis 1:1 and ask them what they're reading weekly.

Note on the text in DTB. In the OT, I edited out the text people tend to get bogged down in, and included it at the end of the post. In the NT all the text is included, but edited to reflect the meaning where the translators missed the context or argument. I underline the words in the text to teach folks how to read and note what is important and emphasized. A basic Bible Study skill is to read in multiple versions to highlight differences, which will underscore difficulties in interpretation. So do read the text carefully, since I sometimes clarify concepts and structure in it which I don't mention in the observations.

Don't just keep the faith, pass it on.

TMS Hebrews 2:18 Help Is Only A Prayer Away

Heb 2:18 “17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted,

He is able to aid those who are tempted.”

Observations: 2:18 The author of Hebrews demonstrates the superiority of what believers have in Christ, compared to what they had in Judaism. Jesus, as our faithful High Priest, knows what we go though, because He was tempted in all the ways we are: power (security/significance), pleasure, possessions, etc., yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Therefore He is able to help us if we seek Him and His grace to live victoriously.

Application: We can always ask Jesus for help to overcome temptation, and if we fail to do that, we can ask him for forgiveness, but He'd rather give the help.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thanks for dying for me, and for Your desire and offer to empower me to live victoriously; may I seek Your help in my every need. Amen.

2 Timothy 3-4 In the end of the last chapter Paul warned Timothy against those in the church who would oppose him (being taken captive by Satan to do his will). In these chapters he warns Timothy against those who would ignore him (and God's word) foolishly following Satan's decoys rather than finding delight in God. Paul encourages Timothy to endure the opposition and do the job for which God put him on earth and commissioned him: to proclaim the inspired word to those believers who didn't want to hear it, and were thus disqualified from their reward. Paul looked forward to his reward in the future kingdom, as should all mature, God-serving believers.

2 Timothy 3 Iniquity and Inspiration

3:1 But know this, that in the last days, grievous times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 without natural affection, truce breakers, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; 5 holding a form of godliness, but denying its power. Turn away from these, also.

6 For some of these are people who creep into houses, and take captive gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Even as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so do these also oppose the truth; men corrupted in mind, who concerning the faith, are rejected. 9 But they will proceed no further. For their folly will be evident to all men, as theirs also came to be.

10 But you did follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, steadfastness, 11 persecutions, and sufferings: those things that happened to me at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. I endured those persecutions. Out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you remain/abide in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them.

15 From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Observations: 3:1-9 Paul tells Timothy to expect that the world won't get better and better, but in reality will get worse. People will be:

• self-centered rather than other centered,
• materialistic rather than spiritual,
• boastful rather than humble,
• arrogant rather than serving,
• abusive revilers rather than edifying speakers,
• disobedient to parents rather than honoring them,
• ungrateful complainers rather than thankful praisers,
• unholy rather than sanctified and godly,
• friendless rather than enjoying healthy relationships,
• covenant breakers rather than keepers of their word,
• bitter and vengeful rather than forgiving,
• slanderers rather than truth speakers,
• lacking self-control rather than disciplined,
• fierce/savage rather than civilized/kind,
• despisers rather than lovers of what is good,
• traitors rather than loyal,
• headstrong rather than prudent,
• blinded by pride rather than wise,
• lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.

And these folks are in the church, “serving” on staff, on boards, in the choir, teaching, etc., having an outward form of ritual godliness, but inwardly denying/disregarding the power of God to transform their lives. From such Timothy is to turn away. They are false teachers and leaders, gaining influence over unsanctified people who lack discernment, particularly silly women, who are among those always learning yet never able to arrive at experiential knowledge of the truth (godliness). Their head knowledge never quite made it into their heart and the rest of their lives. This is an equal indictment of both men and women. According to rabbinic tradition, Jan and Jam are the names of Pharaoh's magicians who drew on the dark arts of the devil to oppose Moses. Similarly the folks described above also oppose the truth, since they are corrupted in their thinking/minds, because they have embraced false teaching/theology of men/Satan, rather than the truth reveled by the Holy Spirit. As a result of their opposition to truth, they are not approved (rejected) concerning the faith (the belief in the promises of God which result in reward). This applies to believers, for they are in the church, influencing others, and in opposition to Timothy (Paul wouldn't have to warn him to withdraw from pagans who were teaching in the church). The word for “rejected/not approved” (Strong's #96) is always used of forgiven believers, who don't qualify for glory (see contexts of: Romans 1:28; 2 Corinthians 13:5, 7; Titus 1:16; Hebrews 6:8). Paul even considered the fate of being rejected from reward could apply to himself if he didn't exercise constant vigilance and self-control (1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Corinthians 13:6 - "reprobate" in KJV). The noun without the negating prefix (approved - Strong's #1384) is used of those who have endured purifying trails and are on target to be rewarded (Romans 14:18; 16:10; 1 Corinthians 11:19; 2 Corinthians 10:18; 13:7; 2 Timothy 2:15)

James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love Him.”

Those who insist on thinking otherwise, contrary to the facts, might want to reconsider why they think as they do, and correct their thinking back in line with the Scriptures before it's too late. Paul says that the folly of the false teachers would be exposed and evident to all just like that of Jan and Jam was (Exodus 7:12; 8:18; 9:11). This could happen in the present or at the return of Christ (1 Timothy 5:24). The Exodus context would argue for the present age, but the future judgment is more in line with the context of 2 Timothy (4:1) and usages of the contexts of “approved” or “disapproved.”

3:10-14 In contrast to those above, who had been corrupted from the truth by the deceiving lies of Satan (3:13), Timothy should embrace the truth he learned from Paul. Timothy fully understands (present tense of a verb that means to follow alongside as a disciple and thus have full knowledge) Paul's teaching, lifestyle, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance in the midst of persecutions and afflictions. Paul, who had been beaten, and stoned, says that the Lord delivered him out of them all (cf Psalms 22:21). Apparently the bruises didn't bother him that much, because they go with the territory. All who will/desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (cross-stitch that promise on a pillow). If you're swimming upstream, you're bound to encounter some flotsam drifting downstream with the flow. Evil men/women and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving others and being deceived by Satan. They will be the source of most opposition and persecution.

If we endure, God will deliver.

Paul charges Timothy to abide in what he has learned from Paul and been persuaded of because he knows the character of Paul, and the consequences of his teaching in his life.

3:15-17 Paul reminds Timothy that from his youth he has known the (OT) Scriptures, which have power to make him wise with respect to the salvation which is in Christ Jesus. Don't miss the applicability of the OT Scriptures to our walk with Christ. The aspect of salvation in view is that of glorification (approved/disapproved). The OT repeatedly teaches redeemed believers to be careful to do what is right in God's sight (righteousness) so they can be blessed (protected and prospered). Paul then tells him that all Scripture is God-breathed (inspired) and thus profitable (both temporally -how to live this life, and eternally -how to get rewarded in the next life - 4:1-8). The four spheres where the Scriptures are temporally profitable are:

• teaching/doctrine – marking out the path God wants us to take;
• reproof – showing us where we're off the path;
• correction – how to get back on the path;
• training in righteousness – how to stay on the path when you're tempted to wander or quit.

This is a great pattern for a quiet time, observing God's word for these four things, and then responding in obedience and prayer (response to revelation = worship). This is one of the 7 Passages in the sidebar, that you need to own, so you can pass it on to others. There are lots more observations and applications in the study in the sidebar. Learn it, live it, and then love others with it. The purpose of the Scriptures being profitable in the above areas is so that the man of God (OT term for prophet) can have all they need for every good work. The word for perfect or complete is used only here in the NT and comes from a root that means fitted, which Paul elaborates as completely furnished or supplied for every good work (the means of gaining glory - Ephesians 2:10 the first of the 7 Passages). The specific good works Timothy needs to do are delineated in the next chapter.

Application: God's word equips us with all we need to resist evil and do good, therefore we need to be guided by it every day on our path to glory.

Prayer: God, I praise You for breathing life into me and Your words; may I incorporate their power and wisdom into my life as I do the good works for which You created me. Thanks. Amen.

2 Timothy 4 Teaching and Triumph

4:1 "I command you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom: 2 preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts; 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables.

5 But you be sober/sound-minded in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry. 6 For I am ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. 8 From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved His appearing.

9 Be diligent to come to me soon, 10 for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with you, for he is profitable to me for ministry. 12 But I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 Bring the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus when you come, and the books, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander, the coppersmith, did much evil to me. The Lord will repay him according to his works, 15 of whom you also must beware; for He greatly opposed our words.

16 At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me, that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will save/preserve me for His heavenly Kingdom; to Whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus at Miletus sick. 21 Be diligent to come before winter. Eubulus salutes you, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers. 22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen."

Observations: 4:1 In light of the Scriptures being God's words (breath), profitable, and all one needs to do His will, Paul charges Timothy to use them to do His work. The charge is made in light of the judgment of the Lord Jesus, the Messiah, who will appear and set up His Kingdom (still future).

4:2-4 The task for which Timothy needs such a solemn charge is to tell evil and potentially verbally violent church people (those described ) what they don't want to hear. Paul commands Timothy to preach the word (of God), regardless of whether people are receptive (in season) or rejective (out of season). He is to use the word to highlight (reprove = bring to light) sin or lack of conformity to God's will; to rebuke (spell out the consequences to sinning believers), and exhort/encourage (call them to do the right thing which he models). The reason this will require lots of patience (long suffering) and instruction is because the time will come (and is already here) when people won't bear with nor listen to sound/healthy teaching/doctrine but will gather heaps of teachers who will tickle their ears, and tell them what they want to hear, keeping them comfortable in the sin and lack of victory (worms vs. butterflies - see comments on Romans 12:1-2, another of the 7 Passages). The people will turn away their ears from the truth and want to hear fables and stories that don't expose their evil ambitions, lusts, and behaviors. Believers who fail to pursue God's truth will delude themselves, (and be deceived by Satan) into thinking they are doing or can't do God's will, and that such rebellion is fine. When Christ returns, they will receive a rude awakening unless they respond to the wake-up call of truth (Ephesians 5:14).

4:5-8 So Paul reminds Timothy to be sound-minded in all things (life governed by objectives rather than emotions/passions), to suffer hardship/endure afflictions, and do his job of proclaiming the good news of the Messiah: He's coming back to judge and reward His faithful servants and discipline those who aren't. The reminder to fulfill the ministry Timothy received from the Lord via the hands of Paul is all the more poignant in light of Paul impending martyrdom. In facing his departure from earth he can say:

• he has fought the good fight (also used of competing in athletic games);
• he has finished the course; (perfect tense, of fulfilling a commission);
• he has kept the faith (he has observed or attended to carefully the promises of God);
• he will be rewarded.

He knows that the the Lord, being a righteous judge will give him, on Judgment Day, the reward he has laid up in heaven by his actions on earth (cf 1 Peter 1). The reward is described a crown or rulership in the Kingdom, which comes from his righteousness on earth (being careful to do what is right in God's sight). The Lord will not only give Paul his due, but will reward all those who have loved (sacrificed themselves for continually - perfect tense), the prospect of His appearing in glory to rule over the Millennial Kingdom (cf 4:1). Some of the judgments of Christ will have their consequences for a thousand years in the Messiah's Kingdom.

4:9-15 Paul is anxious for the companionship of Timothy during his last days on earth, because everyone has left him, but Luke. Demas forsook him for the deceiving delights of this temporal world, a really bad trade. He gave up the incorruptible delights of eternity for the passing pleasures of sin which are subject to the laws of diminishing returns, and decay. He should have given up that which he couldn't keep, for that which he couldn't lose. On a brighter note, Paul recognized the benefit of Mark for ministry (probably the John-Mark over whose faithfulness Paul and Barnabas split in Acts 15:39). He asks for the cloak and books, especially the parchments. These can't be identified with precision. He warns Timothy against Alexander who greatly opposed the truth and did much evil. He reminds Timothy not to seek vengeance, because the Lord will repay him.

4:16-22 At his first defense/apologia at his trial, no one stood with him, except the Lord, who strengthened him, so that the message might be fully heard, and the commission of Christ discharged. God is always by our side to strengthen and help us as we do His will. People are fallible, and will frequently fail us, so while it is nice to have fellow-laborers and companions, our hope and help must ultimately be in Christ alone. As a result of the Lord empowering him, all the Gentiles (in Rome and beyond) heard the good news of Christ. He confidently expected that God would continue to deliver him from every evil attack. Nevertheless, servants of God are not immortal (yet), just impervious to destruction until their job here on earth is done. Paul says that God will save/preserve him for/eis His heavenly Kingdom. He was even delivered from the mouth of a surprised and hungry lion. Roman citizens were not subject to being cat food in the Colosseum, so it is possibly a veiled reference to Nero (who was called a lion by Seneca) or Satan (1 Peter 5:8, in which case “lion” would have the definite article in front of it, and it doesn't). Note that the heavenly Kingdom is still future (cf Luke 17:21). Paul gives greeting to Priscilla and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus, honorable saints of the Lord. Note that the miracle working, sick healing and dead resurrecting apostle left Trophimus at Miletus sick. Those who think they must claim physical healing in the atonement might benefit by thinking again. Paul requests that Timothy come before winter (with the cloak). All the brothers salute/greet Timothy, and Paul prays the Lord Jesus would be with Timothy's spirit (cf 1:7) and that the empowerment and covenantal blessing of grace would be his.

Application: Those who love Christ's appearing, and want to look forward to their reward, must learn and faithfully carry out God's will for them.

Prayer: Lord, I praise You for Your word, and the wisdom You give through it; thanks for Your presence and the strength You give; may I draw upon Your grace to do Your will for my life. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God breathed His words into the Scripture so we would have truth profitable for our lives and ministry.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is the future judge who will appear to reward faithful believers, and disqualify the unfaithful. He strengthens His servants to accomplish His purposes for them, and then takes them home to glory.

Us in a nutshell: All who purpose to live doing what Christ desires will experience persecution from men and praise from God. Many believers on the broad and easy road to destruction will not want to hear truth, but will find teachers who tell them what they want to hear (that they're OK living to please themselves rather than Christ). Justification is given by faith; Glorification is gotten by faithful works.

Where to Go for More:

www.Truthbase.net

1 Thessalonians 1-3 Joy and Crown

1 Thessalonians 1-3 Joy and Crown

TMS Lamentations 3:22-23 Hope in His Hesed

Lam 3:22-23 “21 This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope.

22 Through the LORD's hesed 
we are not consumed,

because His compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness.

24 "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!" 25 The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. 26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.“

Observations: 3:22-23 We all make mistakes; some make more and bigger mistakes than others, with greater consequences. Lamentations tells us how to respond to stupid suffering (consequences from our sin). Even when we've blown it big-time, we can trust in God's revealed character and hesed (loyal covenantal love) to accept us back when we repent (as He promised). God's hesed and faithfulness to His promises are major themes in the Psalms and the rest of the OT as well. Hesed is usually translated as mercy or loving kindness, neither of which does justice to the word. It is His loyalty to us, and our loyalty to Him that constitute an intimate relationship of trust, just like a marriage. Even when we violate our promises/vows, He will keep His to bless and curse as He promised. Jeremiah writes these verses contemplating the fall and destruction of Jerusalem and the temple (see comments on Lamentations 3 for context). The actions of the nation totally deserved total annihilation, but God was loyal to His promises to Abraham and David, thus He preserved the nation from being totally consumed. Knowing God's hesed gave Jeremiah hope that there would be restoration.

For God's purposes in suffering see: What a Friend We Have in Suffering

For understanding undeserved suffering see 1Peter 5: Suffering to Answer the Call to Glory

Application: Each day God graciously offers a fresh start to a better relationship with Him; accept it, on His terms.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You for being faithful and loyal to me and all Your promises; thanks that I can trust Your hesed even when I've blown it; help me live loyally with You today. Amen.

1Thessalonians 1-3 Paul planted the church at Colosse on his second missionary journey (Acts 17), amid intense opposition from the Jews. This epistle is thought to be Paul's first, or second (after Galatians), written in response to information from Timothy who had been sent to encourage the believers in the faith (3:2), in the face of persecution. Paul also encouraged them, by reinforcing the truth, and his love for them, and then corrected some misconceptions, particularly about the coming of the Lord, so that they would be perfected and blameless in holiness when Jesus returned. The first two chapters have a roughly chiastic structure centered around 2:8-9, with the last phrase of verse 8 being the middle, “you had become very dear to us.” As such, it reveals Paul's love and ministry toward the young and growing believers, bearing fruit in a hostile environment.

1Thessalonians 1 Faith, Love, and Hope

1:1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ/Messiah: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ/Messiah.

2 We always give thanks to God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers, 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ/Messiah. (NIV) 4 We know, brothers loved by God, that you are chosen, 5 and that our Good News came to you not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind of men we showed ourselves to be among you for your sake.

6 You became imitators of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction/tribulation, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all who believe in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has been declared, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone out; so that we need not to say anything. 9 For they themselves report concerning us what kind of a reception we had from you; and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Observations: 1:1-5 Silas and Timothy were with Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 15:22) during which the church at Thessalonica was planted. Paul wishes them the covenantal blessings of grace and peace from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus the Messiah. He thanks God for their visible faith, love, and hope. The NIV does a good job of translating verse 3, bringing out the force of the Genitive cases (which usually means source or possession, and is frequently translated “of”). Paul thanked God for the work “of” or sourced in their faith, their labor sourced in love, and their endurance sourced in their hope in the Messiah. Faith which believes God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6) does the work for which we are saved/justified (Eph 2:8-10). This has led some to erroneously conclude that if there are no works, there is no salvation. Forgiveness/justification is by faith and free; rewards/glorification require work. Their labor or service (from a word that means “beat up”) was sourced in love (the most likely love is that for each other, as referenced later in the epistle in 3:12 and 4:9). Their hope of future reward that they heard about in the good news of the coming Kingdom produced/inspired an endurance that enabled them to persevere through the difficulties of following Christ.

Revelation 14:13 I heard the voice from heaven saying, "Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’" "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them."

Their demonstrable faith, love, and hope were evidence that they were in the elect/chosen group that God had slated for blessing (see comments on Ephesians 1). This is not about being justified, but rather choice saints who would be blessed. Otherwise the false teaching would be that only those who labor and endure are forgiven. The good news came to them not only in mere words, but in a demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit, and much basis for confidence in the truth of the message.

1:6-10 Knowing that Paul and his companions were sent from God gave the Thessalonians confidence to become imitators of them, and the Lord. They received the truth in the midst of much opposition from the Jews (Acts 17). The Thessalonian Jews not only caused problems in their own city, but followed Paul to Berea to cause him trouble. Yet there was joy produced by the Holy Spirit, despite the circumstances. Word of the Thessalonians' faith spread throughout the regions so Paul didn't even need to preach. Everyone talked about how they turned from idols to serve the one true, and living God. Not only that, they demonstrated works, labor, and endurance as they waited for the return of their Messiah from heaven, to set up His Millennial Kingdom. Believers not only turn from sin, but turn to God to serve Him. Jesus not only saves from the eternal penalty of sin, He delivers faithful believers from the wrath to come (see Isaiah 13:9 and comments on Mt 3:7; Lk 3:7; Rom 1:18; 5:9; Eph 5:6; Col 3:9; Rev 11:18). The coming wrath in the bracketed verses is not about being tossed into the lake of fire, but the righteous judgment of the disobedient who suppress the truth in unrighteousness (see especially comments on Rom 1:18). Most miss this truth because they fail to observe the context regarding who is subject to the wrath. In most cases it is people who had their sins forgiven by participation in the day of atonement, or those who had trusted Christ. Paul warns believers against the wrath that comes upon the sons/children of disobedience in Ephesians and Colossians, as well as in this letter (2:16; 5:9).

Application: If we correctly understand faith and hope, we will love till it hurts, and beyond, knowing God will reward us.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thanks for loving me and giving me a future and hope; please guide me in living by faith in Your promises, and loving others as You've loved me. Thanks too, for the future You have planned for me. Amen.

1Thessalonians 2 Joy and Crown

2:1 For you yourselves know, brothers, our visit to you wasn’t in vain, 2 but having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as you know, at Philippi, we grew bold in our God to tell you the Good News of God in much conflict. 3 For our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in deception. 4 But even as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts. 5 For neither were we at any time found using words of flattery, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness (God is witness), 6 nor seeking glory from men (neither from you nor from others), when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ.

7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 Even so, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not the Good News of God only, but also our own souls, because you had become very dear to us. 9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and travail; for working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached to you the Good News of God. 10 You are witnesses with God, how holy, righteously, and blamelessly we behaved ourselves toward you who believe. 11 As you know, we exhorted, encouraged, and implored/bore witness to every one of you, as a father does his own children, 12 to the end that you should walk worthily of God, who calls you into his own Kingdom and glory.

13 For this cause also we also thank God without ceasing, that, when you received from us the word of the message of God, you accepted it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also works in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers, became imitators of the assemblies of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus; for you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews; 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and drove us out, and didn’t please God, and are contrary to all men; 16 forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved; to fill up their sins always, so/de wrath comes on them to the uttermost.

17 But we, brothers, being bereaved of you for a short season, in presence, not in heart, tried even harder to see your face with great desire, 18 because we wanted to come to you—indeed, I, Paul, once and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Isn’t it even you, before our Lord Jesus at his coming? 20 For you are our glory and our joy.

Observations: 2:1-6 As in Corinth (and almost everywhere), there were Satan's agents, seeing to discredit Paul and his message of God's truth (times haven't changed). Paul must have heard some of the slander from Timothy, so he spends a little time defending his conduct among them, and sets up his exhortation to those who had perhaps abandoned their jobs to await Christ's return (4:11; also in 2Thess 3:8-10 -slow learners). After his beating and imprisonment in Philippi, Paul was bold to proclaim the truth to the Thessalonians, and it wasn't in vain; it bore fruit. He spoke the truth truthfully to please God, not holding back to please man, because He knew that God tests the hearts of apostles and believers. Paul didn't teach them for his temporal advantage, nor to seek glory from men (as the Judaizers did). Nor did he use his authority as an apostle to receive benefit from them (see comments on 2Cor 11-12).

2:7-12 This section gives a good snapshot of Paul's personal ministry, which is particularly relevant to present day disciple-makers who want to please God and gain eternal glory from their stay on earth. He was both mother and father to his spiritual children. He was gentle (2Tim 2:14) not hostile, and cherished them as someone does their own flesh and blood (Eph 5:29). His affection for them made him willing to not only suffer to share the truth of the gospel (to which the Jews violently objected) but also his own life/soul. He imparted to them all that he was, because they had become dear/precious to him, probably as a result of their willingness to believe and follow his Lord. Paul worked day and night so as not to be a burden to them financially (nor have his motives challenged). His behavior was above reproach. Paul modeled holiness and righteousness in his interactions with those he was helping get established in the faith. He behaved toward them in a blameless (1Thess 5:23) manner. He not only proclaimed the truth, but followed up with exhortation, encouragement and bearing witness (to future realities) so that those who believed would walk in a manner worthy of the reward to which God called/summoned/invited them in the gospel. Specifically Paul says it is to participation in the Messianic Kingdom, and future glory. This is obviously not a reference to forgiveness/justification, nor belief in Jesus dying for their sins, but the inheritance God has planned for those who are faithful to Him. Just like Israel was redeemed from Egypt by God's grace, their entrance into and possession of the Promised Land was dependent upon drawing upon God's grace to obey Him.

2:13-16 Because God has called/invited/summoned believers to the Messiah's Kingdom (as promised in the OT), Paul thanks God that the Thessalonians responded wholeheartedly to the truth, for that would ensure their worthy walk and consequent participation in the Kingdom. He want this for them, not just for their benefit (although he dearly loved them), but also his own, as the end of the chapter indicates. Paul is thankful that they received his messages as the word of God and not men, and that it produced changes in their lives. They became imitators of the faithful assemblies in Judea in following God and experiencing tribulation from their countrymen, as did the believers in Jerusalem and its surrounds. The demonically energized Jews killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets sent to them (like John the Baptist), drove out the apostles with persecution, and obviously didn't please God (which is essential for the righteousness God rewards). Paul describes them as antagonistic to all men, although God's purpose in constituting the Jews as a nation was to bring all men to Himself for blessing (Gen 12). Instead, the Jews who rejected the Messiah, forbid the apostles to speak to the Gentiles so they would not be blessed by God. Remember the Jews wanted the Gentiles to become Jewish before they could be accepted by God and blessed by Him. But the unrevealed mystery of the gospel is that the Gentiles would be full heirs in Christ, as Gentiles, not Jews, for in union with Christ all distinctions are irrelevant. When this point was understood, the Jews usually started riots and throwing stones, because their worth and value was not based upon pleasing God, but on being better than others. The end result of such behavior is that they filled their sin capacity to overflowing and would face the wrath of God on judgment day, and be excluded from the Kingdom, as Jesus taught (see comments on Mt 8:11-12). The Jew rebellion against God's plan and service of the dark side did not annul God's promise to forgive them on the basis of participation in the Day of Atonement, any more than His discipline of them in Babylon made them not His chosen people. They just would be facing cursing rather than blessing as the OT testified repeatedly. Thus this coming wrath is discipline upon the sons of disobedience, depriving them of blessing/dominion, and should not be equated with the fate of those cast into the lake of fire with Satan. See Romans 11, to understand how God still has a place and promises for the Jews when they will repent.

2:17-20 Paul was eager to see the Thessalonians so he could strengthen them so his labor would not be in vain (3:2,5). Multiple times Paul wanted to minister to them again, but Satan hindered him from visiting. The reason Paul wanted to visit them is because they were his hope (of reward), his (eternal) joy, and his crown (reward) in which he anticipated rejoicing. Crown was a symbol of the rulership or dominion (glory) Paul would receive in the Kingdom. Paul would be rewarded by God for labor he invested in them, and the resultant fruit of their Christlikeness. Verse 20 indicates that they are his glory and joy. When Paul stands before the Lord Jesus when He returns, those who responded to his ministry would be the basis of his glory/reward, and joy. He will continue this thought in the next chapter.

Application: The glory and joy we will have in the future is a result of the disciple-making we do in the present, which pleases the Giver of the Great Commission (Mt 28:19-20).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, may I do what is pleasing in Your sight in ministering to others, regardless of how difficult it gets, knowing that You will richly reward me in Your Kingdom, for my service. Amen.

1Thessalonians 3 Blameless in Holiness at His Coming

3:1 Therefore, when we couldn’t stand it any longer, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant in the Good News of Christ, to establish you, and to encourage you concerning your faith; 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you know that we are appointed to this task. 4 For most certainly, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction, even as it happened, and you know. 5 For this cause I also, when I couldn’t stand it any longer, sent that I might know your faith, for fear that by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor would have been in vain.

6 But when Timothy came just now to us from you, and brought us glad news of your faith and love, and that you have good memories of us always, longing to see us, even as we also long to see you; 7 for this cause, brothers, we were encouraged over you in all our distress and affliction on account of/dia your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we render again to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice because/dia of you before our God; 10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you; 12 and the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we also do toward you, 13 to the end he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Observations: 3:1-5 Paul was concerned that the Thessalonians would have been overwhelmed by the afflictions from the Jews that they would abandon the faith. This is not belief that Christ died for their sins, but that God would reward those who diligently seek Him according to the revelation about the Messiah. So he sent Timothy to establish (make firm) and encourage (call alongside as he climbed the mountain) them in the faith they already had. If they succumbed to the pressure from the Jews, they would not be unborn again, but would not progress to glory. At the end of the last chapter Paul viewed the Thessalonians as the basis for his glory, crown/reward and in the Kingdom when Christ returned. If they failed to follow the path of faith, the labor he invested in them would have been in vain. Although he had great love and fondness for them (the chiastic center of the last two chapters), he was very conscious of what he was exchanging his life for. It looks like the higher priority was not their loss of glory, but his own (cf Heb 12:2). This understanding best explains all the facts.

Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

3:6- Timothy brought good news (same word as gospel) of their faith. They were still believing the good news of the Messiah who would reward His faithful servants (Isa 40:10). Therefore Paul was encouraged that all the effort he had expended and distress he had experienced in the development of their faith was worth it. The apostle who died daily in his service to Christ (1Cor 15:31 -another passage in which Paul anticipates reward resulting from “successful” service) is revived (now we live) by the prospect of the Thessalonians being steadfast in their faith. This is conditional, and not a reference to their justification, but rather their progression in the faith, which would result in joy for Paul at the judgment seat of Christ. When Paul stands before Christ (2Cor 5:9-10) to be recompensed for his deeds, he would have joy on account of the sanctification of the Thessalonians, as a result of his ministry. This is why he was praying exceedingly that he would be able to see them and perfect (bring to completion for service -Mt 4:21 mending nets) what was lacking in their faith. To “perfect” is used for restoring someone overtaken in a fault (Gal 6:1), and being prepared for good works (Heb 10:5; 13:21). A fully trained, reproductive disciple is like his/her discipler (Lk 6:40), able to repeat the process with others. The Thessalonians were lacking an understanding of the process of the Christian life which Paul fervently wanted to correct, so they wouldn't go off track under the stress of afflictions. Obviously, they were not deficient in their understanding of Christ's substitutionary atonement, for they were clearly born again. So the lack has to be concerning their progress in the faith (Phil 1:25).

Colossians 1:22...to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight --- 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

3:11-13 So Paul prays that God would direct his to see them, and that the Lord would make them increase and abound in love. “Increase” and “abound” are in the optative mood, used to express the strongest possible wish for something to happen. Paul wants their love to abound so they might be blameless in holiness when they stand before the judgment seat. Failure to love as Christ loved is blameworthy. Note the priority of love: one another, fellow believers in the Body, have precedence over others. This is consistent with Jesus' great command for believers in John 13:34-35. The love (agapao – self sacrifice for another's best interest) which Paul modeled for them, in leading them to faith, and guiding them to maturity, is the same love they needed to demonstrate toward others. Only then can their hearts be established blameless and holy before God on the day of judgment (Mt 24:44).

Application: If we abound in our love toward each other, we'll do well when Christ returns.

Prayer: Lord, thanks that following You is worth it, regardless of the cost; help me love others as You have loved me. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God has revealed truth which should change and guide our lives as we believe and obey it. God allows difficulties and Satan to afflict His servants to try and purify their faith (see 1Pt 1 for elaboration), so He can further reward them.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is returning to set up His kingdom and reward His faithful servants. He saves holy believers from the coming wrath of Judgment Day.

Us in a nutshell: Believers should live so their belief/faith in God's revelation is obvious, as should be their love, and hope. Investing in the lives of other is a good way to follow the example of Jesus and Paul. Those who do so can look forward to future judgment with joy.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Colossians 1-2 Pleasing God

Colossians 1-2 Pleasing God

TMS Isaiah 41:10 Where is Your God?

Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
11 Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced;
They shall be as nothing, and those who strive with you shall perish.”

Observations: 41:10 Those who have chosen to follow God will frequently have more than the normal share of difficulties, because they are swimming upstream against the flow of their world. They will also have added adversaries in the spiritual realm. But God gives promises to His servants (note context) so that there is no need to fear nor be dismayed. The word for dismay is to look anxiously about, seeking a way of escape or a source of deliverance. The servant of God need not look any further than the all-sufficient God who is next to them, within them, over, under, around, in front of, and behind them. God promises to be with them. (See "The God of Peace" in Philippians 4). He has revealed Himself to be our Helper, to uphold us when we slip or stumble, and pick us up when we fall. His objective is not to harm us, but to bless us. He upholds us with His righteous right hand, attached to His mighty arm. With that kind of help next to us, what is there to fear?

Application: When tempted to fear or flee, remember who your God is and where He is; express your dependence upon Him and look to do His will.

Prayer: “I arise today, through God's strength to pilot me, God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to guide me, God's eye to look before me, God's ear to hear me, God's word to speak for me, God's hand to guard me, God's shield to protect me, God's host to save me   From snares of devils, From temptation of vices, From everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and near.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise...” Amen.
From St. Patrick's breastplate. http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/t/stpatric.htm

Colossians 1-2 In his letter to the Church at Colosse, which parallels much of the content of Ephesians, Paul emphasizes what forgiven, faith-exercising believers need to do to please Christ. Only those will reap the reward/inheritance promised in the hope held out in the gospel (which is not forgiveness of sins – that's a done deal). He warns Christians of following Jewish ritual (which will disqualify them from their inheritance) rather than following Christ by faith (which ensures their temporal and eternal victory). In their union with Christ, believers have all they need to receive the grace and peace God offers. See link under Digging Deeper for a sermon on Living the Christian Life After the Cross.

Colossians 1 Pleasing God

Colossians 1:1 "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people/saints 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in/by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross.

21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation — 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of His body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness — 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature/complete in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me."

Observations: 1:1-2 Paul and his faithful sidekick Timothy write to the believers at Colosse. Note how Paul validates and boosts Timothy's status in the eyes of his audience so that they would accept him as a teacher of the truth.
1:3-8 It’s really important to know and understand why the saints at Colosse had noteworthy faith and love. It was because of (sprung from/based upon) their hope. Hope is expectation of reward, which they heard about in the good news of the Kingdom promised in the OT (see the Matthew Introduction). Those who understand the gospel know that the message of God's grace is not just about the grace that forgives our sins, nor just God's empowering grace, but the grace that faithful believers will receive as a reward in the Messianic Kingdom  (see Survey of Grace and 1 Peter 1 if you haven't studied the Biblical use of grace). The expectation of reward bears fruit in the lives of faithful believers as they change their values and behaviors to be in a blessable position. The fruit of the Spirit of grace is love manifested toward other believers in sacrificial service (Galatians 5:22). Epaphras not only taught them and told Paul about the love they had based upon the dynamic of the Spirit, but he also manifested it himself (Colossians 4:12; Philemon 1:23).
1:9-14 Paul wants more for the believers than just to demonstrate faith and love. He prays that knowledge of God's will would fill and control them, so they would please the Lord in every way and be worthy of their inheritance. If you don't know what He wants, it's difficult to do what He wants. Remember that OT righteousness involves both knowing and doing what is right in His sight. The Holy Spirit gives wisdom (choosing the right objectives and means of obtaining them) as well as understanding. The Wisdom Literature teaches that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Job 28:28; Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10). The Holy Spirit gives both wisdom and understanding through His revelation. But Paul's prayer is not just that they would know, but would be filled or controlled by that knowledge. Those who please God not only know and do His will; but they also

• bear fruit in every good work (so He looks good as a result of their lives);
• grow in the knowledge of God;
• draw upon His power so that they would endure the difficulties of following Christ;
• and are excited about their future inheritance.

Believers are qualified to share in the inheritance as a result of being born again. Qualifying for something is different from actually getting or wining it. Those who are on track to receive an inheritance greatly rejoice in it (not forgiveness; cf. 1 Peter 1:6). Those who are not worthy to receive God's reward don't care much about it, and definitely don't rejoice in the prospect of their inheritance. Those who trust Christ as God's provision for their sin have been transferred/moved from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. In union with Christ, we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Note that the basis of our redemption is forgiveness, granted by justifying grace. The basis of reward is our worthy, grace-empowered  fruitfulness and works, which please Christ.
1:15-20 Paul now provides the basis for why the kingdom is Christ's, and God has transferred us to His kingdom. He is the visible expression of the invisible God. He is the Creator of all, and holds all things together, from orbiting electrons to spinning galaxies. He is also the Head of His Body, the church, so that in all things He might be the Supreme Lord of All. This is similar to Paul's exposition of God's purpose for saving us in Ephesians 1 (see comments there). God purposed to have all His fullness (deity) dwell in Christ, and through Him reconcile to Himself all things through the peace secured by the propitiatory payment of the blood sacrifice of the cross.
1:21-23 The need for reconciliation is occasioned by our evil behavior, which resulted in alienation from God. Note the mental state which results in physical sin. Those who were once separated, God justified, on the basis of Christ's death. But it doesn't end there. God wants us to be presented holy and blameless in His sight, but that is clearly conditional. Our forgiveness and escape from the lake of fire is assured, based upon belief in the Father's acceptance of Christ's death. Our holiness and blamelessness is dependent upon belief in the hope or reward held out in the gospel (as referenced in verses 3-8). If we don't believe that God rewards those who diligently seek Him (faith as in Hebrews 11:6), we will seek things that please ourselves rather than what pleases Him. If we are transformed by the renewing of our minds and values, we will be pleased if we know we are pleasing to God, which is the basis of a great self-image. This is the gospel that Paul proclaimed to every creature (obviously a figure of speech - hyperbole).
1:24-29 Paul rejoices in suffering to further benefit the Body of believers. Christ's death constituted them, and then Christ commissioned Paul to further sanctify them through the teaching of the truth about the mystery. The mystery was previously hidden in the OT, that the Gentiles would be blessed as full heirs, equal in inheritance with the Jews.
Acts 26:17 "I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me."
Therefore Paul proclaims the Messiah/Christ, warning and teaching so that all may be fully mature in Christ. Maturity doesn't happen automatically. Those who don't respond to the teaching of truth remain babes. The major mark of maturity is the ability to reproduce. Infants don't reproduce physically nor spiritually. Mature believers engender life in others through evangelism, and nurture that life until it can sustain itself and reproduce that life in others. To this end Paul labors, drawing upon all the grace and power of God. Those who don't respond to God's truth, especially the truth emphasized in this chapter (hope of reward), will not mature nor reap the hope of reward held out in the gospel.

Application: How many of the things that please God are you currently doing on a regular basis? Is God pleased with you?

Prayer: God, thanks that You have forgiven me and have plans to bless me; may I be careful to do what is pleasing in Your sight and reap the hope You have stored up for me. Amen.

Colossians 2 Victory in Jesus

Colossians 2:1 "For I desire to have you know how greatly I struggle for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may experience/know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden. 4 Now this I say that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

6 As therefore you received Christ Jesus, the Lord, walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith, even as you were taught, abounding in it in/with thanksgiving. 8 Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob/deceive you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in Him all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily,10 and in Him you have been liberally furnished/supplied, who is the head of all principality and power; 11 in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ; 12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 You were dead through/en your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 wiping out the charge of legal indebtedness (NIV) which was against us; and He has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross; 15 having stripped the principalities and the powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
16 Let no one therefore judge/condemn you in eating, or in drinking, or with respect to a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day, 17 which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ’s. 18 Let no one rob/disqualify you of your reward by a delight in false humility and worshiping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding firmly to the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and ligaments, grows with God’s growth. 20 If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances, 21 “Don’t handle, nor taste, nor touch” 22 (all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men? 23 Which things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imposed worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but aren’t of any value against the indulgence of the flesh."

Observations: 2:1-5 Paul is concerned that false teaching will derail them from reaching the blessings God desires for them. He wishes he could see them all in person to counteract the persuasiveness of those attempting to lead them astray. He prays that they will be encouraged, unified in love, and gain all the riches God has planned according to the revelation of the mystery. “Know” is epignosis, experiential knowledge. In union with Christ, they will find all the treasure that come from wisdom and knowledge (Proverbs 8:8-21 - not ends in themselves, but means of obtaining treasure). Although absent physically, he was present in spirit as he thought of them. It's unlikely that he was somehow observing them via the Spirit, since he had heard about their state from Epaphras in 1:7. He rejoiced as he heard about their order/unity and steadfast unwavering faith in God's promises.
2:6-15 Paul warns them against a number of things which will disqualify them from the reward offered in the gospel. The elements of this world are defined as Jewish rituals and traditions in 2:16 and Galatians 4:3. So rather than being seduced by Judaizers, they should walk by faith in the revelation of Christ, which is just how they received Him (by faith). They were rooted and established by faith, and thus should bear fruit by faith (belief that God is who He said He is and will do what He said He'll do -reward those who diligently seek Him; cf. Hebrews 11:6). The point of being rooted is to bear fruit. In Christ they have been (perfect tense) liberally supplied with all they need. Many versions translate this word as totally complete, as if there is nothing else to do. “Complete” is a legitimate translation in some instances, and so is “liberally supplied” which far better fits this context. They don't need Judaism, because in Christ they have all they need to do God's will and please Him (and thus realize their hope of blessing). In their union with Christ they have been circumcised by the Spirit. Note the use of this concept in considering who is a Jew from the standpoint of the ones blessed by God in Romans 2.

Romans 2:28 “For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.”

The Colossian believers were dead because of their sins, but in union with Christ, God forgave them on the basis of His death, and made them alive in union with Him. In Christ, they share in victory over and spoil (glory/authority/rule) of the powers of this Age. None of that occurs in Judaism, but only in Christ. He is all they need.

2:16-23 The believers should not pay attention to any of the Jewish condemnations for not following their rituals, including the Sabbath, which are a mere shadow of the coming reality which casts the shadow, the Body of Christ. Those who follow ritual rather than reality will lose their reward/inheritance. Those who delight in vanities, speculations, and subjective “revelations” have lost connection with the Head of the Body, Christ. Those who lose connection with Christ are not properly connected to other members either (a sure sign of a carnal Christian). Believers have died to this world by their union with Christ, so they should not subject themselves to the rules of it as if they were still “citizens” of this world. The external rituals emphasized by those without a real relationship with Christ might look pious and religious, but the proof of truth is in the fruit of righteousness. The Biblical measure of teaching is if it is valuable in restraining the indulgence of the desire for temporal things. Those who slosh about in the swamp of sin, living defeated rather than victorious Christian lives, are being robbed of their reward by false teaching. If a person practices external ritual, without an inner renewal, they will wind up seeking the gratification of temporal desires, rather than the pursuit of eternal delights. If a believer only seeks the things the worldings seek, they have not been exposed to, nor have embraced Biblical teaching.

Application: Those who are united with Christ by steadfast faith in all His revelation (which in the gospels was largely about living to be blessed in the Kingdom) will experience victory in this life and the spoils of that victory in the next.

Prayer: God, thanks that You have not only qualified me to share in the inheritance of the saints in the Kingdom of light, but in Christ give all that is necessary for me to live in victory and sure expectation of reward. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God offers forgiveness to those who exercise faith, as well grace, peace, victory and reward to those who please Him.

Build-a-Jesus: In Christ are all the treasures that result from wisdom and knowledge. In union with Him, believers have all they need to reap their reward.

Us in a nutshell: Believers motivated by the hope of reward held out in the gospel will live by faith, in union with Christ and other believers, and thus please God.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Colossians: Living the Christian Life after the Cross