2 Thessalonians 1-3 Being Good and Doing Good for Glory

TMS Isaiah 26:3 What Are You Trusting God For?

Isa 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace,

Whose mind is stayed on You,

Because he trusts in You.

4 Trust in the LORD forever, For in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength."

Observations: 26:3 What exactly are you trusting God for? What have you placed into His hands for Him to take care of? What would your life be like if God didn't respond to your faith? For some, there would be no difference, since they really aren't trusting God for anything. Those who keep their minds fixed on God's character and promises will have perfect peace regardless of the circumstances. Verse 4 is worth memorizing too, because it gives the action step of trusting God to experience His help and strength.

Application: If we start to experience anxiety, we need to put our eyes off our circumstances and back on the God we trust.

Prayer: God, You are totally trustworthy, my Peace and Strength; thanks that I will always find You true to Your promises. Amen.

2Thessalonians 1-3 In his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul covers some of the same topics, which implies that although they were lovable, some of them were slow learners. He gives additional instruction about the Rapture, because Satan had deceived some into thinking they missed it. Paul also provides information about the Anti-Christ and insight into avoiding Satan's lies. He gives encouragement to persevere for the glory for which God saved them, and warns of the fate awaiting those who don't follow the truth. People whose Christian experience consists of sitting through countless evangelistic sermons rather then investing countless hours studying the Scriptures will have difficulty rearranging their mental categories to incorporate some of the truths in this book. Truth is that which best explains all the facts.
 

2 Thessalonians 1 Vengeance and Victory

1:1 "Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 We are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers, even as it is appropriate, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of each and every one of you towards one another abounds; 4 so that we ourselves boast about you in the assemblies of God for your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you suffer.

5 This is an obvious sign of the righteous judgment of God, to the end that you may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which you also suffer. 6 Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay affliction to those who afflict you, 7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted with us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, 8 giving vengeance to those who don’t pay attention to/know God, and to those who don’t obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus, 9 who will pay the penalty: destruction of the Age, away from the face of the Lord and from the glory of His might, 10 when He comes to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired among all those who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed, in that day.

11 To this end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and (NIV) that by His power He may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."

Observations: 1:1-4 In his greeting, wishing them the covenantal blessings of grace and peace, Paul mentions their growing faith in God's promises (they were already forgiven, justified and born again), and their abounding love for each other. He boasted to other churches about their faith and endurance in the midst of persecutions and afflictions from the local Jews who rejected the message of the Messiah (Acts 17). Note that Paul fails to mention their hope as he did in the opening of his first epistle, although they were enduring suffering in an exemplary manner (which would have to involve being rightly related to God, which is why they were being persecuted, and thus able to draw upon God's grace/power to endure).

1:5-10 The successful endurance of suffering is evidence of God's righteous judgment (same concept in Philippians 1:28). Verse 6 explains the righteous judgment: in order to be righteous, God must pay back evil with evil and good with good. Those who unjustly persecute them will face negative judgment, and those persecuted unjustly will face positive judgment or recompense.

Thus their successful endurance proves they will be worthy of the coming Millennial Kingdom.

“Count worthy” in verse 5 is the same word used of the apostles rejoicing that they were considered worthy to suffer in Acts 5:41. It is an intensive form of the word used in verse 11, a term used to weigh the evidence and consider whether one deserves glory or punishment (Hebrews 3:3; 10:29).

Luke 20:35 But they which shall be accounted worthy <2661> to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

Luke 21:34 Take heed to yourselves lest...that Day come on you unexpectedly. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy <2661> to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

God will give relief/rest to those afflicted because of the gospel when the Lord Jesus is revealed as the future Judge (Matthew 25:30-34). This is not the Rapture, but the Second Coming, when Christ sets up His Kingdom, and rewards the faithful. He will also execute vengeance on the unfaithful, who don't pay attention to God nor obey Him. The issue is not belief or unbelief, but obedience. The word translated “know” God is not the normal word for relationship, but the word for “perceiving/seeing” It was used in 1 Thessalonians 5:12 of “paying attention” to those who were seeking to minister to them. (See Thayer's Lexicon #1492 for the range of meanings.) To equate “see” with being unregenerate is to not perceive accurately. Here, when linked with obedience, and the surrounding context, it refers to the Judaizers whose sins were forgiven/covered by participation in the Day of Atonement, but like those who were disobedient in the OT, didn't pay attention to God's revelation.

“Destruction” is used only four times in the NT, and always of the judgment of believers: of the church discipline of the sinning believer in 1 Corinthians 5:5 “To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction <3639> of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” in 1 Thessalonians 5:3 of believers walking in the darkness facing judgment; in 1 Timothy 6:9 of believers who seek wealth rather than God.

Hebrews 10:30 For we know Him who said, "Vengeance belongs to Me," says the Lord, "I will repay." Again, "The Lord will judge His people."

The penalty the Judaizers would pay is that of the unprofitable servant (see comments on Mt 25:30); they would be excluded from the presence of God (cf. Ezekiel 44) and the glory of His might (not be tossed into the lake of fire). Their punishment will occur when Christ comes to be glorified among His holy ones/saints, and admired among all those who have believed. The odds are that this is not the interpretation of this passage you've heard in evangelistic sermons, but it is that which best explains all the facts, and is consistent with all the rest of the Scriptures.

1:11-12 In light of the Second Coming of Christ to judge, Paul prays that God would ”count them worthy” (see on verse 5 above) of their calling/invitation to participate in the life and reign of Christ in His Kingdom, and would demonstrate His power in bringing to fruition their every desire for goodness, and good works prompted by their faith. He prays this so that Jesus may be glorified in them, and that they may be glorified (as in receive glory) in Him. The empowering and fruition is a function of God's grace/power. If there is no desire for goodness nor any faith-motivated good works, it's hard for God's grace to empower them, and thus no resultant glory. God responds to our desires and faith with His grace, He doesn't force any of those things upon us. It should be noted that Paul wouldn't be praying for this to happen if it were completely automatic.

Application: Jesus will return to be glorified and give glory to His faithful saints; therefore, prepare yourself, pursing goodness and good works.

Prayer: God, thanks that You are infinitely righteous and just and will set things right when Christ returns; in the meantime, may I draw on Your grace to be and do good. Amen.

2 Thessalonians 2 Antidote to the Anti-Christ

2:1 "Now, brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to Him, we ask you 2 not to be quickly shaken in your mind, nor yet be troubled, either by spirit, or by word, or by letter as from us, saying that the day of Christ had come.

3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For it will not be, unless the departure/separation comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 he who opposes and exalts himself against all that is called God or that is worshiped; so that he sits as God in the temple of God, setting himself up as God. 5 Don’t you remember that, when I was still with you, I told you these things? 6 Now you know what is restraining him, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness already works. Only there is one who restrains now, until he is taken out of the way. 8 Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth, and destroy by the manifestation of His coming; 9 even he whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 and with all deception of wickedness for those who are perishing, because they didn’t receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 Because of this, God sends them a strong delusion, that they should believe a lie; 12 that they all might be judged who didn’t believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

13 But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth; 14 to which He called you through our Good News, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers, stand firm, and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word, or by letter.

16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal encouragement and good hope through grace, 17 encourage your hearts and establish you in every good work and word."

Observations: 2:1-12 Paul now turns to the deficiency in their hope. Satan had sown deceiving lies and doubt about the Day of Christ (the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus) and the Rapture (their being gathered together to Him -1 Thessalonians 4:17, two different things), to discourage the saints and diminish their hope (as he still does today). The Day of the Lord was a time of judgment and tribulation, the latter of which they definitely experienced, so it was possible to think they missed the Rapture. “The Day” is not just the twenty-four hour period in which Christ returns to earth, but in both the OT and NT can be referring to the Tribulation, the Second Coming, the Kingdom, and various judgments (the Second Coming, the Millennium, and the great white throne judgment (cf. Psalm 2:9; Isaiah 11:1-12; 13; Joel 2; Amos 5:18; Zephaniah 3:14-20; etc). So Paul reminds them of what he had previously told them (they might not have been the brightest crayons in the box, but they were lovable), that certain things had to occur before the Day of Christ.

• The first event that needed to happen before Christ returned was the Rapture he had told them about in the previous letter (1 Thessalonians 4:17), not some general apostasy (although the English world is almost a transliteration of the Greek. The word is used in only one other place of the departure from the customs of Moses (Acts 21:21), but the most telling lexical insight is that it is the feminine form of the neuter word for “divorce” or separation. It has the definite article in front of it, indicating a specific departure, which he says he already told them about. The most likely meaning, by a wide margin, is that of the Rapture in the previous letter (bolstered by “the gathering together to Him” in 2:1 above. Any other interpretation is a departure from Paul's meaning.
• The second event before the Second Coming is the revelation of the man of sin, the son of destruction (Daniel 9:27; 11:36). This is the Anti-Christ, who appears at the end of the age (and therefore can't be any person in history). He will set himself up as God, and oppose God. The sitting in the temple can't refer to the Millennial temple, since Christ will set that up, so it's either a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, or more likely a reference to usurping Christ's headship over the church, the NT temple (which is how Paul always uses the term). He is the one who will make and break the covenant with the regathered nation of Israel (Daniel 9:27).
• The third event which must occur before the Return of Christ is the removal of the Restrainer, which is preventing this Satanically energized being from taking over. The only thing capable of restraining such a supernatural evil is the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit who currently indwells the Body of believers, the church, is removed from the earth in the Rapture, the path is clear for evil to operate without hindrance. It is thought by some that the restraining force is the Holy Spirit working through the church, which is remotely possible, but judging by the succumbing of the church to Satan's agenda, it's more likely the Holy Spirit Himself.

When the Lord Jesus returns, He will destroy the Anti-Christ with a word. No contest. Many will be deceived by the Anti-Christ who determine truth by experience rather than Revelation (see 7QUESTIONS in the sidebar). Their experience will be that of miracles, signs, and wonders. The ignorant will correctly conclude it is supernatural, but fail to realize that there is a Light and dark side to the supernatural. All the pagan religions had supernatural manifestations. Only that which is in accord with God's revelation is the reality to be believed. See study on Satan on Truthbase.net for more. Satan, working though the miracles of the Anti-Christ will deceive those who are perishing (present tense, middle/passive voice - 2 Corinthians 2:15; 4:3) because (in the Greek “because” has two meanings, requital/in place of) they didn't accept the love of the truth that they might be saved (glorified and delivered from the wrath which comes upon the disobedient). Because of their rejection of the truth, God will send them a delusion (hardening them in their choice), that they will believe a/the lie (claims of the Anti-Christ), and be judged. This is like God hardening Pharaoh in his choices so that He could judge him (see comments on Romans 9). The reason for their lack of love for the truth is revealed to be their love of the pleasures of unrighteousness. Unless we find our pleasure solely in God and His provision, we will be susceptible to the seductions of Satan (a good motivation for sanctification).

2:13-17 In contrast to those who believe lies and are headed to judgment, the Thessalonians, who are believing the truth are headed to glory. Paul thanks God that He chose them (corporately -see comments on Ephesians 1) for salvation/glorification through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit and belief in the truth. He called them to this through the gospel/good news of the Messiah's Kingdom, so they would obtain glory (not forgiveness). The word for “chose” is used only two other times in the NT (Philippians 1:22; Hebrews 11:25), means “to take” and here has the sense of taking to Himself, for His purposes. Note that this is not a reference to justification by faith, but to glorification by sanctification and believing the promises of God in contrast to the lies of Satan. God's purpose in calling the Gentile Thessalonians to Himself was to have them share in the Messianic blessings, and thus fulfill His promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through Him. This is not the choice of some individuals to get their sins forgiven and others to go to hell (a concept found nowhere in the Scriptures).

Since God's purpose is for believers to get glory, they should stand firm in the faith, and the things taught by Paul, both in person and via epistle.

Paul ends the chapter with a prayer, asking the God who loved us, and gave us the encouragement of the Messianic Age and hope of reward in it, through His grace, to encourage their hearts and establish (bring to fruition) every good work and word of the Thessalonians.

Application: If we are not set on accepting and loving the truth, we will be deceived and seduced by lying pleasures.

Prayer: God, thanks that You have great plans for Your children and are restraining and will destroy the evil one; may I live in light of the glorious future You have for me, by loving and obeying Your truth. Amen.

2 Thessalonians 3 Waiting and Working

3:1 "Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, even as also with you; 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you, and guard you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you both do and will do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the endurance/patient waiting of Christ.

6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us. 7 For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn’t behave ourselves disorderly among you, 8 neither did we eat bread from anyone’s hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you; 9 not because we don’t have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us. 10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: "If anyone will not work, neither let him eat." 11 For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

13 But you, brothers, don’t be weary in doing well. 14 If any man doesn’t obey our word in this letter, note that man, that you have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. 15 Don’t count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all. 17 The greeting of me, Paul, with my own hand, which is the sign in every letter: this is how I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Observations: 3:1-5 Paul asks for prayer that the true word will spread and be glorified/honored (obeyed) by all who hear it, as it was among the Thessalonians. He also asks for deliverance from unreasonable, evil, and faithless men. He expresses confidence that the Lord is faithful and will establish and protect the Thessalonians, and that they will do as he taught and commanded them. He prayed that God would guide their hearts into loyal love towards Him, and that they would have endurance (patient waiting) for Christ.

3:6-12 This chiastic section, centered in verse 8 addresses the behavioral deficiencies noted in 1Thess 4:11-12 of idleness, and 1Thess 5:14 of independence/rebellion. Believers are instructed to withdraw (not hang or fellowship with) believers who aren't walking according to the truth (cf 1Cor 5:11 -not even eat). Apparently some Thessalonians were just hanging around, imposing on the love of others, waiting for Christ to return. Paul reminds them of his example of hard work (chiastic center), so that he was not a burden on anyone, even though he had the right to be supported by those to whom he ministered. A good counter balance to giving alms is the principle that if someone doesn't work, they shouldn't eat. God created us to work (even before the fall), and work gives dignity and honor, as well as being the channel though which God meets our needs. The sluggardly are commanded to work, and pull their own weight.

3:13-15 Paul commands the Body to not be weary in doing well, a temptation when things are difficult (cf 1Cor 15:58). If anyone doesn't obey the written word, the members of the Body should note that badly-behaving believer, and have no association with him. The person is disconnected from the Head of the Body, and therefore that distance is dramatized so the person would realize their fault and repent. The goal is to make the person feel ashamed. Those who don't follow this command out of a unbiblical “love” wind up serving Satan's purposes rather than God's. However, the person is not to be viewed as an enemy, but a sinning brother/sister. The goal is repentance and restoration (see Mt 18; 1Cor 5).

3:16-18 Paul ends with a benediction of peace both in the present, in the midst of tribulation, and in the future in the Kingdom. He wishes the Lord would be intimate with each of them, as would His empowering and glorifying grace.

Application: We need to work at doing the Lord's work, which might mean avoiding those who don't.

Prayer: Lord, thanks that You are faithful to guard and guide Your servants; may I be receptive and faithful to You. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God calls believers to glory, and makes available all they need to experience His plan for them. He restrains the evil one until the time comes for bringing His children home. He sends delusions to those who have pleasure in unrighteousness so they will be hardened for judgment and exclusion from His blessings.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus will return and set up His kingdom after the Rapture, the revelation of the Anti-Christ, and the removal of the Holy Spirit from dwelling on the earth during the Tribulation.

Us in a nutshell: We will experience suffering and God's grace on our way to glory. We need to be good and do good to share in Christ's reward. Satan will seek to deceive with miracles and lies, but if we are faithful to follow the revealed truth God will preserve and protect us.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

1 Thessalonians 4-5 The Will of God and the Rapture

TMS Numbers 23:19 God Doesn't Lie

Num 23:19 “God is not a man, that He should lie,

Nor a son of man, that He should repent.

Has He said, and will He not do?

Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

Observations: 23:19 Satan is the father of lies, but God is the father of truth. Satan and people can't be trusted, but God is forever trustworthy. He doesn't repent (as in go back on His promises). If God said He'd do it, He will. If He said it would happen, it will. He speaks galaxies into existence, so nothing is too difficult for Him. The only difficulty He has is with us choosing to believe and follow Him or not. Hebrews 11:6 indicates that faith is believing that God is who He said He is, and will do what He said He'd do. So why do we have difficulty believing Him? Because Satan deceives, distorts, and distracts us. By continually focusing on what God has revealed, we can keep His revelation in our thinking, and trust Him to fulfill His good desire for us.

Application: If we doubt God, we're being deceived by the devil and headed for discipline and destruction; if we trust all that God has said, it will be all good.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks for being so true and faithful and trustworthy; may I never doubt Your power or promises, but may I stake my life on Your word. Amen.

1Thessalonians 3-5 Paul wanted the Thessalonians to be blameless at the coming of Christ not just for their benefit, but his reward. He tells them how to live according to the will of God so they will be pleasing to Christ when He returns. Paul also gives the major teaching about the Rapture and how believers should minister to each other in light of it.

1 Thessalonians 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.

3:6-10 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 as in 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 him 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.

1 Thessalonians 4 The Will of God and the Rapture

4:1 Finally then, brothers, we beg and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, that you abound more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality, 4 that each one of you know how to possess himself of his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who don’t know God; 6 that no one should take advantage of and wrong/defraud a brother or sister in this matter; because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified. 7 For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification. 8 Therefore he who rejects this doesn’t reject man, but God, who has also given his Holy Spirit to you.

9 But concerning brotherly love, you have no need that one write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another, 10 for indeed you do it toward all the brothers who are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brothers, that you abound more and more; 11 and that you make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, even as we instructed you; 12 that you may walk honorably/honestly toward those who are outside, and may have need of nothing.

13 But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in (union with) Jesus. 15 For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left to the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with God’s trumpet. The dead in (union with) Christ will rise first, 17 then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore comfort/encourage one another with these words.

Observations: 4:1-8 Paul exhorts the believers to live so they please God. This is parallel to his instructions in Colossians 1, and consistent with the OT righteousness God blesses/rewards (careful to do what is right in His sight). Most people are curious about the will of God for aspects of their life, such as school, job, spouse, house, etc., known as the “subjective will of God” (things that vary from person to person). The attitude is sometimes: “Well, I want to know God's will, and then I'll decide whether or not I like it, and will do it.” God's will is what is good, acceptable/pleasing, and perfect (Rm 12:1-2), because those are characteristics of God. “Perfect” implies that anything else is second best. “Good” implies that anything else is not so good. “Pleasing” implies that if we knew all that God knows, we would be as pleased with suffering as with comfort. Most people don't know or experience God's will because they are not committed to doing it (Jn 7:17). God is not going to communicate His subjective will to us if we're not obeying His objective will (what He's commanded). See the sermon on the Will of God on Truthbase.net.

One revelation of the will of God is clearly specified in this passage: our sanctification-holiness, the second aspect of our salvation, necessary for glorification. We can chose to sanctify ourselves by obeying the truth (1Pt 1:22) or remain unholy. The specific will of God Paul commanded is sexual holiness, as in abstaining from immorality/fornication. To be holy is separate or distinct from those around us. Paul elaborates that this means possessing or controlling one's passions-emotions-desires so that one lives honorably, not in the passion of lust, as the Gentiles do. Those who lack this holiness will not see God (Heb 12:14), and will lose their inheritance in the Kingdom (1Cor 6:9; Eph 5:5). God will particularly avenge those who take advantage of or defraud a brother/sister in this area. To defraud is to promise one thing and deliver another. Many people use sex as a means of boosting their worth and value at the expense of another. Paul solemnly testifies that God will discipline those who defraud. God has called us to uncleanness, but glory and virtue (2Pt 3:1) which have their root in holiness or sanctification. Sexual sin, as do all others start in our mind/value system, when we falsely believe that our desires are better and more important than God's desire for us. God isn't withholding something good from us (remember Satan's lie in Genesis 3?), but is keeping us from something that isn't good for us at the present time. If we trust that God will give what's best, when it's best, we'll avoid a lot of trouble and scars that can hamper us for the rest of our lives. Beware of defining your spirituality by your sexuality, or any single benchmark. Success or failure in this area does not equate with being godly or ungodly. However, causing others to stumble and sin will reap judgment. See comments on 1Corinthians 6:18. The person who rejects the revelation of Scripture doesn't reject man, but God, because the Spirit of God is the Spirit of Truth. The natural man/woman who follows only animal passions is not following the Spirit, but has quenched Him (1Thess 5:19).

4:9-12 Paul says that his audience doesn't need instruction in philos (friendly love) or in eros (erotic love), a Greek term not used in the NT.  In contrast, Paul says they need philadelphia (brotherly love), because God has taught them to love each other by His example of sacrificing Himself for them. Note another of the one another passages. The priority is fellow members of the family of God.

John 15:12 "This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. 17 I command these things to you, that you may love one another.”

Paul also instructs them to lead exemplary lives toward unbelievers, working to provide for their own needs so they are self-sufficient. This does not mean that believers should all engage in manual labor, but that one does productive rather than speculative labor. See comments on Ephesians 4:28.

4:13-18 This is the famous Rapture passage. Paul had heard of their faith and love from Timothy in 3:6, but their hope wasn't mentioned. So Paul corrects their wrong thinking, which was that those who had died have missed the return of Christ, and they would not be with them in heaven. Believers grieve when a loved one dies, but should not grieve like worldlings do. We grieve when we lose something of value, and don't think it can be replaced or restored. But God is more than adequate for any of our needs (see “Can God Meet Emotional Needs” on Truthbase.net), and can replace any relationship with Himself or another person if that were best. Believers will also see each other again when Christ returns. Those who have fallen asleep, Paul's way of describing death, since physical death is a temporary condition, will be resurrected (Dan 12:3). When Christ returns to set up His Messianic Kingdom, those who died “in union with Christ” will first be resurrected, then those who are living will be raptured to meet the Lord in the air (Acts 1:9), together with them. The word “rapture” means to be caught up, used in Acts 8:39 of Philip being taken away from the eunuch, and in 2Corinthians 12:2-4 of Paul's visit to heaven. Revelation 12:5 is also applicable.

There are three different major views on the timing of the rapture, all in reference to the Tribulation: Pre, Mid, and Post Tribulation. The Tribulation is the Seventieth Week (period of seven years) of Daniel's prophecy in 9:27. The Pre-trib people believe Christ will return and the Rapture will occur before the Tribulation. The Mid-trib folks argue that the Rapture will occur in the middle of the seven years. And the Post-tribs believe believers will go through the Tribulation and be raptured at the end of it. Amillennialists, who don't believe that there is a future Messianic Kingdom, consider it all poetry to be ignored.

Although it doesn't make a huge difference in how one lives to please God, the Pre-trib position has the best support, both logically and Scripturally. Why would Christ come to take believers up to heaven (John 14:1-3) only to immediately return to earth again for the Kingdom. The marriage feast of the Lamb, with His Bride, the Church in heaven, would be an appropriate way to pass the time of the Tribulation on earth. Ancient wedding feasts often lasted seven days. The imminency of Matthew 24:36, 42-46, Revelation 3:10, and an argument we'll see in 2Thessalonians 2:6-8 are good places to start your study. Don't spend too much time studying the issue; making disciples is much more profitable and pleasing to God. But if you want to study the issue in more depth, see J. Dwight Pentecost's “Things To Come.” The teaching of the Rapture should encourage and comfort believers (4:18).

Application: God's will is our sanctification/holiness; develop it as you await His return.

Prayer: God, thanks that You know what's best for me, and have communicated it in a way I can understand; don't let me be deceived but help me delight in doing Your will. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5 Sanctified Compeletely

5:1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. 3 For when they are saying, "Peace and safety," then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman; and they will in no way escape. 4 But you, brothers, aren’t in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief. 5 You are all children of light, and children of the day. We don’t belong to the night, nor to darkness,

6 so then let’s not sleep, as the rest do, but let’s watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep in the night, and those who are drunk are drunk in the night. 8 But let us, since we belong to the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and, for a helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God didn’t appoint/set us toward wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

11 Therefore exhort/encourage one another, and build each other up, even as you also do. 12 But we beg you, brothers, to know/acknowledge those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, 13 and to respect and honor them in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 We exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, comfort the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all. 15 See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good, for one another, and for all.

16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Don’t quench the Spirit. 20 Don’t despise prophesies. 21 Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good. 22 Abstain from every form/appearance of evil.

23 May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who will also do it. 25 Brothers, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27 I solemnly command you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the holy brothers. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Observations: 5:1-10 Regarding the timing of the rapture the Thessalonians knew what many today forget, that no one knows the day or hour. Since the Mid-trib position posits the rapture in the middle of the Tribulation which begins with the establishment of the covenant with Israel at the beginning of the Tribulation, there would be a three and half year advance announcement of the rapture. Similarly, the post-trib position posits the rapture at the end of the Tribulation; thus the making of the covenant would give a seven year advance notice, and the breaking of the covenant with Israel by the man of sin (Dan 9:27; 2Thess 2:3) in the middle of the Tribulation would yield another three and half year notice. The Day of the Lord can refer to a day or period of God's activity or judgment (Isa 2:12; 13:9-11; Jer 46:10; Joel 1:15 2:28-32; Zeph 1:14-18; 3:14-15; 1Cor 3:13;), or the Second Coming of Christ (Joel 3:9-16; Zech. 14:1-5; Phil 1:6,10; Rev 16:12-16; 19:11-21;) the specific indication being determined by context, and sometimes multiple events are in view. Here the context would argue for judgment, which could be at the return of Christ for His saints. Coming like a thief has both the connotations of loss (2Pt 3:10; Rev 16:15); and unexpectedness (Mt 24:43; Rev 3:3). When people, like the false prophets in the OT were pronouncing peace, destruction would ruin them. Those who walk in the light, have nothing to fear. Those who slink in the darkness should fear. Since believers don't belong to the night, but the kingdom of light, they should live like it. They should watch and be sober-minded (a proper perspective on reality that leads to having one's passions governed by reason and noble objectives). The fact that Paul had to remind the Thessalonians of this indicates that there are believers who don't walk in the light. Those who do are prepared for the day, wearing the breastplate of faith and love, and have their thinking guarded by the hope of salvation/glorification. This is a reference to the defense against the dark arts (see comments on Ephesians 6). God didn't appoint (literally “set or place”) believers on the path to wrath but on the path to salvation/glorification, living together with Christ in His Kingdom. The glorification that is in view here is clear when we view Paul's two other uses of the word for “obtain” in Ephesians 1:14 and 2:13 in the next epistle:

2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

Those who keep on their guard and live in faith, love and hope, will reap their reward. The same cannot be said for those who sleep in the dark.

5:11-15 In light of the fact that faithful believers will live with Christ and the unfaithful won't, Paul tells the believers to exhort one another (not evangelize the sleepers) and build each other up. A number of questions about whether a passage is addressed to believers or unbelievers can be resolved by looking at the corrective action for the “bad” behaviors. It is almost always, “obey and behave,” and almost never “believe that Jesus died for your sins.” In verse 10 Paul affirmed that Jesus did die for the Thessalonian audience so that they might live together with Him. How do you encourage and build up others in light of the return of Christ? By warning of dangers and helping others understand and obey so they will please God and do well at the judgment seat of Christ. Being a good example helps as do the appropriate words, as Paul outlined in 2:10-12, and specifies in 5:14-15 below.

Paul begs them to know or pay attention to those who minister to them, are over them in the Lord, and admonish/warn them of inappropriate, dangerous temporal values and actions. The normal reaction to being corrected is to find fault with those who have exposed our faults. Instead, Paul says we should respect, honor them in love for their willingness to risk rejection to help us.

Psalm 141:5 “Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it. For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked.”

Those who don't acknowledge anyone over them in the Lord, nor are submitted to a Biblical Body of believers (Eph 5:21) are usually deceived and headed for well-earned destruction.

It is not only the job of leaders to minister, it is the responsibility of all of us to encourage and build up others (5:11). All believers are charged to admonish/warn the unruly (those out of line), comfort (this word means to “speak alongside” as opposed to encourage which means to “call alongside”) the feeble-souled, and support (restrain/hold back) the weak. Comforting the feeble-souled is not the “there there now” but a speaking of the words or stories that move them from weakness of soul/will, to strength. Restraining the weak or those without strength to resist sin on their own is probably the better translation in light of upcoming judgment at the return of Christ. Being patient/long-suffering (fruit of the Spirit) is necessary in ministry because people have spent so many years developing and ingraining wrong values and habit patterns. God intended that the sociological dynamic of a Body of believers would provide incentive, examples and encouragement to make the Christlike changes. But when the church culture is that of sit, soak, and sour, it's time to start anew (short of an unusual Holy Spirit inspired revival of sleeping saints; usually they only wake up to throw rocks). The whole Body has the responsibility to see that no one repays evil for evil (much more evil for good, which usually happens when sin is exposed). The Body should chase after what is good for one another, and all.

5:16-22 Parallel to the section referring to being filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul gives additional instructions concerning the will of God:

• rejoicing always, because we know that in all things we are more than conquerors, headed for glory;
• pray without ceasing, because that is how we express dependence upon God and draw grace from the Vine to live contentedly above our circumstances;
• in everything give thanks, because we know that whatever God has allowed into our lives is for our benefit and He will work it together for our good;

The above three items, as commands, are God's objective will for believers, particularly since Paul specifies them as such. If we're not obeying His objective will, we won't be able to discern His subjective will for our lives. Verse 19 gives instructions regarding the more subjective will. The first is to not quench the Spirit. “Quench” is used of extinguishing a fire. In the early church, before the NT was written, the Lord made His will known through the Spirit via prophecy (see comments on 1Cor 12 and 14). The Spirit also worked then, as now, in prompting a desire to do God's will (Phil 2:13). Those who followed their own desires rather than the Spirit were “natural” rather than “spiritual” people (1Cor 2-3). To quench the Spirit was to resist His will in their lives. This was done by despising prophesies that revealed God's authoritative will to obey. This happens today when people reject the revelation of the Spirit of Truth recorded in the OT and NT. Instead of quenching the Holy Spirit and His revelation, believers should examine, test, and prove all things to know what is truth, and then hold firmly to it. Anything less is quenching the Spirit, our agent in sanctification (Rom 8:13). Paul's final warning is to abstain from every appearance of evil. There are some things which might be legitimate, but can compromise our testimony and ability to minister to others. On the other hand, Jesus partied with pagans, and was a friend of sinners, so wisdom is required to know and do God's will.

5:23-28 Paul's benediction is a commendation of peace and grace, sandwiching a desire for their sanctification (the will of God -4:3). He asks that God would sanctify them completely, so their entire being: spirit (the part of us that relates to God), soul (mind, will/values, emotions), and body would be guarded/preserved (optative mood -strong wish) blameless at the judgment seat of Christ when He returns. God is faithful to provide all we need, and His will/desire is such, since He calls us to it, but it's not automatic. God will not sanctify us against our will. We need to yield and submit to His Spirit and truth for it to occur. Otherwise, there would have been no need for the warnings and instruction in the letter. Only those who apply what Paul wrote will be blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus the Messiah. God is always faithful; we need to be too. Paul closes with a request for prayer, a reminder to express affection to all with a holy kiss, and a solemn command to read the letter to all. Finally he wishes the grace of the Lord Jesus the Messiah to be theirs.

Application: God wants all that we are to be holy, including our ambitions, thoughts, attitudes, values, feelings and actions, because that is what is best for us.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, may every aspect of my life be brought into conformity with Your will for me, so I may be blameless at Your return. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

God in a nutshell: God has a perfect will for His people that extends to every aspect of their life. He is faithful to provide all we need to bring it about if we submit to Him in every way, every day.

Build-a-Jesus: The Lord Jesus, the Messiah will return as promised, first for His Bride, the Church, and then to set up His Millennial Kingdom after the Tribulation.

Us in a nutshell: We are to be holy and blameless at the return of Christ if we know and do all that His Spirit has revealed as His will for us.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Colossians 3-4 Perfect and Complete in the Will of God

TMS Philippians 4:13 The Strength of Christ

4:13 (“11 Not that I speak in respect to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. 12 I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.")

13 "I can do all things

through Christ,

Who strengthens me.”

Observations: 4:13 Sometimes doing what God wants seems impossible. However, God will always give us all we need to do His will if we are depending upon Him (Hebrews 13:21; 2 Corinthians 9:8). He is the source of supernatural strength necessary for living the Christian life (John 15:5). An abiding, dependent relationship with the Lord Jesus allows His Spirit/strength to flow into our lives and do all He calls us to do and be. That is not only the secret of accomplishment but also contentment. See context and comments on Philippians 4 for more.

Application: Christ will strengthen us to do His will if we faithfully depend upon Him.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thanks that in You I always have all I need to live the life You desire for me; may I be faithful to walk through today with You. Amen.

Colossians 3-4 In the previous chapter (Colossians 2:12-13), Paul said believers were buried and raised with Christ (on the basis of their faith in the working of God), so they could live a new life. He now tells them how to live that life so they can be rewarded with the glory God has planned. Seeking our future glory gives us the motivation to sacrifice the glory of this life, and be transformed to live in love and wisdom. We can't please God by living like we used to; we need to live as He wants us to. See under Digging Deeper for an audio sermon on Living The Christian Life After The Cross.

Colossians 3 Seek Glory Above and Walk In Love

3:1 "If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with Him in glory.

5 Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; 6 for which things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. 7 You also once walked in those, when you lived in them;

8 but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings, 10 and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in/by knowledge after the image of his Creator, 11 where there can’t be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.

12 Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. 14 Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly; in/by all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another; with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord. 17 Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through Him.

18 Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and don’t be bitter against them.

20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, don’t provoke your children, so that they won’t be discouraged.

22 Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God.

23 And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality."

Observations: 3:1-4 Those raised with Christ are commanded (imperative) to seek as their chief ambition, the things that are above (where Christ is, ie, their eternal reward), not the temporal trinkets on earth. The right hand of the emperor is where the future king of a conquered territory sat at the victory banquet. Christ is seated in the position of honor and glory waiting to take up His Messianic rule in the future kingdom, which He will share with those faithful to Him. That is what we should seek. Those who will miss out on their inheritance will do so because they are disobediently seeking the stupid stuff of earth instead. The overwhelming testimony of the Scripture is that God doesn't bless those who are disobedient. Faithful obedience doesn't happen automatically, but is the result of a mindset. Therefore Paul tells the believers to set their minds on pleasing God, and being blessed by Him. This is parallel to his instruction to the Ephesians that they have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. But for those blessings to be experienced, believers need to please God (hence the need for writing the epistles). The reason Paul gives for believers obeying is because they have died to their old life and their new life is now bound up or hidden with Christ, as they are in union with Him. If that continues, when He, who is our life (source of every breath we take and action we do, as well as source of future power) is revealed (at His second coming), we who are in union with Him will also be revealed as sons of glory (Matthew 16:27; Matthew 19:28; Matthew 25:31-34; Hebrews 2:10; 1 Peter 1).

3:5-7 The means or manner in which believers set their minds and lives toward heavenly objectives is by putting to death the immoral desires and behaviors of their old life. Covetousness, a violation of the tenth commandment, is the desire for more (of that which gives temporal worth, value, and pleasure) and is equated with idolatry. Those believers who don't kill their temporal desires will wish they had come judgment day. Paul uses the coming judgment as the motivation for obedience. This is not a reference to unbelievers being tossed into the lake of fire, but of God's disobedient and displeasing children being judged for behaving badly (cf Ephesians 2:2; Ephesians 5:6 comments). Verse 7 clearly refers to the former behavior of his believing audience.

Ephesians 5:6 "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience."

The reason we sin as believers is because we want to. The reason we want to is because we think that such behavior is beneficial to us. Even when we realize it isn't good for us, we engage in evil because we've developed evil habits. See “It Ain't Gonna Reign No More” on Truthbase.net for help in renewing your values and life. See exposition on Romans 8:13 on how to put to death the deeds of the body by the Holy Spirit

Romans 8:13 "For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."

3:8-11 Not only are believers to put bad behaviors to death, they are to put off/remove self-centered attitudes and actions from their life as well, and put on/embody other-centered attitudes and actions. The items mentioned are necessary for Biblical Body building, the emphasis in what follows (cf Ephesians 4). The list in verse 8 is self explanatory (see Galatians 5 comments on the works of the flesh for elaboration). The last item, abusive or dishonorable speech is probably, in this context, putting others down to boost one's self-worth, which in reality, diminishes it in God's sight. Lying to others, to pridefully present a more positive perspective of oneself than reality warrants, is a sad self-deception. No one is fooled, except the liar. Paul tries to motivate his audience by saying that such behavior belongs to the old man, not the new man in Christ, which is being renewed into the image of Christ (see comments on Romans 12:1-2 for the renewal process). The new man is composed of renewed individuals who's identity is that of a Christian. What they were before is largely irrelevant. Christ, not ethnicity, religiosity, nor cultural nor social status is the basis of who they are now.

3:12-17 Just like old habits and identities don't go away unless we take appropriate action, God's chosen, holy and beloved children need to choose to learn and put on new behaviors in their interactions with each other. The list in verses 12-13 is also self-explanatory. You might want to think about how you've demonstrated each toward others in the past month. Christ forgave us without our asking (cf Luke 23:34), which is necessary to prevent bitterness (Hebrews 12:15) but brought us into fellowship with Himself when we acknowledged our wrong doing and repented. We are to forgive others, regardless of whether or not they repent, but we don't need to fellowship with them until they do (cf. Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 5 on church discipline). It is not in the best interest of a sinning believer to continue to sin against others. Love requires appropriate reproof and restoration. Walking in love is having our actions and attitudes guided by what is in the other person's best interest, not our comfort. If you are tempted to complain about the pain of loving others, remember how Christ loved you. Putting on love is the bond or belt which hold the relationships together. Verse 15 is usually cited out of context as applying to decision making, when in reality, doing God's will, especially involving difficult change can cause initial anxiety (cf Jesus in the Garden). The Colossian context is that of believers living in peace and harmony with each other as the Body of Christ. Like in Ephesians, the Colossians are to be a unified body (temple) in which God dwells. Being thankful for a fellowship of like-minded Christ followers in a self-centered world aids the unity. Letting the word of Christ (His teachings) dwell/abide in us is the key to being able to build up others with wise instruction and admonishment/warning. We speak the truth to each other, but sing with psalms, etc., to God. Such singing isn't just mouthing words, but that which flows from a heart pulsating with the grace of God. Not all who sing joyfully have a good relationship with God, but those who don't sing with their hearts, don't have a heart energized by His grace. In Ephesians Paul reached the climax of Body life in 5:21, submitting to each other in the fear of God. Here he says that whatever we do, in word or deed, should be enabled by a concern for the name/reputation/glory of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through Him.

3:18-25 Paul now addresses the same three pairs of subordinated relationships as He did in Ephesians 5-6 (see comments there). The command to wives is in the middle voice, in which the subject does something for their own benefit (see 1 Peter 3 comments). “As is fitting” emphasizes the duty/obligation. Husbands are to love their wives, sacrificing themselves to do what is in their wife's best interest. “Bitterness” also has the meaning of “be irritated.” Children are to obey their parents in everything as the means of pleasing the Lord, who will watch out for those who please Him. Fathers are not to provoke their children to anger (KJV) so they won't be discouraged or disheartened. A father who is never satisfied or always angry with his children (because he didn't train them properly) breaks the spirit of the child. The goal is to break the will, and shape the spirit. See Parenting Resources on Truthbase.net and the synopsis in TOYL. 

The bulk of Paul's comments concern servants and masters, because the idea of working for a reward is dominant in the epistle. Servants/employees are to do their work heartily as if they are serving the Lord. Worship is a response to revelation, so responding to this revelation by doing their work fo the Lord, turns it into worship. An employee is not a slave bound to a master. If an employee can't follow the Biblical instructions for work, nor fulfill their other Biblical responsibilities because of work, it's time to trust God for a job in which they can fulfill all their responsibilities. See the Work As Worship sermon on Truthbase.net. Note that this does not mean worshiping work. (Americans have been described as a people who worship work, work at play, and play at worship.) One isn't doing their work as worship nor for the Lord, if they neglect the other things the Lord has commanded, especially relationships and ministry. That would not be fearing God.
See TOYL for how to develop a Biblical balance. We should work not just to fulfill the minimum requirements, but strive to give more service than that for which we are compensated, as long as we don't neglect other responsibilities. Sometimes, people get their worth and value from giving their lives to get praise from their workplace, but lose out on getting praise from God. The person who works for the Lord's approval knows that the Lord will give them the reward of the inheritance. This is a great verse to show that inheritance is a reward, just as it was in the OT. Israel had to work to get and maintain the blessings in the Promised Land. The one who fails to work heartily as for the Lord, does what is wrong and will be repaid with loss of reward (1 Corinthians 3:15; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10). This is not justification by works, but glorification by works.

Application: Born again believers need to put away bad behavior and put on new attitudes and actions in order to live the new life which God rewards.

Prayer: God, thanks that You want what's best for me; help me do and be all that You desire. Amen.

Colossians 4 Walk in Wisdom and Be Perfect and Complete

4:1 "Masters, give to your servants that which is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving; 3 praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds; 4 that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

7 All my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, faithful servant, and fellow bondservant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 9 together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is going on here. 10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received commandments, "if he comes to you, receive him"), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the Kingdom of God who are of the circumcision, men who have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I testify about him, that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you. 15 Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly that is in his house. 16 When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans; and that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it." 18 The salutation of me, Paul, with my own hand: remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen."

Observations: 4:1 This is an unfortunate verse division, which clearly belongs in the last chapter. Masters need to give to their employees what is just and fair. God hates injustice and judges those who engage in it.

4:2-4 Paul starts to conclude the epistle with a request for prayer, but reminds the Colossians to be ever vigilant and watchful in prayer against the attacks of the enemy. This is parallel to the end of the spiritual warfare section in Ephesians. This is the fifth admonition to be thankful. Thanksgiving acknowledges that God has given the blessing and circumstances one has, and fosters dependent trust for the future. If I'm aware that God has given all I have needed in the past, then I can trust Him for my present needs, as well as those of the future. Thankfulness also diminishes discontent. You can find a number of outlines on the topic on Truthbase.net, as well as a Biblical Survey of Prayer. Paul requests that they pray for God to open a door for him to boldly speak the mystery of Christ, that the Gentiles are equal heirs with the Jews in the promises of the Messiah. That message is why the Jews sought to kill him (see Acts) and why he was currently in prison. It's also why prayer is needed since the satanically motivated Jews sought to suppress the message.

4:5-6 Paul commands the believers to walk/live in wisdom (choosing the right objectives for their lives, as well as the right means of obtaining them) toward the unbelievers. The means of walking wisely is to redeem (buy back) the fleeting hours of each day by exchanging them for what has eternal value (see comments on Ephesians 5:16). The souls of others rank pretty high on the heavenly value scale. Verse 6 doesn't have a separate finite verb, but it modifies verse 5. The wise believer will learn to cultivate communication that is empowered by grace (God's power), seasoned with salt (used in Greek of wit, which makes people thirst for more), knowing how to respond to each individual person, according to what is appropriate and beneficial.

4:7-11 Paul turns attention to the visit of Tychicus and Onesimus which is for the purpose of sharing news and teaching of Paul, and receiving news about the Colossians for Paul. Note the common characteristic of faithfulness (the major criteria of our future judgment – see Semper Fi at the end of the TOYL booklet). Onesimus was a slave who had robbed his Colossian master Philemon, had met Paul, was converted, and sent back to Philemon with the eponymous epistle. Aristarchus was a companion of Paul on his missionary journey (Acts 19:29; 27:2). Verse 10 gives some insight into the split between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, Barnabas' cousin in Acts 15:36-41. There were only two fellow Jews working with Paul for the inclusion of the Gentiles in the Kingdom which God promised in the OT (Isaiah 40; see comments on Matthew introduction).

4:12-16 Epaphras, at one time a fellow prisoner with Paul (Philemon 1:23) not only taught the Colossians (1:7) but fervently labored and fought for them in prayer that they would stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. This involves doing what is pleasing in His sight so as to receive the blessing He intends for His loyal and faithful saints. This is the goal of the Christian life on earth. It is not automatic, but a result of teaching to obey (Matthew 28:20) and prayerful ministry. Notice that it is so much more than getting sins forgiven. This passage is the one that tells us that Luke was a physician, and that Demas was a co-laborer. One of the saddest verses in the NT is 2 Timothy 4:10 which tells us that this companion and fellow laborer with Paul, forsook him, because he was seduced by and loved this present world. Not even Paul's teaching and prayers could save Demas from destroying his future. His fate is so much the worse, because, as Dr. Luke recorded, to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). Paul instructs the Colossians to swap letters with the lukewarm Laodiceans, who Christ said were on track to lose their glory/reward.

Revelation 3:16 “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' --- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked ---18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."”

4:17-18 Paul ends with an admonition/encouragement to Archippus, a fellow-soldier (Philemon 1:12) who apparently had received a commission from the Lord as had Paul (1 Corinthians 15:3). Nothing else is known of him. The interesting thing is the function of the Body in encouraging such an individual to fulfill or bring to completion the responsibility/ministry the Lord had entrusted to him. Paul signs with his own hand, and asks them to remember his bonds (third reference - Colossians 4:3,10,18). The reminder is of his willingness to suffer for the benefit of others, as they should too. They had life because Christ was willing to suffer. They heard about life because Paul was willing to suffer. They were taught because Epaphras was willing to suffer. The route to glory is through suffering (see comments on Mark 10:45), so the Colossians should be willing to suffer for others on their route to their glorious inheritance. Paul ends with a shorter benediction, wishing them the blessing of grace.

Application: Life is short; make it count for eternity, by using every hour for God's pleasure and the benefit of others.

Prayer: God, may I be perfect and complete in all Your will, as You desire; show me what ever You want me to do, and help me trust You to bring it about. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

God in a nutshell: God will pour out His wrath on His disobedient children who seek to live for just this world rather than His will.

Build-a-Jesus: The Lord Jesus sits at the right hand of God awaiting the inauguration of His Messianic rule, when He will reward His faithful servants in whom His word dwells.

Us in a nutshell: We need to be transformed to be able to live as God desires; that involves choosing to put to death our old self-centered desires and habits, and putting on the Christ-like characteristics that enable us to minister to others.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Colossians: Living The Christian Life After The Cross