WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday August 1, 2010
_____________________________________________
A LIFE WELL LIVED
(Exalt CHRIST by the way you live your life)
(Philippians 1)
The city of Philippi was named after Philip II of Macedonia, who was the father of Alexander the great. Philip captured the city from the Thracians in 358 B.C. It is located about 10 miles northwest of the seaport of Neopolis. It was near there, that, Mark Anthony and Octavius (Caesar Augustus) defeated Brutus and Cassius after they had murdered the Roman Emperor of Julius Caesar. Shortly afterwards, Philippi became a colony of the original Roman Empire.
In A.D. 52, Paul visited this city, during his second missionary journey with Silas. It became the first European city in which a Christian church was established. Lydia and her family, and also, the Philippian jailer and his household were converted to Christianity by Paul and Silas, before, and during their incarceration there, respectively (Acts 16:6-40).
Ironically, Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians, while under house arrest in Rome, some 10 years later. It was written in response to the financial generosity of the Philippian Church, during and after his visit there in Macedonia. Paul says that, they were the only church to respond in such a way, when he delivered to them, the good news about CHRIST JESUS (Philippians 4:15-16).
After a sincere prayer of thanksgiving for, and vote of confidence in, the Christian Church at Philippi (vs. 1-11), Paul moves on to describe some of the problems that he was currently faced with in Rome. However, he wanted all of the Christian brothers and sisters to know that everything that was happening to him also contributed to aiding the spread of the Good News about JESUS CHRIST (vs. 12-14)). And even though some were preaching out of jealousy and rivalry to Paul, most were preaching out of a love for him, and most of all, a love for CHRIST. Paul was confident that the prayers of the saints and the SPIRIT of CHRIST JESUS would deliver him from his pain (vs. 15-19).
In the biblical Greek, the word used for “earnest expectation” or “hope for the future” is “apokaradokia” (a-pok-a-ra-do-kee-yah). It describes the attitude of a man who scans the horizon, with his head stretched forward, eagerly anticipating the first signs of the coming of the glory of GOD. You see, for Paul, life was not a weary and defeated waiting, but rather, it was a throbbing and very vivid expectation.
The Christian has always been, is now, and, will forever be a part of the human experience. By that I mean, from within, we all have to suffer with our own “sin nature”, which is, in the Greek “epithumia”, it is that battle that constantly goes on within ourselves between “reason” and “passion”. When we give in to “passion” we sin, but when we yield to the “reasoning” of the HOLY SPIRIT, we are able to avoid the clutches of sin.
In addition to suffering with our own sin nature, we are also affected by the sins of others. But we must learn how to, in the power of CHRIST, live in a world full of death and decay, and also withstand suffering caused by sins that are not our own, just as CHRIST did.
In Philippians 1, verse 20, Paul says that he lived in earnest expectation and hope that he would never do anything that would cause shame to himself, or to CHRIST, neither in life, nor, in death. He resolved that his living would be for CHRIST, and that his dying for CHRIST would be even better. He was torn between two desires, living in service to CHRIST, and dying for the sake of CHRIST. But he reasoned in the only unselfish way that he could, that it would be better for those who were lost, that he lived on, working in hopes that one day they too, could experience the joy that he himself had found in CHRIST JESUS.
To exalt CHRIST through our behavior results in a life well lived. In the biblical times the word “conversation” meant “your whole way of life”, how you lived and your manner of living, what you did and how you did it. Sadly, today it only means “the way you talk”.
Professed Christians must begin to let their “conversation” (way of life) be worthy of CHRIST, because we are, in reality, professing to be citizens of Heaven. We must give up the desire to conform to the ways of the world, even and especially in the church. We have to transform from the world before we can enter into Heaven, and we can take nothing of this world with us when we make our transitions.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Friday, July 30, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday July 25, 2010
_____________________________________________
FINDING THE STRENGTH TO DO RIGHT
(Never tire of doing what is right)
(2 Thessalonians 3)
With the issue of eschatology now handled, Paul closes out his second letter to the Thessalonians with a final warning to always do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD. In order for us to build our spiritual foundations on the Most-High Faith, we as Christians must show the world, through our behavior, that Christianity does indeed, produce the best men and women. We must be able to do the right thing, even in times of hardship, struggle, and persecution.
Everyone in this present time needs prayer, in fact, prayer is something that has always been needed by every generation that has ever lived on this earth, and Paul himself, in his time, was no exception. Paul understood fully that GOD always answers the prayers of those who righteously seek HIM, and that HE will deliver them from the clutches of the evil one, who seeks through his demonic forces, to destroy the work of Christianity.
I myself experience attacks almost every day from antichrist elements who seek to sabotage my online Sunday school ministry, and scandalize my name by linking it to pornography, sex-enhancement drugs, vulgar you tube videos, etc. and then, sending them through the e-mail to many of my readers. And while most of my readers are not fooled by these disrespectful attempts to stop my Christian teachings, there are some who do buy into it. And since these cowardly attacks comes from various places around the world, and can’t be traced, it would be foolish to let such things discourage my work. I refuse to try and track down cowards who wish to attack people that they don’t know, and then, hide behind their P.C.’s and laptops. It kind of reminds you of the C.B. era when cowardly closet racists would use a lot of racial slurs while hiding behind their C.B.s. And so I will persist, continuing my work, just as JESUS did, and just as Paul and other Christian workers did, who followed HIM.
Suffering for the faith is never easy, and we should never allow suffering to force us to surrender. Our best response to difficulty is to continue to do what we know is right according to the GOD of Heaven and earth, remaining confident in HIS eternal love for us, and long-term commitment to us. GOD will always bless those who suffer for the sake of CHRIST JESUS.
In 2 Thessalonians 3, verses 6-15, Paul shifts gears a little bit and delivers a final exhortation to those who insisted on waiting idly on the onset of the “Day of the LORD”, refusing to see the need to continue working and earning their own way in life.
One of the key reasons why Paul would work in his vocation as a tentmaker when he visited a city for an extended period of time is that, he wanted to give Christian converts a model of a good work ethic that they could follow. He understood that a leader must lead by example and be sensitive to the influence that their own behavior will have upon others who might be watching them.
It was very disturbing to Paul that some ignorant and lazy believers spent the majority of their days looking up in the sky, saying “We’re waiting on JESUS to return any minute now, so we don’t need to work because the end of the world is at hand”. Those who were idling themselves also became busy bodies who meddled into the affairs of others. Paul admonishes the church that “anyone who doesn’t work should not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-11). In fact, Paul commanded them to get to work so that they might earn their own living and quit freeloading off other Christians. They should spend their time wisely, working for a living, and thereby eliminating some of the spare time they were misusing to interfere in other folks business, gossiping, and stirring up trouble.
Christians are called to a higher standard of proper living, seeking to do what is good and right, according to the word of GOD, even in times of stress and difficulties. Whenever Christians irresponsibly take the easy way out, and seem to prosper by doing so, it becomes a discouragement to those who are trying to do things the right way, and they themselves may be tempted to join in, in wrongdoing.
Paul closes by advising us to never grow weary of doing what’s good and favorable in GOD’s eyes. And we should pay close attention to those professed Christians who refuse to honor Christian values, so that we may understand clearly what NOT to do. And while we should not seek to permanently ostracize them from our lives, or the church, we should perhaps stay away from them for a while, if necessary, if for no other reason than to give them time to think about what they are doing, so that hopefully they will become convicted by their own behavior (verses 13-14). But we should never see another Christian as our enemy, instead, we should see them as we see ourselves, we’re all just Christians, who will always have to contend with our own sin nature and struggles, and also, will always have to share in the struggles and problems of others.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday July 25, 2010
_____________________________________________
FINDING THE STRENGTH TO DO RIGHT
(Never tire of doing what is right)
(2 Thessalonians 3)
With the issue of eschatology now handled, Paul closes out his second letter to the Thessalonians with a final warning to always do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD. In order for us to build our spiritual foundations on the Most-High Faith, we as Christians must show the world, through our behavior, that Christianity does indeed, produce the best men and women. We must be able to do the right thing, even in times of hardship, struggle, and persecution.
Everyone in this present time needs prayer, in fact, prayer is something that has always been needed by every generation that has ever lived on this earth, and Paul himself, in his time, was no exception. Paul understood fully that GOD always answers the prayers of those who righteously seek HIM, and that HE will deliver them from the clutches of the evil one, who seeks through his demonic forces, to destroy the work of Christianity.
I myself experience attacks almost every day from antichrist elements who seek to sabotage my online Sunday school ministry, and scandalize my name by linking it to pornography, sex-enhancement drugs, vulgar you tube videos, etc. and then, sending them through the e-mail to many of my readers. And while most of my readers are not fooled by these disrespectful attempts to stop my Christian teachings, there are some who do buy into it. And since these cowardly attacks comes from various places around the world, and can’t be traced, it would be foolish to let such things discourage my work. I refuse to try and track down cowards who wish to attack people that they don’t know, and then, hide behind their P.C.’s and laptops. It kind of reminds you of the C.B. era when cowardly closet racists would use a lot of racial slurs while hiding behind their C.B.s. And so I will persist, continuing my work, just as JESUS did, and just as Paul and other Christian workers did, who followed HIM.
Suffering for the faith is never easy, and we should never allow suffering to force us to surrender. Our best response to difficulty is to continue to do what we know is right according to the GOD of Heaven and earth, remaining confident in HIS eternal love for us, and long-term commitment to us. GOD will always bless those who suffer for the sake of CHRIST JESUS.
In 2 Thessalonians 3, verses 6-15, Paul shifts gears a little bit and delivers a final exhortation to those who insisted on waiting idly on the onset of the “Day of the LORD”, refusing to see the need to continue working and earning their own way in life.
One of the key reasons why Paul would work in his vocation as a tentmaker when he visited a city for an extended period of time is that, he wanted to give Christian converts a model of a good work ethic that they could follow. He understood that a leader must lead by example and be sensitive to the influence that their own behavior will have upon others who might be watching them.
It was very disturbing to Paul that some ignorant and lazy believers spent the majority of their days looking up in the sky, saying “We’re waiting on JESUS to return any minute now, so we don’t need to work because the end of the world is at hand”. Those who were idling themselves also became busy bodies who meddled into the affairs of others. Paul admonishes the church that “anyone who doesn’t work should not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-11). In fact, Paul commanded them to get to work so that they might earn their own living and quit freeloading off other Christians. They should spend their time wisely, working for a living, and thereby eliminating some of the spare time they were misusing to interfere in other folks business, gossiping, and stirring up trouble.
Christians are called to a higher standard of proper living, seeking to do what is good and right, according to the word of GOD, even in times of stress and difficulties. Whenever Christians irresponsibly take the easy way out, and seem to prosper by doing so, it becomes a discouragement to those who are trying to do things the right way, and they themselves may be tempted to join in, in wrongdoing.
Paul closes by advising us to never grow weary of doing what’s good and favorable in GOD’s eyes. And we should pay close attention to those professed Christians who refuse to honor Christian values, so that we may understand clearly what NOT to do. And while we should not seek to permanently ostracize them from our lives, or the church, we should perhaps stay away from them for a while, if necessary, if for no other reason than to give them time to think about what they are doing, so that hopefully they will become convicted by their own behavior (verses 13-14). But we should never see another Christian as our enemy, instead, we should see them as we see ourselves, we’re all just Christians, who will always have to contend with our own sin nature and struggles, and also, will always have to share in the struggles and problems of others.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Friday, July 16, 2010
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday July 18, 2010
_____________________________________________
STANDING FIRM
(Hold fast to the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST)
(2 Thessalonians 2)
In 2 Thessalonians 2, verses 1-12, the Apostle Paul writes of eschatological truths that aren’t revealed to us anywhere else in scripture. Here he deals with the doctrinal errors concerning “the last days”, which, had infiltrated the Christian Church at Thessalonica, during its infancy. These doctrinal errors were the root cause of some of the practical errors that Paul would later address in chapter 3 of this epistle.
New Christians, naturally, tend to be somewhat more vulnerable to false teachings because they have not yet had a chance to ground themselves in the truths of the Holy GOD’s scriptures. However, any Christian, especially in this day and time, is subject to be misled by the many charismatic personalities that come to us live, and through various mediums, seeking only to make a buck off the gullibility of those of us who refuse to read GOD’s word for themselves. These days, perhaps more so than in any other era of human existence, professed Christians must have an experiential, private, personal relationship with GOD if we are to navigate safely through the luciferic attractions of this world.
As I mentioned in the last installment, false rumors had been circulating through the church saying that Paul had identified the hardship and tribulations that the church was going through, as “The Last Days”, or, the onset of the “Day of the LORD”, an Old Testament phrase that is used in prophecy to indicate a series of events associated with the “end times”, or the end of the world as we know it.
Here Paul explains and cautions that the Thessalonians must not fall prey to such false teachings that were apparently coming to them from various sources that appeared to be authoritative. These confusing and erroneous messages made it hard for the Thessalonians to distinguish the biblical warnings from the current troubles that they were experiencing. In others words, just like in today’s society, they were confusing the “news” of current events, such as earthquakes, wars, and other natural and man-made disasters as a sign that the end is here. But in reality these things are just news and our world has always suffered with such catastrophes, and always will.
In his explanation, Paul refers to three events that must occur before the judgments of the day of the LORD can take place. They are, first, “The apostasy” (verse 3), or, “falling away”, which means “the deliberate abandonment of”, or “departure from” a professed position or belief, in this case “Christianity”.
Secondly, there will be a revealing of “The Man of Lawlessness”, in the Greek, “ho anthropos tes anomias”, or “The Antichrist” (verses 3-4, 8) who will be fully characterized by his lawlessness, and particularly by his sin, and complete active violation of all moral principles known to man.
And then finally, there will be a removal of restraints by the HOLY SPIRIT, which had been keeping this personified antichrist at bay. Here Paul paints a picture of a man who will be completely energized by satan, and who will lead mankind into a final, but futile rebellion against the GOD of Heaven. In fact, he will exalt himself above everything that is called god, and even set himself up in the Christian church itself, to be worshiped. In effect, Paul is telling the Church that the end is not here until all three events have come to pass.
In 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17, Paul urges the church to stand firm and rejoice in their salvation, and, when CHRIST does come, they will rejoice with HIM in HIS glory. He also advises them to do the things that they had been taught in the beginning, which are right according to the LORD, and to continue to do them, even when times become difficult.
A person’s best response to difficult times is to persist in doing that which is right in the eyes of the LORD. We must show confidence in GOD’s love and long-term, eternal commitment to us. Paul was not relying on the Thessalonians’ inherent power to do what is right, but rather, he was relying on their confidence in GOD, to work in them, through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT, which is given to all Christians, because they believe on CHRIST JESUS.
The SPIRIT and the Bride (the Christian Church) say come. But the lure of this world and satan say the same. The HOLY SPIRIT in us will always try to compel us toward CHRIST. However, the “sin nature” in us will always try and tug us back toward the World. That battle within us, between “the reason to do right” and “the passion to want to do wrong” stays with us long after we accept the gift of salvation. However, through our strength in CHRIST, we can successfully overcome the gravitational pull of this world, just as HE did, and find ourselves in “the ultimate happy ending” that has been prepared for us by GOD, since the foundation of this world.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday July 18, 2010
_____________________________________________
STANDING FIRM
(Hold fast to the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST)
(2 Thessalonians 2)
In 2 Thessalonians 2, verses 1-12, the Apostle Paul writes of eschatological truths that aren’t revealed to us anywhere else in scripture. Here he deals with the doctrinal errors concerning “the last days”, which, had infiltrated the Christian Church at Thessalonica, during its infancy. These doctrinal errors were the root cause of some of the practical errors that Paul would later address in chapter 3 of this epistle.
New Christians, naturally, tend to be somewhat more vulnerable to false teachings because they have not yet had a chance to ground themselves in the truths of the Holy GOD’s scriptures. However, any Christian, especially in this day and time, is subject to be misled by the many charismatic personalities that come to us live, and through various mediums, seeking only to make a buck off the gullibility of those of us who refuse to read GOD’s word for themselves. These days, perhaps more so than in any other era of human existence, professed Christians must have an experiential, private, personal relationship with GOD if we are to navigate safely through the luciferic attractions of this world.
As I mentioned in the last installment, false rumors had been circulating through the church saying that Paul had identified the hardship and tribulations that the church was going through, as “The Last Days”, or, the onset of the “Day of the LORD”, an Old Testament phrase that is used in prophecy to indicate a series of events associated with the “end times”, or the end of the world as we know it.
Here Paul explains and cautions that the Thessalonians must not fall prey to such false teachings that were apparently coming to them from various sources that appeared to be authoritative. These confusing and erroneous messages made it hard for the Thessalonians to distinguish the biblical warnings from the current troubles that they were experiencing. In others words, just like in today’s society, they were confusing the “news” of current events, such as earthquakes, wars, and other natural and man-made disasters as a sign that the end is here. But in reality these things are just news and our world has always suffered with such catastrophes, and always will.
In his explanation, Paul refers to three events that must occur before the judgments of the day of the LORD can take place. They are, first, “The apostasy” (verse 3), or, “falling away”, which means “the deliberate abandonment of”, or “departure from” a professed position or belief, in this case “Christianity”.
Secondly, there will be a revealing of “The Man of Lawlessness”, in the Greek, “ho anthropos tes anomias”, or “The Antichrist” (verses 3-4, 8) who will be fully characterized by his lawlessness, and particularly by his sin, and complete active violation of all moral principles known to man.
And then finally, there will be a removal of restraints by the HOLY SPIRIT, which had been keeping this personified antichrist at bay. Here Paul paints a picture of a man who will be completely energized by satan, and who will lead mankind into a final, but futile rebellion against the GOD of Heaven. In fact, he will exalt himself above everything that is called god, and even set himself up in the Christian church itself, to be worshiped. In effect, Paul is telling the Church that the end is not here until all three events have come to pass.
In 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17, Paul urges the church to stand firm and rejoice in their salvation, and, when CHRIST does come, they will rejoice with HIM in HIS glory. He also advises them to do the things that they had been taught in the beginning, which are right according to the LORD, and to continue to do them, even when times become difficult.
A person’s best response to difficult times is to persist in doing that which is right in the eyes of the LORD. We must show confidence in GOD’s love and long-term, eternal commitment to us. Paul was not relying on the Thessalonians’ inherent power to do what is right, but rather, he was relying on their confidence in GOD, to work in them, through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT, which is given to all Christians, because they believe on CHRIST JESUS.
The SPIRIT and the Bride (the Christian Church) say come. But the lure of this world and satan say the same. The HOLY SPIRIT in us will always try to compel us toward CHRIST. However, the “sin nature” in us will always try and tug us back toward the World. That battle within us, between “the reason to do right” and “the passion to want to do wrong” stays with us long after we accept the gift of salvation. However, through our strength in CHRIST, we can successfully overcome the gravitational pull of this world, just as HE did, and find ourselves in “the ultimate happy ending” that has been prepared for us by GOD, since the foundation of this world.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Friday, July 9, 2010
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday July 11, 2010
_____________________________________________
FINDING PURPOSE IN LIFE
(Live a life that glorifies GOD)
(2 Thessalonians 1)
According to information recorded in scriptures, it is highly likely that Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians was written in Corinth, during his second missionary journey, probably within twelve months of his first letter to that church in A.D. 50.
It is Paul’s third known canonical writing, if we assume that the letter to the Galatians was the first, and the first letter to the Church at Thessalonica was the second. Corinth is the last known place that Paul, Silas, and Timothy were all together (Acts 18:5), and so Paul’s mentioning of that fact here in this letter (2 Thessalonians 1:1) lends credibility to the time and location of its writing.
This letter was written in response to new developments that had taken place since the writing of the first letter. Persecutions in Thessalonica had intensified and many Christians were struggling in despair and losing hope. Also, false rumors were spreading that Paul was saying that the time of the end had come, and, as a result, many people in Thessalonica had stopped working and were living off others instead. They had taken the attitude of “Why bother, if JESUS is coming back tomorrow to end the world?”
In the Greek, the word used for “encouragement” is “parakaleo” (par-ak-al-eh-o), and it means “to call one near, for the purpose of giving comfort to, usually through prayer”. Here in 2 Thessalonians 1, the Apostle Paul seeks to encourage the Thessalonians through praise and supplication. He expresses his gratitude for the increasing love that they were showing for each other in hard times, and, for their perseverance through all of their suffering. However, Paul is not praying that the Thessalonians find immediate relief from their trials, but rather, he is praying that they be worthy of GOD’s calling by persisting through their suffering, and thereby, putting themselves in a better position to fulfill HIS purpose in them.
Paul knew of the difficulties and trials that Christians would have to face in a world that insists on living in ways that are contrary to the will of GOD. Trials are permitted by GOD in order to help us achieve HIS ultimate calling upon our lives. And so Paul prays that the Thessalonians would respond in a positive way to GOD’s testing, and be able to fulfill the purpose that GOD has in mind for each of them. He was seeking to teach them that, when troubles persist, they should pray to GOD for strength to endure, and not just for relief. Trials are not sent to make us fail, but rather, they are sent to strengthen us and make us better warriors in the army of CHRIST JESUS.
As I mentioned earlier, false rumors had been spreading throughout the Church at Thessalonica saying that Paul had identified their present trials as being the beginning of the end, or the onset of the “Day of the LORD”. However, Paul is really urging the Church to stand firm and rejoice in their salvation, and in the awareness that, when JESUS does come, they will indeed, share in HIS Glory.
Many people complain today that GOD is not fair. They say that the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer. In verses 6-7, Paul is insistent when he says, in effect, that GOD is not only fair, HE goes beyond being “fair”, and is indeed “just”. Being “just”, requires GOD to “pay back” troubles to those who trouble the righteous, and give relief to them in the process of time. GOD is good, just, and fair, in all things, but HE does not necessarily balance HIS books at our convenience, HE does it when it will best serve us, in the most beneficial way possible. In other words, GOD does not necessarily balance HIS books every weekend.
In the biblical Greek, the word sometimes used for “train”, or “teach” is “paideia” (pahee-di-ah), and it means “to guide or direct, sometimes by disciplinary means”. Verses 5-9 tend to indicate a righteous response from GOD toward those who do evil acts upon those who serve HIM. These verses tell us quite plainly, that, GOD’s discipline is not vindictive, however, it can be harsh, because wickedness must be redressed in a manner that teaches us to respect the will of GOD and reduce our desire to do things our own way.
Paul promised to continue to pray for the blossoming church at Thessalonica. Like with all of the newly founded Christian churches, he wanted them to always glorify and honor GOD, and reflect JESUS’ image to others, through their own personal behavior.
Christian unity must always transcend the organizational differences of the various denominations within the body of CHRIST. And we must pray that our good intentions, or our intended faithful deeds, will not hinder us from doing what GOD has really called us to do, and that is, to remember what we all have in common, CHRIST JESUS, and to win souls over to HIM, largely, through our own obedient behavior.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday July 11, 2010
_____________________________________________
FINDING PURPOSE IN LIFE
(Live a life that glorifies GOD)
(2 Thessalonians 1)
According to information recorded in scriptures, it is highly likely that Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians was written in Corinth, during his second missionary journey, probably within twelve months of his first letter to that church in A.D. 50.
It is Paul’s third known canonical writing, if we assume that the letter to the Galatians was the first, and the first letter to the Church at Thessalonica was the second. Corinth is the last known place that Paul, Silas, and Timothy were all together (Acts 18:5), and so Paul’s mentioning of that fact here in this letter (2 Thessalonians 1:1) lends credibility to the time and location of its writing.
This letter was written in response to new developments that had taken place since the writing of the first letter. Persecutions in Thessalonica had intensified and many Christians were struggling in despair and losing hope. Also, false rumors were spreading that Paul was saying that the time of the end had come, and, as a result, many people in Thessalonica had stopped working and were living off others instead. They had taken the attitude of “Why bother, if JESUS is coming back tomorrow to end the world?”
In the Greek, the word used for “encouragement” is “parakaleo” (par-ak-al-eh-o), and it means “to call one near, for the purpose of giving comfort to, usually through prayer”. Here in 2 Thessalonians 1, the Apostle Paul seeks to encourage the Thessalonians through praise and supplication. He expresses his gratitude for the increasing love that they were showing for each other in hard times, and, for their perseverance through all of their suffering. However, Paul is not praying that the Thessalonians find immediate relief from their trials, but rather, he is praying that they be worthy of GOD’s calling by persisting through their suffering, and thereby, putting themselves in a better position to fulfill HIS purpose in them.
Paul knew of the difficulties and trials that Christians would have to face in a world that insists on living in ways that are contrary to the will of GOD. Trials are permitted by GOD in order to help us achieve HIS ultimate calling upon our lives. And so Paul prays that the Thessalonians would respond in a positive way to GOD’s testing, and be able to fulfill the purpose that GOD has in mind for each of them. He was seeking to teach them that, when troubles persist, they should pray to GOD for strength to endure, and not just for relief. Trials are not sent to make us fail, but rather, they are sent to strengthen us and make us better warriors in the army of CHRIST JESUS.
As I mentioned earlier, false rumors had been spreading throughout the Church at Thessalonica saying that Paul had identified their present trials as being the beginning of the end, or the onset of the “Day of the LORD”. However, Paul is really urging the Church to stand firm and rejoice in their salvation, and in the awareness that, when JESUS does come, they will indeed, share in HIS Glory.
Many people complain today that GOD is not fair. They say that the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer. In verses 6-7, Paul is insistent when he says, in effect, that GOD is not only fair, HE goes beyond being “fair”, and is indeed “just”. Being “just”, requires GOD to “pay back” troubles to those who trouble the righteous, and give relief to them in the process of time. GOD is good, just, and fair, in all things, but HE does not necessarily balance HIS books at our convenience, HE does it when it will best serve us, in the most beneficial way possible. In other words, GOD does not necessarily balance HIS books every weekend.
In the biblical Greek, the word sometimes used for “train”, or “teach” is “paideia” (pahee-di-ah), and it means “to guide or direct, sometimes by disciplinary means”. Verses 5-9 tend to indicate a righteous response from GOD toward those who do evil acts upon those who serve HIM. These verses tell us quite plainly, that, GOD’s discipline is not vindictive, however, it can be harsh, because wickedness must be redressed in a manner that teaches us to respect the will of GOD and reduce our desire to do things our own way.
Paul promised to continue to pray for the blossoming church at Thessalonica. Like with all of the newly founded Christian churches, he wanted them to always glorify and honor GOD, and reflect JESUS’ image to others, through their own personal behavior.
Christian unity must always transcend the organizational differences of the various denominations within the body of CHRIST. And we must pray that our good intentions, or our intended faithful deeds, will not hinder us from doing what GOD has really called us to do, and that is, to remember what we all have in common, CHRIST JESUS, and to win souls over to HIM, largely, through our own obedient behavior.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Friday, July 2, 2010
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday July 4, 2010
_____________________________________________
LIVING IN FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE
(Live in the light of faith, hope, and love)
(1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)
The term “The day of the LORD” refers to a time when GOD will be more directly and dramatically involved in world affairs than any time since the days of JESUS’ three-year earthly ministry. It will be a point in time that will come shockingly and suddenly to those who are still living. It will be a time that can be likened to when a thief surprises a sleeping and unsuspecting homeowner in the middle of the night. It will happen at a time when world conditions will appear to be calm and serene and unusually lacking in any major crises or calamities. And while the world will not be completely annihilated at that time, the unmistakable sting of GOD’s wrath will be felt greatly with the onset of “The Great Tribulation” period that has long been forecast by the Holy Scriptures.
Here in 1 Thessalonians 5, verses 1-11, the Apostle Paul, just like the prophet Daniel in his day (Daniel chapter 12), gives us a vivid description of the “End Times”. These biblical accounts are given to encourage believers, not to make us afraid, or cause us to withdraw from the world. As believers, we must continue to work in the world spreading the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST, so that as many as will accept it, will be “saved”.
Understandably, it is very hard for us “not” to wonder if what is said by these men of GOD will occur in our lifetime, and certainly in their writings, they too, give us hints of their own concerns for that possibility. However, just like Daniel and Paul, we would be wise if we focus our attentions beyond this world, to GOD. Remember, JESUS HIMSELF cautioned us in Matthew 24:36 that no one, including HIM, knows when the end will come, and that, only GOD the FATHER holds the answer to that question.
It would also be wise for us to remember what our LORD and SAVIOR said in Matthew 25, verses 31-46, concerning the final judgment. There JESUS paints a vivid mental picture, using the analogy of the shepherd who comes to separate HIS sheep from the goat, as a way to describe HIS second coming. It is one of the most vivid parables that JESUS ever spoke, and the lesson remains crystal clear even today. There HE tells us quite plainly that we will be judged according to our reaction to human need. HIS judgment won’t depend upon the knowledge we’ve amassed, or the fame we’ve acquired, or, the fortune that we’ve gained. We will, quite simply, be judged on the unselfish help that we’ve offered and given.
It is no man’s duty to speculate on what only GOD can know. It is our duty to prepare ourselves, with help from the HOLY SPIRIT, and then, wait on mercy from JESUS CHRIST unto eternal life. These verses in 1 Thessalonians 5, and, in Daniel 12, serve to remind us never to become so engrossed in “time” that we forget about “eternity”. We should never let our concerns for worldly affairs completely distract us from remembering that there is a GOD at work, and the issues of life and death has always been, is now, and will forever be, in HIS hands. And, whenever HIS call does come, morning, noon, or night, hopefully, it will find us, ready to go.
Faith, hope, and love are the three great enduring things, and of the three, love is the greatest. All that we know now, is partial and incomplete, and there will be no signs that will indicate the precise day or time that LORD JESUS will return. Theologians often speak of the imminence of JESUS’ return, which simply means that it could happen at any moment in time. But until then we must continue to rely on our faith, hope, and love to see us through this life.
As believers, we do not stumble around in the darkness, but rather, we walk in the light of CHRIST. And as a result, we can continue to be alert and strive to retain our gift of self-control, which we have gained through diligent testing from GOD. And, knowing that JESUS might return at any moment, should motivate us, to live our lives circumspectly, eagerly anticipating, not fearing, HIS return.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An international Sunday school lesson commentary
For Sunday July 4, 2010
_____________________________________________
LIVING IN FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE
(Live in the light of faith, hope, and love)
(1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)
The term “The day of the LORD” refers to a time when GOD will be more directly and dramatically involved in world affairs than any time since the days of JESUS’ three-year earthly ministry. It will be a point in time that will come shockingly and suddenly to those who are still living. It will be a time that can be likened to when a thief surprises a sleeping and unsuspecting homeowner in the middle of the night. It will happen at a time when world conditions will appear to be calm and serene and unusually lacking in any major crises or calamities. And while the world will not be completely annihilated at that time, the unmistakable sting of GOD’s wrath will be felt greatly with the onset of “The Great Tribulation” period that has long been forecast by the Holy Scriptures.
Here in 1 Thessalonians 5, verses 1-11, the Apostle Paul, just like the prophet Daniel in his day (Daniel chapter 12), gives us a vivid description of the “End Times”. These biblical accounts are given to encourage believers, not to make us afraid, or cause us to withdraw from the world. As believers, we must continue to work in the world spreading the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST, so that as many as will accept it, will be “saved”.
Understandably, it is very hard for us “not” to wonder if what is said by these men of GOD will occur in our lifetime, and certainly in their writings, they too, give us hints of their own concerns for that possibility. However, just like Daniel and Paul, we would be wise if we focus our attentions beyond this world, to GOD. Remember, JESUS HIMSELF cautioned us in Matthew 24:36 that no one, including HIM, knows when the end will come, and that, only GOD the FATHER holds the answer to that question.
It would also be wise for us to remember what our LORD and SAVIOR said in Matthew 25, verses 31-46, concerning the final judgment. There JESUS paints a vivid mental picture, using the analogy of the shepherd who comes to separate HIS sheep from the goat, as a way to describe HIS second coming. It is one of the most vivid parables that JESUS ever spoke, and the lesson remains crystal clear even today. There HE tells us quite plainly that we will be judged according to our reaction to human need. HIS judgment won’t depend upon the knowledge we’ve amassed, or the fame we’ve acquired, or, the fortune that we’ve gained. We will, quite simply, be judged on the unselfish help that we’ve offered and given.
It is no man’s duty to speculate on what only GOD can know. It is our duty to prepare ourselves, with help from the HOLY SPIRIT, and then, wait on mercy from JESUS CHRIST unto eternal life. These verses in 1 Thessalonians 5, and, in Daniel 12, serve to remind us never to become so engrossed in “time” that we forget about “eternity”. We should never let our concerns for worldly affairs completely distract us from remembering that there is a GOD at work, and the issues of life and death has always been, is now, and will forever be, in HIS hands. And, whenever HIS call does come, morning, noon, or night, hopefully, it will find us, ready to go.
Faith, hope, and love are the three great enduring things, and of the three, love is the greatest. All that we know now, is partial and incomplete, and there will be no signs that will indicate the precise day or time that LORD JESUS will return. Theologians often speak of the imminence of JESUS’ return, which simply means that it could happen at any moment in time. But until then we must continue to rely on our faith, hope, and love to see us through this life.
As believers, we do not stumble around in the darkness, but rather, we walk in the light of CHRIST. And as a result, we can continue to be alert and strive to retain our gift of self-control, which we have gained through diligent testing from GOD. And, knowing that JESUS might return at any moment, should motivate us, to live our lives circumspectly, eagerly anticipating, not fearing, HIS return.
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)