Paul has to write another letter, about a month after he wrote 1 Thessalonians. This letter was to clear up the confusion about the second coming of Christ. According to my study Bible, many in the church were confused about the timing of Christ's return. Because of mounting persecution, they thought the day of the Lord must be imminent, and they interpreted Paul's first letter to say that the second coming would be at any moment. In light of this misunderstanding, many persisted in being idle and disorderly, with the excuse of waiting for Christ's return...
Paul explains that several events must occur prior to Christ's return. He writes in Chapter 2 that the Anti-Christ has to rise up and proclaim himself to be good. Right now the power of lawlessness is at work, "but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way"...Scholars believe this to be the Holy Spirit or the church. Essentially, Satan is going to counterfeit God, and God will send people a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie.
We aren't to worry, because verse 13 tells us that from the beginning God chose you (you and me) to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit. GOD PICKED US TO BE ON HIS SIDE!!!!!! Can you actually fathom that?????? Chapter 3:3 tells us that God will strengthen us and protect us from the evil one.
And finally, what I just love is the rule: If a man will not work, he shall not eat!!!!....Wonder how the welfare system fits with that? I do know that Methodists stand for social justice, because there are those that need it and Scripture tells us that there will always be poor among us...my comments go to those who abuse the system.....
Look what comes up from the depths of the sea.
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I love 3:5 "Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ." For spiritual growth, we much know God's love for us and wait patiently on his return.
ReplyDeletehmmmm...3:10 "For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat." Well....that obviously is not taking place today......that verse should be posted in every welfare office for all those who DON'T need it can read........(I know that is ugly for me to say, but I just had to).
Something from my bible I really liked : ...it states that prayer is life's greatest time sver, for God will answer our prayers as soon as it is best for us......good thing to think about.....BEST FOR US......
In this book, Paul is pointing our that laboring for the gospel is the proper response to the fact of the Lord's return.