Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church 2nd Letter Volume 7

Paul Prays for their Faith to be Worked out in Power

2 Thessalonians 1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power: KJV

Prayer for this man Saul of Tarsus who has been changed into the Apostle Paul was like breathing to every other human being. It was not something that was wearisome or done out of duty, it was for Paul his very spiritual life line, his spiritual umbilical cord, for it is where he received all of his spiritual nutrients from our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. It is where all of His adopted children receive nutrients. Therefore, it is no wonder that we find Paul breaking into prayer in the middle of one of his letters or in this case right here, he is making known to these believers in  the Church @ Thessalonica how much or often he prays for them and these specific things he list here that he prays for them as he begins with these words, "Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power:" (2 Thessalonians 1:11) (KJV).

Because our Lord Jesus Christ will return to be glorified in His saints or to receive glory, praise, and honor because of the work of His redeemption for them, Paul declares that he prays they would be counted worthy by God of such a great salvation as this, let us clarify that Paul is not saying that these Thessalonian believers earned their salvation by some form of merit or goodness on their part, but on the contrary Paul prays that they are as he said to the Philippian believers with these words, "Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence {and} awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ). [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure {and} satisfaction {and} delight." (Philippians 2:12-13) (Amplified Bible).

The little English phrase 'would count you worthy' is translated by one Greek word axioo derived from the Greek word axios which means deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise): to deem entitled or fit: In other words, Paul as he declared to the Philippian believers above is declaring to these Thessalonian believers and we believers today that the reception of the Gospel and the working out of the Gospel in the life of the sinner that has been made a saint by God the Holy Spirit is also worked out by God the Holy Spirit, through the believer that yields to Him and does not grieve Him with sin, disobedience, and rebellion. Example: An earthy Father or Mother has a 5 year old child that they tell go pick up your toys in your room and the child immediately responds by obeying their parent and  that parent shows them great love and affection with hugs and kisses, but one day this same child rebells and refuses to hear the words of their Mother or Father and shouts, screams, and sulks to avoid doing what they were told and the same parent then must discipline the child, but their love for the child remains constant and never changing.

So is it with God the Father with His adopted sons and daughters, those that are obedient are rewarded with more grace, more joy, more peace, more patience, more faithfulness, etc., but for the rebellious son or daughter His love must respond in chastening just as Paul made this comparison when he wrote his letter to the Hebrews with these words, "You must submit to {and} endure [correction] for discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons. For what son is there whom his father does not [thus] train {and} correct {and} discipline? Now if you are exempt from correction {and} left without discipline in which all [of God's children] share, then you are illegitimate offspring {and} not true sons [at all]. Moreover, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we yielded [to them] {and} respected [them for training us]. Shall we not much more cheerfully submit to the Father of spirits and so [truly] live? For [our earthly fathers] disciplined us for only a short period of time {and} chastised us as seemed proper {and} good to them; but He disciplines us for our certain good, that we may become sharers in His own holiness. For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous {and} painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness--in conformity to God's will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God]." (Hebrews 12:7-11) (Amplified Bible).

The little English phrase 'of this calling' is translated by one Greek word klesis meaning an invitation (figuratively): calling. The English word 'fulfill' is translated by the Greek word pleroo meaning to make replete, that is, (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc. The English phrase 'the good pleasure' is translated by one Greek word eudokia meaning satisfaction, that is, (subjectively) delight, or (objectively) kindness, good pleasure. The English phrase 'of His goodness' is translated by one Greek word agathosune meaning goodness, that is, virtue or beneficence: - goodness.

In other words, Paul is again saying here that the call to salvation is not made by human choice or decision (even though we humans have free will), for it is the Holy Spirit that responds to the inner man or inner woman of every sinner that wants their sins forgiven and covered by the Blood of the Lamb Jesus Christ (the inner man or inner woman is where free will takes place), sadly I must say that no infant child has the capacity (yet) to desire God in their inner person, so infant baptism never has saved one child, that child must at the age of accountability (with God) turn to Him in their inner man or inner woman.

Paul goes on to declare that it is God the Father by virtue of God the Son's Shed Blood through the 'power/dunamis' of God the Holy Spirit that the diffusing and influence of faith in every born again believer is worked into the inner man and inner woman and God's very own virtues, that is, His goodness can then be worked out in the life of every believer, i.e. loving our enemies, not repaying evil against us with a response of evil, loving not the things of this world, and doing good to all men especially those of the household of faith.

"So, then, we are brought face to face with this thought of an actual, stringent judgment which God will apply in the future to the lives and characters of professing Christians. Now, that is a great deal too much forgotten in our popular Christian teaching and in our average Christian faith. It is perfectly true that he who trusts in Jesus Christ will 'not come into condemnation, but has passed from death unto life.' But it is just as true that 'judgment shall begin at the house of God,' and that, 'the Lord will judge His people.' And therefore, it becomes us to lay to heart this truth, that we, just because, if we are Christians, we stand nearest to God, are surest to be searched through and through by the light that streams from Him, and to have every flaw and corrupt speck and black spot brought out into startling prominence. Let no Christian man fancy that he shall escape the righteous judgment of God. The great doctrine of forgiveness does not mean that He suffers our sin to remain upon us unjudged, ay! or unavenged. But just as, day by day, there is an actual estimate in the divine mind, according to truth, of what we really are, so, at the last, God’s servants will be gathered before His throne. 'They that have made a covenant with Him by sacrifice' shall be assembled there—as the Psalm has it—'that the Lord may judge His people.'" Alexander MacLaren

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church 2nd Letter Volume 6

Paul Now Declares One Way our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ will be Gorified

2 Thessalonians 1:10 When He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. KJV

Glory is not a word that is found rolling off the tongues of most human beings, but in the Halls of Heaven it is a most common word, for this is what God the Father exudes as it oozes out from Him naturally and it is a part of Him that He has not nor will not ever share with another as it is written and was spoken through the Prophet Isaiah on these two (2) occasions, First; "I am the Lord; that is My name! And My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to graven images." (Isaiah 42:8) (Amplified Bible), and Second; "For My own sake, for My own sake, I do it [I refrain and do not utterly destroy you]; for why should I permit My name to be polluted {and} profaned [which it would be if the Lord completely destroyed His chosen people]? And I will not give My glory to another [by permitting the worshipers of idols to triumph over you]." (Isaiah 48:11) (Amplified Bible).

Just as the Sun that rest 93 million miles away from the earth can never ever be reached by mortal man and that man live, so cannot mortal man reach God the Father with the filthy rages (Isaiah 64:6) of his uncleanness still on him as it is written and recorded by Moses these words spoken to him by our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ (you see the God of the Bible's Old Testament is the Same Jesus Christ born in Bethlehem), "And Moses said, I beseech You, show me Your glory. And God said, I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim My name, THE LORD, before you; for I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy {and} loving-kindness on whom I will show mercy {and} loving-kindness. But, He said, You can not see My face, for no man shall see Me and live. And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place beside Me, and you shall stand upon the rock, And while My glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. Then I will take away My hand and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen." (Exodus 33:18-23) (Amplified Bible).

Note: "Someone might say, how then did Jesus walk among humanity if His Glory would kill every unclean human being, well He veiled or concealed or covered His Glory while in human flesh. Just that simple, He is God and can do anything. Can I explain it? No. Do I fully understand it? No. Do I believe it? Ah Yes" Now we come to the Apostle Paul declaring one of the ways our Great God Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13) will be glorified at His 2nd Coming when he says, "When He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day." (2 Thessalonians 1:10) (KJV). The little English phrase 'to be glorified' is translated by one Greek word endoxazo which comes from the other Greek word endoxos meaning to glorify, in glory, that is, splendid, (figuratively) noble: - glorious, gorgeous, honourable. The English word 'saints' is one we have defined many times and it is translated by the Greek word hagios derived from the Greek word hagnos meaning properly clean, that is, (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect: - chaste, clean, pure, sacred (physically pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially consecrated): - (most) holy (one, thing), saint.

You see in the world of agriculture a grape vine is the source of the branches production of lush, plump, and sweet grapes, for the branch has all of the nutrients from  the rich soil that flows through the vine that produces the grapes, all that the vine is and has belongs to the branch because it is attached to the vine, in like manner spiritually, all the perfection, purity, and power that is Jesus Christ is made available to everyone of His sons and daughters, for we are a part of His Mystical Body being in Him, therefore, He is glorified in the sinners that have turned to (1 Thessalonians 1:9), trusted in (Ephesians 1:12), and taken refuge from sin and satan and now are new creatures in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17) being forevermore known as saints. Note: "A saint is not some person who has perfomed some documented miracle (for no human being can perform miracles, only God can) nor has he or she lived an exemplary or model life down here on earth free from doing much sin, nor are they people whom are held in high esteem far above other human beings, and finally they are not ever to be worshipped or prayed to, for this honor belongs solely and only to our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ for He alone is worthy to be praised, worshipped, and prayed to. A saint is simply and planly a sinner who has come to the foot of the Cross of Jesus Christ and has been born again spiritually having all our sins, past, present, and future sins washed away in and by the Blood of Jesus Christ (Revelation 7:14)."

The little English phrase 'to be admired' is translated by one Greek word thaumazo derived from the Greek word thauma meaning to wonder; by implication to admire: - admire, have in admiration, marvel, wonder. The little English phrase 'them that believe' is translated by one Greek word pisteuo meaning to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust (especially ones spiritual well being to Christ): - believer, commit to, trust, put in trust with. In other words, our Lord Jesus Christ will receive additional admiration from all of the heavenly host (the seraphim) and other good angels that never rebelled on account of how His redemptive power and love has taken rebellious sinful human beings and converted them into saints who love and worship Christ Jesus our Lord alone. This was all made possible to these Thessalonian sinners by the proclamation and preaching of the Gospel of Grace to them by the Apostle Paul, Silas, and Timothy, for this is why Paul declared these words to the Roman believers when he wrote, "But how are people to call upon Him Whom they have not believed [in Whom they have no faith, on Whom they have no reliance]? And how are they to believe in Him [adhere to, trust in, and rely upon Him] of Whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? And how can men [be expected to] preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings! [How welcome is the coming of those who preach the good news of His good things!]" (Romans 10:14-15) (Amplified Bible).

"That is, the redeemed in that day will be the means of promoting His glory, or the universe will see His glory manifested in their redemption. His chief glory as seen in that day will be connected with the fact that He has redeemed His people; and He will come in order that all the appropriate honor of such a work may then be manifested. He will be 'glorified' then by the numbers that shall have been redeemed; by their patience in the trials through which they have passed; by the triumphs which religion shall have made on the earth; by their praises and songs, and by their ascent with Him to the realms of blessedness." (Albert Barnes)

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church 2nd Letter Volume 5

Paul Declares the Final Judgement of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ Part 3

2 Thessalonians 1:9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power; KJV

We human beings define the word punish as imposing a penalty on and the word punishment as something (e.g. imprisonment or paying a fine) someone is made to do to compensate for a wrongdoing, especially for crime; the act of punishing, if we who are evil (Luke 11:13) know and understand that wrongdoing must be punished, then why does rebellious mankind deny God the Father the right to punish every human being for the sin committed against Him the Creator of mankind and who is completely pure and sinless (Habakkuk 1:13). Unlike we human beings God the Father made a way or made it possible for all sinful humanity to be pardoned or forgiven for sin and rebellion against Him and that way is the Cross of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ who had all of humanities sin and rebellion against God the Father laid upon Himself and He took God the Father's punishment for human sin, therefore, Paul knowing this fact declares the fate of all human beings who have refused, rejected, or even resisted this one and only way of having sin forgiven by saying these words, "Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power;" (2 Thessalonians 1:9) (KJV).

The little English phrase 'shall be punished' is translated by two Greek words, the first is tino meaning to pay a price, that is, as a penalty: - be punished with, the second is dike meaning right (as self evident), that is, justice (the principle, a decision, or its execution): - judgment, punish, vengeance. In other words, God the Father has the Right to now vindicate His Holiness by judging the human beings that have refused, rejected, or resisted His Sacrifice for sin as payment (the Blood of Jesus Christ) to now pay the price or penalty for their own sin and rebellion and unfortunately there is none, no amount of so-called 'good deeds', no one speaking on their behalf in heaven, no monetary payment/bribing, no begging or pleading for mercy then, not even will God the Father show mercy then, for the time for mercy has now expired and judgment and punishment only remain. The punishment of hell and then the lake of fire will be 'everlasting' and this English word is translated by the Greek word aionios meaning perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well): - eternal, for ever, everlasting.

We find a horrible 'Word Picture' painted for us of this awful, atrocious, and appalling time that will come for those who have not obeyed the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by the Apostle John with these words, "Then the devil who had led them astray [deceiving and seducing them] was hurled into the fiery lake of burning brimstone, where the beast and false prophet were; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever (through the ages of the ages). Then I saw a great white throne and the One Who was seated upon it, from Whose presence {and} from the sight of Whose face earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. I [also] saw the dead, great and small; they stood before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is [the Book] of Life. And the dead were judged (sentenced) by what they had done [their whole way of feeling and acting, their aims and endeavors] in accordance with what was recorded in the books. And the sea delivered up the dead who were in it, death and Hell (the state of death or disembodied existence) surrendered the dead in them, and all were tried {and} their cases determined by what they had done [according to their motives, aims, and works]. Then death and Hell (the state of death or disembodied existence) were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's [name] was not found recorded in the Book of Life, he was hurled into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:10-15) (Amplified Bible). Note: "'The presence of the Lord' is the source whence the sentence goes forth; 'the glory of His power' is the instrument whereby the sentence is carried into execution [Edmunds]. But Alford better interprets the latter clause, driven 'from the manifestation of His power in the glorification of His saints.' Cast out from the presence of the Lord is the idea at the root of eternal death, the law of evil left to its unrestricted working, without one counteracting influence of the presence of God, who is the source of all light and holiness." (JFB Commentary).

"Never to see the face of God throughout eternity is a heart-rending, soul-appalling thought; and to be banished from the glory of His power, that power the glory of which is peculiarly manifested in saving the lost and glorifying the faithful, is what cannot be reflected on without confusion and dismay. But this must be the lot of all who acknowledge not God, and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." Adam Clarke

"If we human beings believe in punishment and that the punishment should fit the crime committed, then it is no wonder where we got this since of justice from, it was from our Creator who must punish sin committed against Him  alone as King David acknowledged speaking of his own sin of adultery and murder he wrote, 'Against You, You only, have I sinned and done that which is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified in Your sentence and faultless in Your judgment.' (Psalm 51:4) (Amplified Bible), therefore, if any man or woman has not placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone for pardon from their sin (been born again), then they themselves must pay for their own sin and there is nothing a sinful man or woman have to offer God the Father for payment, NOTHING." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

"They will then be punished. Though sinners may be long reprieved, yet they will be punished at last. Their misery will be a proper punishment for their crimes, and only what they have deserved. They did sin's work, and must receive sin's wages. Their punishment will be no less than destruction, not of their being, but of their bliss; not that of the body alone, but both as to body and soul. This destruction will be everlasting. They shall be always dying, and yet never die. Their misery will run parallel with the line of eternity. The chains of darkness are everlasting chains, and the fire is everlasting fire. It must needs be so, since the punishment is inflicted by an eternal God, fastening upon an immortal soul, set out of the reach of divine mercy and grace." Matthew Henry

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church 2nd Letter Volume 4

Paul Declares the Final Judgement of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ Part 2

2 Thessalonians 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: KJV

In the opening of this section of Paul's second letter to the believers in the city of Thessalonica, we found the Apostle Paul declaring the certainty of Christ 2nd coming to this earth to Judge all humanity and to put down sin and rebellion once and for good, however, now we find Paul painting for us a beautiful, yet horrible 'Word Picture' of exactly what that 2nd coming will look like for every soul who did not bow their knee to Him as the One True and Only God and King of Kings and Lord of Lords when he says this, "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:" (2 Thessalonians 1:8) (KJV). For those Thessalonian believers and we believers today who had/have already bowed their/our knee to Him by or through 'faith in His Blood' (Romans 3:25), we will be with Him as one of His soldiers just as the Apostle John himself paints his own 'Word Picture' with these words, "After that I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse [appeared]! The One Who was riding it is called Faithful (Trustworthy, Loyal, Incorruptible, Steady) and True, and He passes judgment and wages war in righteousness (holiness, justice, and uprightness). His eyes [blaze] like a flame of fire, and on His head are many kingly crowns (diadems); and He has a title (name) inscribed which He alone knows {or} can understand. He is dressed in a robe dyed by dipping in blood, and the title by which He is called is The Word of God. And the troops of heaven, clothed in fine linen, dazzling and clean, followed Him on white horses. From His mouth goes forth a sharp sword with which He can smite (afflict, strike) the nations; and He will shepherd {and} control them with a staff (scepter, rod) of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath {and} indignation of God the All-Ruler (the Almighty, the Omnipotent). And on His garment (robe) and on His thigh He has a name (title) inscribed, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." (Revelation 19:11-16) (Amplified Bible), Hallelujah!

The phrase 'flaming fire' has been debated for many centuries by Biblical Scholars as to whether this refers to literal or figurative fire and I will not now perpetuate this but express my agreement with both sides (not to appear political), but to give great regard, respect, and reverence to the Mighty God our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ who will carry this out against those who have mocked Him, mutilated His Name in profanity, and mauled His children for loving Him and His Word. The English word 'flaming' is translated by the Greek word phlox which means (to flash or flame); a blaze: - flaming. The English word 'fire' is translated by the Greek word pur meaning fire” (literally or figuratively, specifically lightning): - fiery, fire. With this said, I believe the Jesus who lived for 33 years here on the earth and exemplified the most loving, caring, forgiving human nature that ever has lived (then He was the Justifier of sinful man) will return in a cloud of literal fire all around Him and He will internally be filled with fiery fury against those who would not have Him to rule over them (Luke 19:27) executing 'vengence' against them and this English word is translated by the Greek word ekdikesis meaning vindication, retribution: - punishment.

Let us remember the response and reaction and description the Apostle John had and gave us when he encountered the Resurrected Christ, "I was in the Spirit [rapt in His power] on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a great voice like the calling of a war trumpet, Saying, {I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last.} Write promptly what you see (your vision) in a book and send it to the seven churches {which are in Asia}--to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea. Then I turned to see [whose was] the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, And in the midst of the lampstands [One] like a Son of Man, clothed with a robe which reached to His feet and with a girdle of gold about His breast. His head and His hair were white like white wool, [as white] as snow, and His eyes [flashed] like a flame of fire. His feet glowed like burnished (bright) bronze as it is refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. In His right hand He held seven stars, and from His mouth there came forth a sharp two-edged sword, and His face was like the sun shining in full power at midday. When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as if dead. But He laid His right hand on me and said, Do not be afraid! I am the First and the Last, And the Ever-living One [I am living in the eternity of the eternities]. I died, but see, I am alive forevermore; and I possess the keys of death and Hades (the realm of the dead)." (Revelation 1:10-18) (Amplified Bible).

This is who our Lord Jesus Christ is right now as He seats at the Right Hand of God the Father until all His enemies are made His footstool (Hebrews 1:13). His Judgement is not like our human judgement, but it is just, fair, and good because He is Holy and He cannot have that which is un-holy in His presence. As we learned from the last study/commentary, we all are un-holy (Romans 3:9-12), but those Thessalonian people then and we now who have obeyed the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ have been granted, gifted, and given His Righteousness and that makes us holy in the sight of God the Father, for He sees us just as He sees Christ Jesus our Lord. The little English word 'obey' is translated by the Greek word hupakouo meaning to hear under (as a subordinate), that is, to listen attentively; by implication to heed or conform to a command or authority: - hearken, be obedient to, obey. Therefore, the greatest sin in the Halls of Heaven is not adultery, fornication, murder, or theft, but in fact it is un-belief or in other words, to dis-believe God the Father's one and only way to approach Him, that is, obedience to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is why the greatest men and women are not any who are in Washington, D. C. or the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia or any other 'so-called' place of power, but it is wherever any redeemed man or woman or group of redeemed men and women are getting the Word of God out to the ends of the earth and praying for God the Holy Spirit to convert lost men and women who hear and obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

"The object of the Apostle here seems to be to represent Him as coming amidst vivid flashes of lightning. He is commonly described as coming in clouds, and to that common description there is here added the image of incessant lightnings, as if the whole heavens were illuminated with a continued blaze. The word 'vengeance' is used in the sense of punishment, for there cannot be in God what literally corresponds with the passion of revenge. On all who are strangers to Him; that is, who are living in pagan darkness, or who, having heard of Him, have no practical acquaintance with Him." Albert Barnes

"The effects of this appearance will be terrible to some and joyful to others. They will be terrible to some; for He will then take vengeance on the wicked. On those that sinned against the principles of natural religion, and rebelled against the light of nature, that knew not God (2 Thessalonians 1:8), though the invisible things of Him are manifested in the things that are seen. On those that rebel against the light of revelation, that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men love darkness rather than light. This is the great crime of multitudes - the Gospel is revealed to them, and they will not believe it; or, if they pretend to believe it, they will not obey it. Note, Believing the truths of the Gospel is in order to our obeying the precepts of the Gospel: there must be the obedience of faith. To such persons as are here mentioned the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ will be terrible." Matthew Henry

"To know God is to know Him as the one, true God as distinguished from false gods; to know His will, His holiness, His hatred of sin, and His saving intent toward mankind. A distinction is asserted between knowledge grounded in personal experience, apprehension of external impressions - and purely mental perception in contrast with conjecture or knowledge derived from others. There are doubtless passages which bear out this distinction (see on John 2:24), but it is impossible to carry it rigidly through the N.T. In the two classes, - those who know not God and those who obey not the Gospel, - it is not probable that Paul has in mind a distinction between Jews and Gentiles. The Jews were not ignorant of God, yet they are described by John as not knowing Him. The Gentiles are described by Paul as knowing God, but as refusing to glorify Him as God (Romans 1:21). Paul rather describes here the subjects of God's judgment as one class, but under different aspects." Vincent's Word Studies

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church 2nd Letter Volume 3

Paul Declares the Final Judgement of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ Part 1

2 Thessalonians 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, KJV

Judgement is in many human circles today a dirty word. The human definition of Judgement is as follows: 1) The cognitive process of reaching a decision or drawing conclusions. 2) The mental ability to understand and discriminate between relations. 3) An opinion formed by judging something. 4) The act of judging or assessing a person or situation or event. All of these definitions make the word 'Judgement' sound and appear dirty, but these are the opinions of man and woman a creature that was created in perfection, but then rebelled against his/her Creator and brought this so-called dirty word upon themselves as these words from God sounded forth unto man and woman when they sinned, "To the woman He said, I will greatly multiply your grief {and} your suffering in pregnancy {and} the pangs of childbearing; with spasms of distress you will bring forth children. Yet your desire {and} craving will be for your husband, and he will rule over you. And to Adam He said, Because you have listened {and} given heed to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, saying, You shall not eat of it, the ground is under a curse because of you; in sorrow {and} toil shall you eat [of the fruits] of it all the days of your life. Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth for you, and you shall eat the plants of the field. In the sweat of your face shall you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you shall return." (Genesis 3:16-19) (Amplified Bible).

Judgement, however for God is not dirty, deceitful, or duplicitous, but instead it is just, that is, it is fair and right that the Creator of mankind determines how He must be approached by one of His rebellious creatures and so He has made but one way that sinful rebellious man/woman can appraoch Him and be forgiven of sin and live eternally forever with Him and that one way is the Cross of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ as He said with these words, "Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me." (John 14:6) (Amplified Bible). Therefore, we find the Apostle Paul continuing his declaration to them and to us why they and we should be comforted, even for those who were then and who are now experiencing persecution from non-believers when he says this, "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels," (2 Thessalonians 1:7) (KJV). Paul tells them and tells us to 'rest' and this English word is translated by the Greek word thlibo meaning  relaxation or (figuratively) relief: Note: "The Greek is literally, 'relaxation'; loosening of the tension which had preceded; relaxing of the strings of endurance now so tightly drawn. The Greek word for 'rest,' Matthew 11:28, is distinct, namely, cessation from labor." (JFB Commentary).

Paul declares emphatically that our Lord Jesus Christ will return to deal with our troublers as he says here using the little English phrase 'shall be revealed' from Heaven and this little English phrase is translated by one Greek word apokalupsis meaning disclosure: - appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, be revealed, revelation. In other words, Jesus Christ is coming back to this earth a second time to 'Judge' the world, not by who is good or who is bad, because we know according to the Word of God written by this very same Apostle Paul with these words this fact, "As it is written, None is righteous, just {and} truthful {and} upright {and} conscientious, no, not one. No one understands [no one intelligently discerns {or} comprehends]; no one seeks out God. All have turned aside; together they have gone wrong {and} have become unprofitable {and} worthless; no one does right, not even one!" (Romans 3:10-12) (Amplified Bible). With these facts declared, then what are human beings judged for? Answer: God the Father has shut all humanity up be way of the Cross of Jesus Christ and only those who have come the way of the Cross (where all human sinned was punished once and for all eternity) shall escape the coming Judgement of Jesus Christ and since He is both Justifier and Judge, there will be no negotiating, no politicking, or no bribing Him when He returns, either you come to the Cross in repentance and faith or you will be Judged by Him. When He comes He won't be alone for He will come with His mighty angels to carry out His Justice as He declared in one of His many parables with these words, "The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all causes of offense [persons by whom others are drawn into error or sin] and all who do iniquity {and} act wickedly, And will cast them into the furnace of fire; there will be weeping {and} wailing and grinding of teeth." (Matthew 13:41-42) (Amplified Bible).

"The future happiness of believers is often represented under the image of rest. It is rest like that of the weary laborer after his day of toil; rest, like that of the soldier after the hardships of a long and perilous march; rest, like the calm repose of one who has been racked with pain." Albert Barnes

"To believe that one is 'good' is perhaps the most cruel deception authored by the devil, for this is the hardest stumbling block that keeps men and women sinners from the Cross of Jesus Christ, even Church going folk. A man or woman must first come to see themselves as the Pure, Pristine, and Perfect God sees them apart from Jesus Christ and that is vile, vomitous, and vulger sinners that desperately need a Savior to wash them clean from their sin, until then no 'humanly good' person can escape the coming Judgement of Jesus Christ for He sees through human goodness into the filth of the fallen human nature all have received as a birthday present from Adam." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

"Then will the Justice of God take place in both the above branches and instances of it, rendering tribulation to persecutors, and rest to the persecuted. Christ, ever since a cloud received Him out of the sight of the Apostles up to Heaven, has been, as it were, hid, and has not been seen with corporeal eyes by men on earth ever since, but by a very few, as Stephen, and the Apostle Paul; he has only been seen by an eye of faith; at His second coming there will be a revelation of Him, and every eye shall see Him: and this revelation of Him will be 'from heaven': thither He was received at His ascension, and there He now is; and here He is received, and will be retained until the end of all things; and from hence the saints expect Him, and from hence will He descend in person, and then He will be revealed, and appear to the view of everyone." Dr. John Gill

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church 2nd Letter Volume 2

Paul Exhorts & Encourages them to Continue Growing their faith, God with take care of their Troublers

2 Thessalonians 1:4-6 So that we ourselves glory in you in the Churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; KJV

Paul was not one to ever glory in mankind at all as we are reminded by these words he wrote to the believers in Corinth, "So let no one exult proudly concerning men [boasting of having this or that man as a leader], for all things are yours, Whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas (Peter), or the universe or life or death, or the immediate {and} threatening present or the [subsequent and uncertain] future--all are yours, And you are Christ's, and Christ is God's." (1 Corinthians 3:21-23) (Amplified Bible), but here as he continues in the opening of his second letter to this Church in Thessalonica, Paul seems to have contradicted his words spoken above to the Corinthian Church when he writes this, "So that we ourselves glory in you in the Churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:" (2 Thessalonians 1:4) (KJV), but upon a deeper analysis of what Paul writes here, we find him not boasting in these men and women in the Church @ Thessalonica, but his boast is in the 'faith' that our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ has molded and shaped within their inner man and inner woman, we know this to be his boast by what he wrote to them at the beginning of his very first letter to them when he said, "For not only has the Word concerning {and} from the Lord resounded forth from you unmistakably in Macedonia and Achaia, but everywhere the report has gone forth of your faith in God [of your leaning of your whole personality on Him in complete trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]. So we [find that we] never need to tell people anything [further about it]." (1 Thessalonians 1:8) (Amplified Bible). By the way the English word 'glory' is translated by the Greek word kauchaomai meaning (to boast) and to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense): - (make) boast, glory, joy, rejoice. The Apostle Paul also glories in the 'patience' these believers were enabled by our Lord Jesus Christ to exert, exercise, and exemplify, even under the most horrible circumstances of outward pressure and afflictions and anguish brought upon them by non-believers simply for their faith in Jesus Christ. By the way the English word 'patience' is translated by the Greek word hupomone meaning cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: - enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting).

Paul now shifts his focus on our Heavenly Father's view of their faith 'in Christ' and their 'patience' worked in them by Christ Jesus by saying, "Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:" (2 Thessalonians 1:5) (KJV). This little English phrase at the very beginning of this verse 'Which is a manifest token' is translated by one Greek word endeigma (used this one time only in the New Testament) meaning simply an indication (concretely): - manifest token. The English word 'righteous' is translated by the Greek word dikaios meaning equitable (in character or act); by implication innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively): - just, meet, righteous. The English word 'judgment' is translated by one Greek word krisis meaning (Subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension a tribunal; by implication justice (specifically divine law): - accusation, condemnation, damnation, judgment. The little English phrase 'may be counted worthy' is translated by one Greek word kataxioo meaning to deem entirely deserving: - account worthy. In other words, their ability to endure these many trials, troubles, and tribulations brought on them by un-believers in our Lord Jesus Christ was an evidence of God the Father's fair justice that He will render to those cruel, cross, and crass persons that have continually sought to hurt and harm His adopted sons and daughters who are and have been counted worthy of eternal life through their/our faith/trust in Jesus Christ, just as this same Apostle reminded the Philippian believers with these words to them concerning this very subject, "Only be sure as citizens so to conduct yourselves [that] your manner of life [will be] worthy of the good news (the Gospel) of Christ, so that whether I [do] come and see you or am absent, I may hear this of you: that you are standing firm in united spirit {and} purpose, striving side by side {and} contending with a single mind for the faith of the glad tidings (the Gospel). And do not [for a moment] be frightened {or} intimidated in anything by your opponents {and} adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance {and} salvation, and that from God. For you have been granted [the privilege] for Christ's sake not only to believe in (adhere to, rely on, and trust in) Him, but also to suffer in His behalf. So you are engaged in the same conflict which you saw me [wage] and which you now hear to be mine [still]." (Philippians 1:27-30) (Amplified Bible).

Paul wants them and us today to recognize, realise, and remember that our Father in Heaven is not allowing their/our persecution to go un-noticed, un-resolved, or un-punished, but instead He is now working all things that happen to us that are deceitful, dirty, and damaging to us for our good right now as we walk through them and ultimately will recompense those human instruments of the devil with their just reward as Paul declares to them/us with these words, "Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;" (2 Thessalonians 2:6) (KJV). It has the same theme and idea that was written by Moses concerning the same God when he wrote these words, "And Abraham came close and said, Will You destroy the righteous (those upright and in right standing with God) together with the wicked? Suppose there are in the city fifty righteous; will You destroy the place and not spare it for [the sake of] the fifty righteous in it? Far be it from You to do such a thing--to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as do the wicked! Far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth execute judgment {and} do righteously? And the Lord said, If I find in the city of Sodom fifty righteous (upright and in right standing with God), I will spare the whole place for their sake." (Genesis 18:23-26) (Amplified Bible).

"Their patience as well as faith increased in all their persecutions and tribulations. And patience has then its perfect work when it extends itself to all trials. There were many persecutions which the Thessalonians endured for the sake of righteousness, as well as other troubles which they met with in this calamitous life; yet they endured all these, by faith seeing Him that is invisible, and looking to the recompence of reward; and endured them with patience, not with an insensibility under them, but with patience arising from Christian principles, which kept them quiet and submissive, and afforded them inward strength and support." Matthew Henry

"The persecutions and tribulations which you endure, are a manifest proof that God has judged righteously in calling you Gentiles into His Church; and these sufferings are also a proof that ye are called in; for they who enter into the kingdom of God go through great tribulation; your going through that tribulation is a proof that ye are entering in, and God sees it right and just that ye should be permitted to suffer before ye enjoy that endless felicity. The words, however, may be understood in another sense, and will form this maxim: 'The sufferings of the just, and the triumphs of the wicked, in this life, are a sure proof that there will be a future judgment, in which the wicked shall be punished and the righteous rewarded.' This maxim is not only true in itself, but it is most likely that this is the Apostle’s meaning." Adam Clarke

"The sense is: 'There will be a future judgment, because it is proper that God should punish those who now persecute you. It is not right that they should go unpunished, and triumph forever. It is not an arbitrary thing, a thing which is indifferent, a thing which may or may not be done; it is a just and proper thing that the wicked should be punished.' The doctrine is, that the future punishment of the wicked is just and proper; and that, being just and proper, it will be inflicted. Many suppose that there would be no justice in the eternal punishment of the wicked; that the threatening of that punishment is wholly arbitrary; that it might easily be dispensed with, and that because it is unjust it will not be inflicted, and need not be dreaded. But that it is just and proper, a very slight degree of reflection must show. Because: it is inconceivable that God should threaten such punishment unless it were just. How can it be reconciled with His perfections that He can hold up before mankind the assurance that any of them will be punished forever, unless it be right that it should be so? Can we believe that He deliberately threatens what is wrong, or that, in the face of the universe, He publicly declares His intention to do what is wrong?" Albert Barnes

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church 2nd Letter Volume 1

Paul Greets the Thessalonian Church for the 2nd Time & Gives God the Father Thanks for them

2 Thessalonians 1:1-3 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the Church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; KJV

The great Apostle Paul was compelled to write a second letter to these believers in the Church @ Thessalonica, perhaps with them he spent the least amount of physical time and felt he needed to expound, expand, and enlarge the spiritual things of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ that he began with them before his sudden departure. Paul begins with his customary greeting as follows, "Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the Church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:" (2 Thessalonians 1:1) (KJV). Paul list his two co-missionaries and declares them to be 'in' God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. This little English word 'in' is used over 2700 times here in the New Testament and it is translated by the Greek word en which is a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), that is, a relation of rest. In other words, the people in the city of Thessalonica who heard the Gospel of Grace preached by Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus and were baptized into the Body of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit can enjoy right now and for all eternity a fixed position of redemption, restoration, and rest from their sin and guilt as the adopted sons and daughters of God the Father through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross.

It was always Paul's method, manner, and motivation to speak 'grace' to everyone he wrote to no matter what the main subject or topic of spiritual truths he was trying to get across to his listeners as he speaks such here with these words, "Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Thessalonians 1:2) (KJV). The meaning of the English word 'grace' he uses here (translated by the Greek word charis) is the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude. Paul knew that for any believer to walk or live for Christ down here on the earth, they would need much grace/charis/divine influence to navigate through the difficulties, set backs, hardships, and spiritual warfare that would be a daily reality in everyone of our lives, therefore, Paul always spoke God's grace into the lives of every believer he encountered physically or by way of hand written letters. Paul now expresses in the opening of his second letter here great regard, repute, and respect for these believers in the Church @ Thessalonica by his writing of these words, "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;" (2 Thessalonians 1:3) (KJV).

The little English phrase 'we are bound' is translated by the Greek word opheilo meaning (through the idea of accumulating); to owe; figuratively to be under obligation (ought, must, should). The little English phrase 'to thank' is translated by the Greek word eucharisteo meaning to be grateful, that is, (actually) to express gratitude (towards). The English word 'meet' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word axios meaning deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise): - due reward. In other words, Paul writes to them his felt need or necessity, or something he owed to them which was (in prayer) thanking God the Father for these new believers in the city of Thessalonica for they were deserving of such a reward to be honored before the Throne of God the Father because of their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ 'groweth exceedingly'. This little English phrase 'groweth exceedingly' is translated by one Greek word huperauxano meaning to increase above ordinary degree: - grow exceedingly.

In other words, unlike the believers in the Church @ Corinth that the Apostle Paul said this concerning them, "However, brethren, I could not talk to you as to spiritual [men], but as to nonspiritual [men of the flesh, in whom the carnal nature predominates], as to mere infants [in the new life] in Christ [unable to talk yet!] I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not yet strong enough [to be ready for it]; but even yet you are not strong enough [to be ready for it], For you are still [unspiritual, having the nature] of the flesh [under the control of ordinary impulses]. For as long as [there are] envying and jealousy {and} wrangling and factions among you, are you not unspiritual {and} of the flesh, behaving yourselves after a human standard {and} like mere (unchanged) men?" (1 Corinthians 1:1-3) (Amplified Bible), these believers in the Church @ Thessalonica were growing up spiritually rapidly and had apparently left the milk of the Word of God and was desiring to devour the solid food of the Word of God from the Apostle Paul.

It was also evident to Paul that their 'charity' which is translated by the Greek word agape meaning their love, that is, affection or benevolence; specifically (plural) a love feast: - dear love. Again in complete contrast to the believers in the Church @ Corinth who were doing these things to one another as Paul documented for us with these words, "But brother goes to law against brother, and that before [Gentile judges who are] unbelievers [without faith or trust in the Gospel of Christ]? Why, the very fact of your having lawsuits with one another at all is a defect (a defeat, an evidence of positive moral loss for you). Why not rather let yourselves suffer wrong {and} be deprived of what is your due? Why not rather be cheated (defrauded and robbed)? But [instead it is you] yourselves who wrong and defraud, and that even your own brethren [by so treating them]!" (1 Corinthians 6:6-8) (Amplified Bible), the believers in Thessalonica were loving one another and doing just as Paul commanded the believers in Philippi to do with these words, "Do nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit {and} empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than {and} superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves]. Let each of you esteem {and} look upon {and} be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4) (Amplified Bible).

"It was not wrong for the Apostle Paul to declare to the Thessalonian believers how high of regard he held them in his heart or inner man, because their actions (with him and in their local Church) warranted and justified such high praise from Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

"The word ὑπεραυξανει signifies to grow luxuriantly, as a good and healthy tree planted in a good soil; and if a fruit tree, bearing an abundance of fruit to compensate the labor of the husbandman. Faith is one of the seeds of the kingdom; this the Apostle had sowed and watered, and God gave an abundant increase. Their faith was multiplied, and their love abounded; and this was not the case with some distinguished characters only, it was the case with every one of them." Adam Clarke

"'We owe it as a debt'. They had prayed for the Thessalonians (1Thessalonians 3:12) that they might 'increase and abound in love'; their prayer having been heard, it is a small but a bounden return for them to make, to thank God for it. Thus, Paul and his fellow missionaries practice what they preach (1Thesalonians 5:18). In 1Thessalonians 1:3, their thanksgiving was for the Thessalonians’ faith, love, and patience'; here, for their exceeding growth in faith, and for their charity abounding. 'We are bound' expresses the duty of thanksgiving from its subjective side as an inward conviction. 'As it is meet,' from the objective: side as something answering to the state of circumstances [Alford]. Observe the exact correspondence of the prayer (1Thessalonians 3:12), ('The Lord make you to abound in love') and the answer, 'The love of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth' (compare 1Thessalonians 4:10)." JFB Commentary

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church Volume 40

Paul Closes his 1st Letter with one Request plus Final Exhortations

1 Thessalonians 5:25-28 Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. KJV

Paul now concludes this first letter to these believers in the city of Thessalonica with first asking of them a request that he often made of all the Churches that he communicated with and so he says, "Brethren, pray for us." (1 Thessalonians 5:25) (KJV). Despite the fact that these men and women in the Church @ Thessalonica were new believers in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, this did not deter this old war scarred veteran of spiritual warfare with the devil and his minions to humbly request that they lift him up in prayer to our Father in Heaven. Note: "This great Apostle did not think it beneath him to call the Thessalonians brethren, nor to request their prayers. Ministers stand in need of their people's prayers; and the more people pray for their ministers the more good ministers may have from God, and the more benefit people may receive by their ministry." (Matthew Henry).

Paul exhorts them to be loving and affectionate with one another as he declares, "Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss." (1 Thessalonians 5:26) (KJV). The greeting the Apostle Paul exhorts them to with one another was and still is the common way people greet or say hello to one another in the middle east, much like in our country the handshake is customary, common, and courteous method of greeting friends and strangers. Brethren in our Lord Jesus Christ should be welcoming to one another always, for we are in the same spiritual body and we share the same Holy Spirit of God, except for those who are counterfeit (1 John 4:1-3). The Apostle Peter probably declared the meaning best when he wrote this closing to his first Epistle, "Salute one another with a kiss of love [the symbol of mutual affection]. To all of you that are in Christ {Jesus} (the Messiah), may there be peace (every kind of peace and blessing, especially peace with God, and freedom from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts). {Amen (so be it).}" (1 Peter 5:14) (Amplified Bible). Note: "This was the commonly used or practiced salutation for Jewish Rabbis in that day and still is in this day."

Paul wanted his words of instruction and exhortation to minister to everyone in that Church, therefore, he says, "I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren." (1 Thessalonians 5:27) (KJV). The little English phrase 'I charge' is translated by one Greek word horkizo meaning to put on oath, that is, make swear; by analogy to solemnly enjoin: - adjure, charge. In other words, the Apostle Paul is putting them under oath by the Lord Jesus Christ to carry out his command here to them to read this letter to all of the brethren, for it is equivalent to binding persons by an oath. This is a solemn command Paul is giving to the individual or group recepient of the epistle sent to them.

Paul ends this epsitle where he began by declaring these words concerning the grace of God, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." (1 Thessalonians 5:28) (KJV). None can exceed a limit of the grace of Christ, nor can any of us ever have too much of the grace of God, therefore, Paul was always and at all times speaking the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ into the lives of His followers and this closing statement to the Church @ Thessalonica is no exception. Note: "We need no more to make us happy than to know that grace which our Lord Jesus Christ has manifested, be interested in that grace which He has purchased, and partake of that grace which dwells in Him as the Head of the Church. This is an ever-flowing and overflowing fountain of grace to supply all our wants." (Matthew Henry).

"Even Apostles, while acting under an extraordinary mission, and enjoying the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, felt the necessity of the prayers of the faithful. God requires that His people should pray for His ministers; and it is not to be wondered at, if they who pray not for their preachers should receive no benefit from their teaching. How can they expect God to send a message by him, for whom they, who are the most interested, have not prayed? If the grace and Spirit of Christ be not worth the most earnest prayers which a man can offer, they, and the heaven to which they lead, are not worth having." Adam Clarke

"The meaning is, that the Epistle was to be read to the whole Church on some occasion on which it was assembled together. It was not merely designed for the individual or individuals into whose hands it might happen to fall, but as it contained matters of common interest, and was designed for the whole body of believers at Thessalonica, the Apostle gives a solemn charge that it should not be suppressed or kept from them. Injunctions of this kind occurring in the Epistles, look as if the Apostles regarded themselves as under the influence of inspiration, and as having authority to give infallible instructions to the Churches." Albert Barnes

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church Volume 39

Paul Declares to them the Faithfulness of God the Father

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it. KJV

Paul now elaborates to them and to us about the very God that they and we have put out faith and trust in, specifically that it is by His Divine Power and Will that they and we do not turn away from the Cross of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. First Paul says this to them and to us concerning God the Father, "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 5:23) (KJV). The English word 'peace' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word eirene probably from a primary verb εἴρω eirō (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication prosperity: - one, peace, quietness, rest, and to be set at one again. In other words, the One True God is the God of Peace despite throughout the Old Testament the documenting of all the wars that were fought in human history and even the wars that the Lord God instructed Israel to go forth into because the war is found in sinful rebellious man and even when God the Father would bring judgement on a nation (like the Amorites) or on a person like King Saul of Israel, it was always and at all times to bring about peace afterwards.

The English word 'sanctify' is translated by the Greek word hagiazo which means to make holy, that is, (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate: - hallow, be holy, sanctify. The English word 'wholly' is translated by the Greek word holoteles (used this one time only in the New Testament) and it means complete to the end, that is, absolutely perfect: - wholly. In other words, the purpose of our Heavenly Father for each and everyone of His adopted sons and daughters is to be conformed into the very image of our Lord Jesus Christ as this very same Apostle Paul wrote with these words to the believers in Rome, "For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren." (Romans 8:29) (Amplified Bible) and in order to do this God the Father will exhort us, encourage us, protect us, provide for us, call out to us, and also correct us whenever we stray, but what He will never do is forsake or leave us to fend for ourselves in our many spiritual battles with our enemy the devil and with our old nature within.

We are created in the very image of God we are spirit, we have and are a unique soul, and we live inside a human body (Genesis 1:26), therefore, Paul prays for these Thessalonian believers and we believers today and of every generation and era to 'be preserved' and this little English phrase is translated by one Greek word tereo which means to guard (from loss or injury, properly by keeping the eye upon; The English word 'blameless' is translated by the Greek word amemptos which means faultlessly: - blameless, unblamably. In other words, it is God the Father that will guard us throughout the time He has appointed for us to sojourn here on the earth away from Him and our Heavenly home with Him by keeping His mighty, powerful, watchful eye upon us at all times protecting our spirit, soul, and body from corruption by the devil's lies, lures, and leadings into spiritual perversion, prostitution, or poverty as we await and look for the coming of our Blessed Redeemer Jesus Christ our Lord (Titus 2:13).

Paul declares to them/us the faithfulness of our God the One True God with these words, "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." (1 Thessalonians 5:24) (KJV). The English word 'faithful' is translated by the Greek word pistos meaning objectively trustworthy; subjectively trustful: - believeing, faithful, sure, true. The English phrase 'is He that calleth' is translated by one Greek word kaleo which means to “call” (properly aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise): - to bid, or call (forth). In other words, God the Father is the author, architect, and the activator of the Gospel of Grace by which these sinners in the Church @ Thessalonica and we sinners today and of every generation and era were called or bid to come to the Cross of Jesus Christ for complete absolution or remission of all our sins, therefore, He is trustworthy, sure and true to finish the work that He began and bring each one of us to Himself to live with Him forever. Note: "You must not look at the foes before and behind, on the right hand and on the left, but to God’s faithfulness to His promises, God’s zeal for His honor, and God’s love for those whom He calls." (JFB Commentary)

"The God of peace is the God of the Gospel, the God who has come preaching peace in Jesus Christ, proclaiming reconciliation to those who are far off and to those who are near. No one can ever be sanctified who does not first accept the message of reconciliation. It is not possible to become holy as God is holy, until, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. This is God’s way of holiness; and this is why the Apostle presents his prayer for the sanctification of the Thessalonians to the God of peace. We are so slow to learn this, in spite of the countless ways in which it is forced upon us, that one is tempted to call it a secret; yet no secret, surely, could be more open. Who has not tried to overcome a fault, to work off a vicious temper, to break for good with an evil habit, or in some other direction to sanctify himself, and withal to keep out of God’s sight till the work was done? It is of no use. Only the God of Christian peace, the God of the Gospel, can sanctify us; or to look at the same thing from our own side, we cannot be sanctified until we are at peace with God. Confess your sins with a humble and penitent heart; accept the forgiveness and friendship of God in Christ Jesus: and then He will work in you both will and deed to further His good pleasure." Expositors Bible Commentary

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…