unrighteousness
2 Th 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
God is glorified by those who receive the word in faith.
2 Th 3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
Then as now, there is opposition to the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Rom 1:15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Who holds the truth in unrighteousness?
The Jews who had God's law but refused the promised Messiah, making excuses and false traditions to this day.
The religious leaders in spiritually dead churches.
2 Tim 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 Tim 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
2 Tim 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2 Tim 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2 Tim 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Individuals who have turned from God's grace and departed from the faith.
2 Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
Now is no time to leave the grace of Jesus. He is coming for those Christians who have the oil of the Spirit.
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Confidence in the Lord
2 Th 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
The Lord will build you up in your faith, if you study his word and this will keep you from evil.
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
2 Th 3:4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
1 Pet 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
1 Pet 3:13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
1 Pet 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
1 Pet 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
1 Pet 3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
Follow after the things of God. We are to be as Christ Jesus, his word is to dwell in our mind so that we may follow him from our hearts desire. Some may persecute you for your good works, but God in you is greater. We are to put off things that do not belong, that do not bring good pleasure to our Lord. You know what these things are.
Eph 4:21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Eph 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
Eph 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Follow the Lord, obeying the word written in the Bible, and your life will be blessed with him always.
While waiting
2 Th 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
Two of the spiritual fruit, love and patience, in waiting for the return of the Lord. While waiting for Christ Jesus to return, love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself. What is Paul saying in this next verse? Does it contradicted the command to love?
2 Th 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
This is a command, hear this it is not up for debate or discussion. Withdraw yourselves from those who are disorderly. Disorderly, from the Greek word atakteo, to be out of rank, out of place, disobedient, out of step, or rebellious to God's commands. While loving God and waiting for Jesus to return, we are to withdraw from those who claim to be with us, if their life is unruly, and contrary, in opposition to Gods word. First we warn them.
Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
If they refuse your warnings and continue to act in wrong ways, we are commanded to withdraw from them so that they do not pull us down with them and we appear to approve of their doings. Choose your friends carefully and be true to God.
2 Th 3:7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
Paul and his ministry friends were examples to them. Our life should be an example to others. Can we say, "follow me as I follow Jesus?" Paul was confident to say this. He brought the gospel message to them and his life was a living example of a Christian. We are to be like Jesus Christ.
Paul's Ensample
2 Th 3:8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
2 Th 3:9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
Paul supported himself by making tents.
Acts 18:2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
Acts 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
Paul as an ensample to the new believers worked hard for his support. He would not be accused of greed.
A pastor who does not have to hold down a job, can devote his whole heart to his ministry. This is acceptable to God.
1 Cor 9:13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?
1 Cor 9:14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
1 Cor 9:15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
1 Cor 9:16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
Money is an indication of the heart. Many accuse Christian ministries of being in it for personal wealth. This should not be the motivation of a servant of God. Paul was very cautious to not appear as benefiting financially from his preaching. He was compelled from his heart to preach the good news without detracting from his message by taking from the church. He did however, take offerings from other churches, given freely and for the persecuted church in Jerusalem.
Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Phil 4:14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
Phil 4:15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
Phil 4:16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
Phil 4:17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
Phil 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
Phil 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Paul spent his latter years under house arrest, yet he continued to write his epistles to strengthen and encourage others. Paul was a giver, we can learn from him.
Work
2 Th 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
Some of the people were waiting on the Lord and doing nothing. We are to be busy until he comes.
Mat 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Mat 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
Mat 24:46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
Mat 24:47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
Mat 24:48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
Mat 24:49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
Mat 24:50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
Mat 24:51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
God supplies our needs, usually through our work. He worked in creating all things and we are created in his image. After the fall of Adam we were to work by the sweat of our brow.
Gen 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
Gen 3:18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
Gen 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
Anything we do requires our best effort as unto the Lord. Nothing is easy, but we are blessed if we can work and earn our food. If disabled, you cannot work, but if able and work is available, we should work.
Psa 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
Psa 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Psa 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Whatsoever he doeth shall prosper; if the heart is right with God. He that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful; he is busy in positive productive work, not hanging around with bad company.
Prov 19:15 Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.
2 Th 3:11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
Busybodies and gossips often are just bored, looking for something to share. More often then not, their words are not good, but evil, uncovering hidden things and distorting the truth.
Prov 25:9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:
Prov 25:10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
There is no integrity in a talebearer. No one will trust a gossip or someone who exposes a secret.
Mat 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Mat 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
2 Th 3:12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
Eat their own bread. Put their efforts into constructive work. Work quietly, not gossiping. Our country has generations of people who have never worked, depending on government aid. Many vote for those who will give them more, for doing nothing. This is not living in truth. It is a false way of life; often those who do this are addicted as well. It is bondage to sloth.
Prov 6:6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
Prov 6:7 Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
Prov 6:8 Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
Prov 6:9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
Prov 6:10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
Prov 6:11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
Prov 20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
Prov 26:16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.
Prov 26:17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
Prov 26:18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
Prov 26:19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
Prov 26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
Prov 26:21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
Prov 26:22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
2 Th 3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
Psa 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Psa 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Psa 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
Psa 37:26 He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
Psa 37:27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
Psa 37:28 For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
Psa 37:29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
Psa 37:30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.
Psa 37:31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
Obedient life
2 Th 3:14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
2 Th 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
Some purposely cause problems in the Internet chats, they think its cool. As society becomes more and more removed from God, they will make sport of us, mocking and causing problems to those of faith. They did it to Jesus, they will do it to us. We can hide in our church, but that is not what God commanded. We are to go into the world as lights of God's truth.
1 Pet 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
1 Pet 3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
2 Cor 13:4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
2 Cor 13:6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
2 Cor 13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
2 Cor 13:8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
2 Cor 13:9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
What of those among us who refuse to learn and or obey God's word? Some are immature, some are worldly, some are proud. We are told to withdraw from them, to not accept their behavior. Perhaps they will be convicted by the Holy Spirit and be ashamed.
2 Th 3:15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
It has been said that Christians shoot their wounded, those who stumble or act in a bad way. We are not to disown them, or attack them, for they are our brothers and sisters. We are to admonish them. We are to warn them and seek to get them to obey God's word. They may say, "you are judging." To judge would be to condemn them, or to say there is no hope. Where there is life there is hope. If a brother or sister belongs to Jesus, he will respond to words of correction. If they are not of God, God will root them out.
Mat 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
Mat 13:25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
Mat 13:26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
Mat 13:27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
Mat 13:28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
Mat 13:29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
Mat 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
We are not the Lord, let him root out the tares in his time. If we become the judges, we do not know as the Lord. Be careful who you correct and go to him, not to another as a gossiper.
Mat 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Mat 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Mat 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
2 Tim 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
2 Tim 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
2 Tim 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
Salutation
2 Th 3:16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
Jesus is the Lord of peace. Isaiah spoke several names describing the coming Messiah:
Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
2 Th 3:17 The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
Gal 6:11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
Paul had another do the writing of the letters that he spoke from, God's heart. At the end of the letter he would write a salutation with his name. From the epistle to the Galatians, we see that Paul wrote in large letters, which has led many to believe that he had poor eyesight, perhaps this was his "thorn in the flesh."
2 Cor 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
2 Cor 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
2 Cor 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
My thoughts of this, were that when Paul spoke of "the messenger of Satan to buffet me," that it could have been a bad spirit tormenting him about things of the past or perhaps other weaknesses. My dear friends, look in your own life at the ways the devil brings discouragement and be as Paul, as he repeats the Lord's words:" My grace is sufficient."
1 Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
2 Th 3:18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
This concludes our study of 2 Thessalonians.
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