2 Thessalonians Chapter 1 · 2 Grace unto you, V and peace, V from God our Father V and the Lord...

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2 Thessalonians

Chapter 1

We beseech you brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together unto Him… That day shall not come, except there come a falling away first and the Man of Sin be revealed, the Son of Perdition

-2 Thessalonians 2: 1,3

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The Structure of 2 Thessalonians

Correspondences Chapter Verse(s) A1 Introduction. Grace and Peace 1 1-2

B1 Thanksgiving 1 3 -

C1 Reason. Their Faith, Love, & Patience -3 5

D1 The Obtaining of Rest & Glory 1 6-10

E1 Prayer for Them 1 11 F1 That the Name of the Lord May be Glorified 1 12-

G1 And They Glorified in Him 1 12-

H1 Admonition 2 1 - 12-

B2 Thanksgiving 2 13 -

C2 Reason. Their Salvation 2 -13

D2 The Obtaining of Glory 2 14-15

E2 Prayer for Paul 2 16- 3 1-

F2 That the Word May be Glorified 3 -1-4

G2 And Their Hearts May be Directed into God’s Love 3 5 H2 Admonition 3 6-15

A2 Conclusion. Peace and Grace 3 6-18

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2 Thessalonians Chapter Read Verses 1-7

Introduction: Grace and Peace

1 Paul, V and Silvanus, V and Timotheus, V unto the church of the Thessalonians V in God our Father V and the Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Grace unto you,

V and peace, V from God our Father V and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving

3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet,

V because that your faith groweth exceedingly, V and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God

V for your patience V and faith V in all your persecutions V and tribulations that ye endure:

5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God,

V that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, V for which ye also suffer:

The Obtaining of Rest and Glory (6-10)

Tribulation to the Troublers 6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God

V to recompense tribulation V to them that trouble you;

When the Lord Shall be Revealed 7 And to you who are troubled

V rest with us, V when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed V from heaven V with his mighty angels,

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2 Thessalonians Chapter Read Verses 8-12 Vengeance to the Enemies 8 In flaming fire

V taking vengeance V on them that know not God, V and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

9 Who shall be punished

V with everlasting destruction V from the presence of the Lord, V and from the glory of his power;

When He Shall Come in Glory and to be Glorified 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints,

V and to be admired in all them that believe V (because our testimony among you was believed) V in that day.

Prayer and Encouragement for Believers

11 Wherefore also we pray always for you,

V that our God would count you worthy of this calling, V and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, V and the work of faith with power:

12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you,

V and ye in him, V according to the grace of our God V and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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2 Thessalonians Lectio Divina Verses 1-2

Introduction: Grace and Peace 1 Paul,

V and Silvanus, V and Timotheus, V unto the church of the Thessalonians V in God our Father V and the Lord Jesus Christ:

• Paul wrote this letter from Corinth less than a year after he wrote 1 Thessalonians. Paul and his companions, Timothy and Silas, had visited Thessalonica on this second missionary journey noted in Acts 17 below and Appendix 1.

Acts 17 1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:

2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.

4 And some of them believed and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, these that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;

7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.

8 And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.

9 And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.

10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

• Notice the difference in responses in verses 2–5 and 10-11 above. The receiving of God’s Word here, can be likened to those receiving the Word in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13: 1-23) and our Lord’s Words in John 17 below:

“I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.”

• How do you receive God’s Word when you hear it, do you readily accept what is being preached or do you search the Scriptures to verify? Do you evangelize? If so, how have others responded to your evangelizing? How do you respond if they do not welcome you?

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2 Thessalonians Lectio Divina Verse 1



• Paul started the first church in Thessalonica. However, as noted in Acts 17: 1-10,

Paul and his companions had to leave because of persecution. This prompted him to write his first letter to the Thessalonians to both comfort and encourage them. The church in Thessalonica was growing in faith, but false teachings about Christ’s return were spreading. This caused some in Thessalonica to quit working and to remain idle, believing Christ would return at any time. In this second letter to the Thessalonians. Paul corrected false teaching about the Second Coming of our Lord.

The false teaching and misconception about our Lord’s return was not an isolated incident. It has continued throughout history and into our present day. Many preachers have asserted they know when the end will come only to be proven wrong time and again. There are many Biblical commentaries that even introduce false doctrine into the correction Paul offers here in 2 Thessalonians regarding Christ’s return! This includes deceiving believers that the supposed, “Rapture” will occur before the events in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2. As believers it is our duty to search the Scriptures and guard ourselves from the enemy by taking our truth from God’s Word.

• Verse 1…Paul, Silas and Timothy were together in Corinth. Paul wrote this second

letter on behalf of all three men (see Appendix 2). Acts 18 1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth…

4 …And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and

testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

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2 Thessalonians Lectio Divina Verses 1 & 2



2 Grace unto you, V and peace, V from God our Father V and the Lord Jesus Christ.

• unto the church of the Thessalonians…This and the second Epistle are the only ones addressed in this form. Romans, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians are addressed to, “saints.” The two Epistles to the Corinthians to, “the Church of God at Corinth,” and Galatians to the “churches of Galatia.”

• Grace unto you… The Apostle Paul never flattered his friends or fellow believers. However, he took pleasure in speaking well of them to the Glory of God.

• The Apostle Paul esteemed the church of Thessalonica for the manner of faith noted in his first epistle:

1 Thessalonians

2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

• We see in the 1st epistle above, that the Apostle gave thanks for the Thessalonians for their faith, love, and patience. In this second epistle he opens the letter by giving thanks for the abundance of these graces.

• Where there is truth of Grace there will be an increase of it and where there is an increase of Grace, God must have all the Glory of it. As the Apostle Paul attested:

1 Corinthians 1 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 2 Corinthians 10 17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

• How does the praise of the believers in Thessalonica and the passages in Corinthians above relate to you and the connect to the Scripture below?

John 15 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.

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Thanksgiving

3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, V because that your faith groweth exceedingly, V and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God

V for your patience V and faith V in all your persecutions V and tribulations that ye endure:

5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God,

V that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, V for which ye also suffer:

• the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth…the growth of

their faith grew by the works of their faith. We grow in faith by reading the Word of God.

Romans 10 17 faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

• When we do this our actions, evangelization, love, grow for our Lord and His

church. As noted in the book of James: James 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

• We do not gain salvation by our works. However, as seen in the commendation to the believers in Thessalonica, our works is a testament and by product of our saving faith in Jesus Christ our Lord.

• How have you changed as a result of accepting Christ as your Savior and reading

His Letter to you, the Bible?

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4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God V for your patience V and faith V in all your persecutions V and tribulations that ye endure:

5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, V that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, V for which ye also suffer:

• your faith and patience…their faith and patience grew and they were able to endure persecutions and tribulations. They endured not in anger and frustration, but with patience arising from Christian principles. The Apostles Paul and Silas demonstrated this patience in their own tribulations.

Acts 16 19 … they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, 20 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. 22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 29 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. 34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

• How do you handle daily tribulation and how do you respond to major tribulations in your life as a Christian? Do you seek God’s guidance through prayer and Scripture when circumstances are especially trying?

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2 Thessalonians Lectio Divina Verses 6-7 The Obtaining of Rest and Glory (verses 6-10)

Tribulation to the Troublers 6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God

V to recompense tribulation V to them that trouble you;

When the Lord Shall be Revealed 7 And to you who are troubled

V rest with us, V when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed V from heaven V with his mighty angels,

• Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation…The Apostle Paul was persecuted during his first visit to Thessalonica (read Acts 17: 5-9 on page 5). He reminds the church in Thessalonica that God will exact revenge on those that trouble them as noted in the following Scriptures:

Deuteronomy 32 35 It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.”

Romans 12 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

• And to you who are troubled rest with us…The people in Thessalonica that were converted when they heard the Gospel from Paul were persecuted by the Jews and the Gentiles just as Paul was. The Apostle encouraged the believers by reminding them Christ’s return would bring deliverance from persecution and God’s vengeance on the persecutors. This caused a lot of believers to expect Christ’s return right away to vindicate and rescue them. The believers needed to remember God cares for the persecutors and is longsuffering as Saint Peter noted in his epistle below:

2 Peter 3 3 Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?

9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

• Do you find it difficult to wait on the Lord when facing persecution? We can take comfort in the verses above, knowing that our sufferings strengthen us, making us ready for Christ’s Kingdom. We can take comfort in knowing that everyone will stand before God, wrongs will be righted, judgement will be pronounced, and evil will be terminated.

2 Corinthians 5 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Hebrews 10 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

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The Obtaining of Rest and Glory (verses 6-10)

Vengeance to the Enemies 8 In flaming fire

V taking vengeance V on them that know not God, V and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

9 Who shall be punished

V with everlasting destruction V from the presence of the Lord, V and from the glory of his power;

• In flaming fire…this is a description of the Lord’s return. He will come in a flaming fire. A

refining fire to purify the saint and a consuming fire to the wicked. The effects of the Lord’s appearance will be joyful to believers and fearful to unbelievers. Note how the various Scriptures below compliment verses 8 and 9 above:

Luke 21 25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. 2 Peter 3 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 2 Thessalonians 2 10 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Hebrews 12 29 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire.

• In your personal life, do you evangelize to others with the urgency that the Apostle Paul does? Do you let others know the Day of the Lord is imminent and preach about His Grace for all?

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2 Thessalonians Lectio Divina Verse 10

The Obtaining of Rest and Glory (verses 6-10) When He Shall Come in Glory and to be Glorified 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints,

V and to be admired in all them that believe V (because our testimony among you was believed) V in that day.

• When He shall come… When the Day of the Lord arrives bringing retribution

and ruin for unbelievers. As Christ’s great glory is displayed the result will be rest and relief for believers and the privilege of sharing His glory. This is also noted in the two Scriptures below:

Philippians 3 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. 1 John 3 2 Beloved now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

• This time period is the glorious manifestation that believers will experience. The Apostle Paul spoke about it in the Book of Romans:

Romans 8 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

• Reread Romans 18: 8 silently. Consider the trials you face personally, professionally, within your family, and within your daily interactions. Remember this verse when facing those trials both now and in the future.

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Prayer and Encouragement for Believers

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

12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, V and ye in him, V according to the grace of our God V and the Lord Jesus Christ.

• Wherefore also we pray always for you…Paul’s prayer life is exemplified 4 times in this second letter to the Thessalonians (1:12, 2:16,17; 3:1-5, 16). Here he prayed as he did in verse 5, that they might behave in ways consistent with their identity as Christians living up to their calling to salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?

Ephesians 4 1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

Colossians 1 10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

• That the name of the Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you…The worthy walk of verse 11 allows God to be glorified in us, the light of all purposes note the Scriptures below:

2 Thessalonians 2 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 10 31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Peter 4 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Matthew 5 14 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

• In what ways can others see the Glory of God in your life? In what ways can you improve upon that?

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2 Thessalonians

Chapter 2

We beseech you brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together unto Him… That day shall not come, except there come a falling away first and the Man of Sin be revealed, the Son of Perdition Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

-2 Thessalonians 2: 1, 3-4

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Introduction to Chapter 2 In this second letter to the believers in the Church of Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul corrects an error regarding the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Some of the Thessalonians believed the Day of the Lord was very near as noted in verse 2 below. 2 Thessalonians 2 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to Him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. The Apostle Paul clarifies the Day of the Lord by telling the Thessalonians of two events that will take place prior to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. There would be an apostasy (a falling away from the faith) and the revelation of the Man of Sin (the Antichrist). Saint Paul begins to tell the Thessalonians (and us the Biblical readers) many remarkable things concerning a descriptive name for the Antichrist, his rise to power, his fall, his reign, and the sin and ruin of his subjects (2 Thessalonians 2: 4-12). He then comforts them against the coming apostasy and then exhorts them to steadfastness (2 Thessalonians 2: 13-15) and concludes with a prayer for them (2 Thessalonians 16-17).

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The Structure of 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-12

Correspondences Verse(s) A1 Exhortation: negative 1 – 3 -

B1 The Apostasy: open -3- C1 The Man of Sin -3 D1 The Character of his Acts 9-12 A2 Exhortation: positive 5 - 6

B2 The Mystery: secret 7 C2 The Lawless One 8

D2 The Character of his Acts 9-12

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2 Thessalonians Chapter Read Verses 1 - 8 1 Now we beseech you,

V brethren, V by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, V and by our gathering together unto him,

2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind,

V or be troubled, V neither by spirit, V nor by word, V nor by letter as from us, V as that the day of Christ is at hand.

3 Let no man deceive you by any means:

V for that day shall not come, V except there come a falling away first, V and that man of sin be revealed, V the son of perdition;

4 Who opposeth

V and exalteth himself V above all that is called God, V or that is worshipped; V so that he as God V sitteth in the temple of God, V shewing himself that he is God.

5 Remember ye not,

V that, when I was yet with you, V I told you these things?

6 And now ye know

V what withholdeth V that he might be revealed in his time.

7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work:

V only he who now letteth will let, V until he be taken out of the way.

8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed,

V whom the Lord shall consume V with the spirit of his mouth, V and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

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2 Thessalonians Chapter Read Verses 9 - 17

9 Even him, V whose coming is after the working of Satan V with all power V and signs V and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; V because they received not the love of the truth, V that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, V that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned V who believed not the truth, V but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

13 But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, V brethren beloved of the Lord, V because God hath from the beginning V chosen you to salvation V through sanctification of the Spirit V and belief of the truth:

14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, V to the obtaining of the glory V of our Lord Jesus Christ.

15 Therefore, V brethren, V stand fast, V and hold the traditions V which ye have been taught, V whether by word, V or our epistle.

16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, V and God, V even our Father, V which hath loved us, V and hath given us everlasting consolation V and good hope through grace,

17 Comfort your hearts, V and stablish you in every good word V and work.

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2 Thessalonians Lectio Divina Ch. 2 Verse 1

1 Now we beseech you, V brethren, V by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, V and by our gathering together unto him,

• Now we beseech you…the Greek word for beseech is: erotao meaning to ask or request

a person to do something (rarely to give).

• Brethren…compare the description here with what the Apostle wrote in his first letter:

1 Thessalonians 2 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?

• The Bible speaks of eternal life like a wreath awarded for an athletic victory. It is spoken of in terms of as:

1) the imperishable wreath that celebrates salvation’s victory over corruption (1 Corinthians 9:25);

2) the righteous wreath that celebrates salvation’s victory over unrighteousness (2 Timothy 4:8);

3) the unfading wreath of glory that celebrates salvation’s victory over defilement (1 Peter 5:4);

4) the wreath of life that celebrates salvation’s victory over death (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10); and here

5) the wreath of exultation which celebrates salvation’s victory over Satan and mankind’s persecution of believers.

• Every day we are challenged to live the Christian life. Have you considered the fact that you are a competitor, running a race? Consider these words of encouragement:

Hebrews 12 1 let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, 6 “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?

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2 Thessalonians Lectio Divina Ch. 2 Verse 1

1 Now we beseech you, V brethren, V by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, V and by our gathering together unto him,

• By the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ…This is the fifth mention of our Lord’s return in the

letter to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 3:13, 4:15, 5:23).

• and by our gathering together unto Him…this clearly refers to the return of our Lord and believers coming together to be united with Him. This does not refer (as some Biblical commentaries suggest) to the Rapture. This is the event the believers in Thessalonica were anticipating and this is the event anticipated throughout Scripture that takes place after the tribulation of the Antichrist. This is spelled out clearly in this very chapter and noted in other Biblical texts:

Jude 14 …See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones Revelation 11 18 The time has come to judge the dead, and to reward Your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear Your name, both small and great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth." Daniel 7 9 As I continued to watch: Thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. 10 A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.

• The description from verse 10 above tells us that, when the Lord comes, “books are opened” to which We know from Scripture that one of these books is the Book of Life (Revelation 20:15). What do you think is written about you in the books that will be opened? We can be sure that placing our faith in Jesus Christ will mean we will not face judgment for any transgression again our Creator:

Romans 10 9 If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Psalm 103 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

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2 Thessalonians Lectio Divina Ch. 2 Verse 2 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind,

V or be troubled, V neither by spirit, V nor by word, V nor by letter as from us, V as that the day of Christ is at hand.

• Soon shaken…this same term has been used in Scripture to describe an earthquake

Acts 16 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were loosed.

• Troubled…by spirit…word…letter…Under persecution, the believers in Thessalonica needed encouragement regarding the return of our Lord. They were confused and troubled by some of the deceptive messages they were receiving by spirit, word, or letter.

Spirit…the Greek term here refers to Demons or evil spirits. Such beings would speak through willing human agents or prophets that allowed them to speak for them. 1 John 4 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Acts 16 16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.

• By word…refers to a sermon or speech given. By letter…indicating written report or communication. The powerful but harmful effect of this false information was gained by claiming it was from the Apostle Paul (“as if from us”). Whoever was telling them they were in the Day of the Lord claimed that it came from Paul who heard it, preached it, and wrote it. Thus their lie was given supposed apostolic sanction.

• When you listen to or read commentaries on God’s Word, how do you verify the information you are receiving is accurate?

2 Thessalonians Chapter 1 · 2 Grace unto you, V and peace, V from God our Father V and the Lord...

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Transcript of 2 Thessalonians Chapter 1 · 2 Grace unto you, V and peace, V from God our Father V and the Lord...