2 Thess 3:14,15

SCRIPTURE

2 Thess 3:14,15

If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

COMMENT

I find this interesting on many levels. First, the initial thought is that this is almost a cultic approach to treat someone as an outcast if they do not follow the leader(s). However, on a deeper look, the purpose seems not to be control as much as it is to create awareness. Let him realize the error of his ways for his behavior. They are not to ostracize in a destructive manner, but rather as a warning, still viewing that person as a brother.

Do we take this to heart? Probably not as much as we should. It can be hard to know where to draw the line between matters of disagreement and matters that violate how a believer should behave. I think it takes a strong leader to know the difference.

2 Thess 3:13

SCRIPTURE 

As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.

COMMENT

Short, but powerful. Amen!

2 Thess 2:9-12

SCRIPTURE

The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

COMMENT

Do you believe in Satan? In the Bible? I can't help but think of how the political situation in the U.S. right now mirrors this Scripture. Only both sides would look at the other and say that they are the blind ones. All except the ones who are in control, masterminding the situation. But they are not solely to blame, because the ones who are perishing failed to love the truth, and so be saved. 

God sent a strong delusion. That is a scary term. I feel like there are many strong delusions going on right now. So the question we need to ask ourselves is not what does the other side believe, but what am I buying in to? So much of politics is deception, the buying of votes with promises made with other peoples' money. And the politicians go on and live the good life, without a true care for their constituents. Complain how global warming is causing the fires in California, while munching on ice cream from one of two -$10,000 freezers. Flying all over the country while trying to prevent the ecological crisis. No one is exempt. 

The pleasure in unrighteousness is not reserved for the politicians. It is for the greedy constituents who vote for them because of what the politicians will do for them, regardless of what is best for the country. 

Is the end near?

2 Thess 1:5-10

SCRIPTURE

This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.

COMMENT

Suffering for the Kingdom of God, there are some words you don't hear in church very often. With the massive buildings (and mortgages that often accompany them), padded pews (well, now well spaced chairs or flashy video presentations), super awesome music, etc., where is the suffering? Not that I believe suffering is necessary, but how do we measure the genuine Christian from the passer by? Even the message preached is often free of suffering or even commitment. We don't have to suffer, just be willing should the occasion arise.

God will offer relief when Jesus comes, but who needs relief from this? Or is He just talking about the inconveniences of life, because we all have those (sarcasm intended here). And who will get God's vengeance? Those who do not know God and those who do not follow the gospel Remember Matthew 7:21-23? Scary stuff, if you happen to think about it. 

I am not advocating going out and seeking suffering. That would be adding to the gospel. But are we aware of what the gospel is? Do we know Jesus, or do we just want to be saved from the possibility of hell? You know, the idea where our faith is just fire insurance in case God is real?

Maybe you need a new insurance agent.