Day 325 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 21 November 2023 reflections
Day 325, 21 November 2023
1) 1 Thessalonians , 2 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 1
Salutation
1 (2Th 1:1; Ro 1:7; Ac 18:5)Paul, Silas, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father
and in the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Thessalonians' Faith and Example
2 (Ro 1:8-9) We give thanks to God always for you all,
mentioning you in our prayers,
3 (2Th 1:11; Ro 15:4) remembering without ceasing your work of faith,
labor of love, and patient hope in our Lord Jesus Christ
in the sight of God and our Father.
4 (2Th 2:13; 2Pe 1:10) For we know, beloved brothers, your election by God.
5 (Col 2:2; 2Th 2:14) For our gospel did not come to you in word only,
but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance,
just as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.
6 (Ac 13:52; 1Co 4:16) You became followers of us and the Lord,
having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit.
7 Therefore you were examples to all who believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
8 (Ro 1:8; 2Th 3:1) For the word of the Lord sounded out from you not only
in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith
in God has gone forth, so that we do not need to say anything.
9 (1Co 12:2; Ac 14:15) For they themselves declare how we were received
by you, and how you turned to God from idols,
to serve the living and true God,
10 (Ac 2:24; Mt 3:7) and to wait for His Son from heaven,
whom He raised from the dead-Jesus, who delivered us from the wrath to come.
[1] Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians
which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you,
and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
[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 labour 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.
[5] For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in
the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were
among you for your sake.
[6] And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word
in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
[7] So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
[8] For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and
Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so
that we need not to speak any thing.
[9] For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto
you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
[10] And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even
Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
1 Thessalonians 2
Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica
1 You yourselves know, brothers, that our visit to you was not in vain.
2 (Ac 16:22-24; 17:2-9) But even after we had previously suffered and were
shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God
to declare to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.
3 (2Co 2:17; 4:2) For our exhortation was not from deceit,
nor from uncleanness, nor in guile.
4 (Gal 1:10; 2:7; Ro 8:27) But as we were allowed by God to be entrusted
with the gospel, even so we speak, not to please men, but God,
who examines our hearts.
5 (Ac 20:33; Ro 1:9) For neither at any time did we come with flattering
words, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed. God is our witness.
6 (Jn 5:41; 5:44) Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you,
or from others, even though we might have made demands
as the apostles of Christ.
7 (1Th 2:11; Isa 49:23) But we were gentle among you, like a nurse caring
for her own children.
8 (2Co 12:15; 1Jn 3:16) So having great love toward you,
we were willing to impart to you not only the gospel of God
but also our own lives, because you were dear to us.
9 (Ac 18:3; Ro 1:1) For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil.
Laboring night and day so as not to be an expense to any of you,
we preached to you the gospel of God.
10 (1Th 1:5; 2Co 1:12) You and God are witnesses of how pure, upright,
and blameless we ourselves behaved among you who believe.
11 (1Th 2:7) As you know, we exhorted, comforted, and commanded
every one of you, as a father does his own children,
12 (Eph 4:1; 1Th 5:24) that you would walk in a manner worthy of God,
who has called you to His kingdom and glory.
13 (Heb 4:12; Ro 10:17; Gal 4:14) For this reason we thank God
without ceasing because, when you received the word of God,
which you heard from us, you received it not as the word of men,
but as it truly is, the word of God, which effectively works also
in you who believe.
14 (Gal 1:22; 1Th 1:6) For you, brothers, became followers
of the churches of God, which in Judea are in Christ Jesus.
You also have suffered the same things from your own countrymen,
as they have from the Jews,
15 (Mt 5:12; Ac 2:23) who both killed the Lord Jesus
and their own prophets and have persecuted us.
They do not please God and are contrary to all men,
16 (Ac 13:50; Ge 15:16) forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles
that they might be saved. In this way they are always piling up
their sins, but wrath has come upon them to the extreme.
[1] For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not
in vain:
[2] But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully
entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto
you the gospel of God with much contention.
[3] For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
[4] But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even
so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
[5] For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a
cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
[6] Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we
might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
[7] But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
[8] So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have
imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls,
because ye were dear unto us.
[9] For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night
and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached
unto you the gospel of God.
[10] Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably
we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
[11] As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you,
as a father doth his children,
[12] That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom
and glory.
[13] For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye
received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the
word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually
worketh also in you that believe.
[14] For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in
Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your
own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
[15] Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have
persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
[16] Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to
fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
Paul's Desire to Visit Again
17 (1Co 5:3; Col 2:5) But we, brothers, being taken from you
for a short time, in presence, not in heart, endeavoured
all the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
18 (Ro 15:22; 1:13; Php 4:16) Therefore we wished
to come to you-even I, Paul, once and again-but Satan hindered us.
19 (Php 4:1; 2Co 1:14; 1Th 3:13) For what is our hope, or joy,
or crown of rejoicing? Will it not even be you in the presence
of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
20 You are our glory and joy.
[17] But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence,
not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great
desire.
[18] Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but
Satan hindered us.
[19] For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in
the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
[20] For ye are our glory and joy.
1 Thessalonians 3
1 (Ac 17:15; 1Th 3:5) Therefore, when we could no longer endure it,
we thought it good to be left at Athens alone.
2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and minister of God
and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish
and comfort you with regard to your faith,
3 (Ac 9:16; 14:22) so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions.
For you know that we are appointed to this.
4 (1Th 2:14) Indeed, we told you before when we were with you that
we would suffer tribulation, just as it came to pass, as you well know.
5 (Mt 4:3; Php 2:16) For this reason, when I could no longer endure it,
I sent to inquire about your faith, lest by some means the tempter
might have tempted you, and our labor might have been in vain.
6 (Ac 18:5; 1Th 1:3) But just now Timothy has come from you to us
and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always
have good memories of us, desiring greatly to see us,
as we also desire to see you.
7 (2Co 1:4) Therefore, brothers, during all our afflictions
and distress, we have been encouraged about you through your faith.
8 (1Co 16:13) For now we live, if you stand strong in the Lord.
9 (For what thanks can we render to God for you,
for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God,
10 (2Ti 1:3; 2Co 13:9) night and day praying earnestly that we might
see your face and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
11 (2Th 2:16; 1Th 3:13) Now may our God and Father Himself,
and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you.
12 (Php 1:9; 1Th 4:9-10) And may the Lord make you increase
and abound in love for one another and for all men, even as we do for you.
13 (1Th 2:19; Zec 14:5) To this end may He establish your hearts
to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father
at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.
[1] Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left
at Athens alone;
[2] And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our
fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you
concerning your faith:
[3] That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know
that we are appointed thereunto.
[4] For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should
suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
[5] For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your
faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in
vain.
[6] But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good
tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us
always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:
[7] Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction
and distress by your faith:
[8] For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
[9] For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy
wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
[10] Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and
might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
[11] Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our
way unto you.
[12] And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward
another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
[13] To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before
God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his
saints.
1 Thessalonians 4
A Life Pleasing to God
1 (Eph 4:1; 2Th 1:3) Finally, brothers, we urge and exhort you by the Lord
Jesus, that as you have learned from us how you ought to walk and to please
God, you should excel more and more.
2 For you know what commands we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
3 (Ac 15:29; Ro 6:22) For this is the will of God, your sanctification:
that you should abstain from sexual immorality,
4 (1Pe 3:7) that each one of you should know how to possess his own vessel
in sanctification and honor,
5 (Ro 1:26; Gal 4:8) not in the lust of depravity, even as the Gentiles
who do not know God,
6 (Ro 12:19; Heb 13:4) and that no man take advantage of
and defraud his brother in any matter, because the Lord
is the avenger in all these things,
as we also have forewarned you and testified.
7 (1Th 2:3; Lev 11:44) For God has not called us to uncleanness,
but to holiness.
8 (1Jn 3:24; Lk 10:16) Therefore he that despises does not despise man,
but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.
9 (1Th 5:1; Ro 12:10) As concerning brotherly love, you do not need me
to write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.
10 (1Th 1:7; 3:12) And indeed, you do have love for all the brothers
who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, that you increase
more and more.
11 (Eph 4:28; 1Pe 4:15) Learn to be calm, and to conduct your own business,
and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,
12 (Mk 4:11; Ro 13:13) so that you may walk honestly toward
those who are outsiders and that you may lack nothing.
[1] Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord
Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please
God, so ye would abound more and more.
[2] For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
[3] For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should
abstain from fornication:
[4] That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in
sanctification and honour;
[5] Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not
God:
[6] That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because
that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and
testified.
[7] For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
[8] He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also
given unto us his holy Spirit.
[9] But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye
yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
[10] And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia:
but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
[11] And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work
with your own hands, as we commanded you;
[12] That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may
have lack of nothing.
The Lord's Coming
13 (Eph 2:12; Lev 19:28) But I would not have you ignorant, brothers,
concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others
who have no hope.
14 (1Th 4:13; Rev 1:18) For if we believe that Jesus died and arose again,
so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
15 (1Ki 20:35) For this we say to you by the word of the Lord,
that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord
will not precede those who are asleep.
16 (1Co 15:23; Jude 1:9) For the Lord Himself will descend
from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel,
and with the trumpet call of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 (Jn 12:26; Ac 1:9) Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up
together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we
shall be forever with the Lord.
18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
[13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them
which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
[14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also
which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
[15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are
alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which
are asleep.
[16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the
voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ
shall rise first:
[17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with
them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be
with the Lord.
[18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 5
1 (Ac 1:7; 1Th 4:9) Concerning the times and the seasons, brothers,
you have no need that I write to you.
2 (2Pe 3:10; Rev 3:3) For you know perfectly that the day of the Lord
will come like a thief in the night.
3 (Lk 21:34-35; 2Th 1:9) When they say, "Peace and safety!"
then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor upon
a woman with child, and they shall not escape.
4 (1Jn 2:8) But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this Day
should overtake you as a thief.
5 (Lk 16:8; Ac 26:18) You are all the sons of light
and the sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.
6 (Lk 22:46; 1Pe 1:13) Therefore let us not sleep as others do.
But let us be alert and sober.
7 (Ac 2:15; 2Pe 2:13) For those who sleep, sleep at night,
and those who get drunk, are drunk at night.
8 (Isa 59:17; 1Th 5:5) But let us, who are of the day, be sober,
putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet,
the hope of salvation.
9 (1Th 1:10; 2Th 2:13-14) For God has not appointed us to wrath,
but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 (2Co 5:15) who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep,
we should live together with Him.
11 (Eph 4:29; Heb 10:25) So comfort yourselves together,
and edify one another, just as you are doing.
[1] But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write
unto you.
[2] For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a
thief in the night.
[3] For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction
cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not
escape.
[4] But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you
as a thief.
[5] Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are
not of the night, nor of darkness.
[6] Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
[7] For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are
drunken in the night.
[8] But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of
faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
[9] For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our
Lord Jesus Christ,
[10] Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live
together with him.
[11] Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as
also ye do.
Final Exhortations and Greetings
12 (Heb 13:17; 1Co 16:16; 16:18) We ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those
who labor among you, and are appointed over you in the Lord, and instruct you.
13 (Mk 9:50) Esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake.
And be at peace among yourselves.
14 (Ro 14:1; Ac 20:35) Now we exhort you, brothers, warn those who are unruly,
comfort the faint-hearted, support the weak, and be patient toward everyone.
15 (1Pe 3:9; Gal 6:10) See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone.
But always seek to do good to one another and to all.
16 (Php 4:4) Rejoice always.
17 (Eph 6:18; Lk 18:1) Pray without ceasing.
18 (Eph 5:20; Heb 13:15) In everything give thanks,
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19 (Eph 4:30; 1Co 14:30; 1Ti 4:14) Do not quench the Spirit.
20 (1Co 11:4; 14:1) Do not despise prophecies.
21 (1Jn 4:1; Lk 12:57; Ac 17:11) Examine all things.
Firmly hold onto what is good.
22 Abstain from all appearances of evil.
23 (Ro 15:33; Heb 4:12) May the very God of peace sanctify you completely.
And I pray to God that your whole spirit, soul,
and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 (1Co 1:9; 1Th 2:12 5:26 Ro 16:16 5:27 Col 4:16 5:28 Ro 16:20; 2Th 3:18)
Faithful is He who calls you, who also will do it.
25 Brothers, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
27 I command you by the Lord that this letter be
read to all the holy brothers.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
[12] And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and
are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
[13] And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at
peace among yourselves.
[14] Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the
feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
[15] See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that
which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
[16] Rejoice evermore.
[17] Pray without ceasing.
[18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
concerning you.
[19] Quench not the Spirit.
[20] Despise not prophesyings.
[21] Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
[22] Abstain from all appearance of evil.
[23] 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.
[24] Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
[25] Brethren, pray for us.
[26] Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
[27] I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy
brethren.
[28] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
2 Thessalonians 1
Salutation
1 (2Co 1:19) Paul, and Silas, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ:
2 (Ro 1:7) Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Judgment at Christ's Coming
3 (2Th 2:13; Ro 1:8) We are bound to thank God always for you, brothers,
as it is fitting, because your faith is growing abundantly,
and the love of every one of you abounds toward each other.
4 (1Th 2:14; 2Co 7:14; 1Th 2:19) So we boast about you in the churches of God
for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations
that you are enduring.
5 (Php 1:28; Lk 20:35) This is evidence that God's judgment, being righteous,
will count you worthy of the kingdom of God for which you are suffering.
6 (Rev 6:10) It is a righteous matter with God to repay with tribulation
those who trouble you,
7 (Rev 14:13) and to give you who are troubled rest with us
when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,
8 (Mt 25:41; Gal 4:8) in flaming fire taking vengeance on those
who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 (Mt 25:41; Php 3:19) They shall be punished with eternal destruction,
isolated from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,
10 (Jn 17:10; Isa 49:3) when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified
in His saints and to be marveled at by all those who believe,
because our testimony among you was believed.
11 (1Th 1:3; 2Th 1:5) Therefore we always pray for you that our God
would count you worthy of this calling and with power fulfill
all your good desires and works done by faith,
12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you,
and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians
in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
[2] Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ.
[3] 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;
[4] 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:
[5] 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:
[6] Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to
them that trouble you;
[7] And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be
revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
[8] In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that
obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
[9] Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of
the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
[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.
[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:
[12] That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye
in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 2
The Man of Lawlessness
1 (Mk 13:27; Mt 24:31) Now, brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and concerning our gathering together unto Him, we ask you
2 (Mk 13:7; 1Co 1:8) not to let your mind be quickly shaken or be troubled,
neither in spirit nor by word, nor by letter coming as though from us,
as if the day of Christ is already here.
3 (Da 7:25; Jn 17:12) Do not let anyone deceive you in any way.
For that Day will not come unless a falling away comes first,
and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction,
4 (Eze 28:2; 1Co 8:5) who opposes and exalts himself above
all that is called God or is worshipped,
so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself as God.
5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I told you these things?
6 Now you know what restrains him that he might be revealed in his time.
7 (Rev 17:5; 17:7) For the mystery of lawlessness is already working. Only
He who is now restraining him will do so until He is taken out of the way.
8 (Isa 11:4; 2Th 2:3) Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord
will consume with the breath of His mouth, and destroy with the brightness
of His presence,
9 (Mt 24:24; Rev 18:23) even him, whose coming is in accordance
with the working of Satan with all power and signs and false wonders,
10 (1Co 1:18) and with all deception of unrighteousness
among those who perish, because they did not receive
the love for the truth that they might be saved.
11 (Ro 1:28; Eze 14:9) Therefore God will send them a strong delusion,
that they should believe the lie:
12 (Ro 1:32; 2:8) that they all might be condemned who did not believe
the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
[1] Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and by our gathering together unto him,
[2] That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit,
nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
[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;
[4] 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.
[5] Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
[6] And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
[7] For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth
will let, until he be taken out of the way.
[8] 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:
[9] Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and
signs and lying wonders,
[10] And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish;
because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
[11] And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they
should believe a lie:
[12] That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had
pleasure in unrighteousness.
Chosen for Salvation
13 (1Th 1:4; 2Th 1:3) But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you,
beloved brothers of the Lord, because God has from the beginning called you
to salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief of the truth.
14 (1Th 2:12; 1:5) To this He called you by our gospel,
to obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 (1Co 11:2; 16:13; 2Th 2:2) Therefore, brothers, stand firm
and hold the traditions which you have been taught,
whether by word or by our letter.
16 (Jn 3:16; 1Th 3:11) Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself,
and God our Father, who has loved us and has given us eternal
consolation and good hope through grace,
17 (2Th 3:3; 1Th 3:2) comfort your hearts and establish you in
every good word and work.
[13] But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved
of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation
through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
[14] Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
[15] Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have
been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
[16] Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath
loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through
grace,
[17] Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
2 Thessalonians 3
Pray for Us
1 (1Th 5:25; 1:8) Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord
may quickly spread and be glorified, even as it did with you.
2 (Ro 15:31; Dt 32:20) And pray that we may be delivered from unreasonable
and wicked men, for not all men have faith.
3 (1Co 1:9; Mt 6:13) But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you
and guard you from the evil one.
4 (2Co 2:3; 1Th 4:10) We have confidence in the Lord concerning you,
that you are doing and will do the things which we command you.
5 (1Ch 29:18) May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God
and to the steadfastness of Christ.
[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:
[2] And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all
men have not faith.
[3] But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from
evil.
[4] And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and
will do the things which we command you.
[5] And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the
patient waiting for Christ.
Warning Against Idleness
6 (1Co 5:4; Ro 16:17) Now we command you, brothers, in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves
from every brother who walks in idleness and not according
to the tradition that he received from us.
7 (1Co 4:16; 2Th 3:9) For you know how you should follow us.
For we were not idle among you,
8 (Ac 18:3; 1Th 2:9) neither did we eat anyone's bread without paying
for it, but we worked tirelessly and toiled night and day that
we might not be a burden to any of you.
9 (1Co 9:4-14; 2Th 3:7) We did this, not because we did not have that right,
but to make ourselves an example for you to follow.
10 (1Th 4:11; Ge 3:19) For when we were with you,
we commanded you that if any will not work, neither shall he eat.
11 (1Ti 5:13; 1Pe 4:15) For we hear that there are some among
you who live in idleness, mere busybodies, not working at all.
12 (1Th 4:11; Eph 4:28) Now, concerning those who are such,
we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ that they quietly
work and eat their own bread.
13 (2Co 4:1; 1Th 4:1) But you, brothers, do not be weary in doing good.
14 (2Th 3:6) If anyone does not obey our word in this letter,
note that man, and do not socialize with him, so that he may be ashamed.
15 (1Th 5:14; Gal 6:1) Still, do not count him as an enemy,
but admonish him as a brother.
[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.
[7] For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not
ourselves disorderly among you;
[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:
[9] Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto
you to follow us.
[10] For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any
would not work, neither should he eat.
[11] For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly,
working not at all, but are busybodies.
[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.
[13] But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
[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.
[15] Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
Benediction
16 (Ro 15:33; Nu 6:26) Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace
always in every way. The Lord be with you all.
17 (1Co 16:21) I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand,
and this is the distinguishing mark in every letter: So I write.
18 (Ro 16:20) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
[16] Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The
Lord be with you all.
[17] The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every
epistle: so I write.
[18] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 21 November 2023 titled
Precious to God
Isaiah 43:1-7
The Redeemer of Israel
1 (Isa 43:7; 44:2) But now, thus says the Lord who created you, O Jacob,
and He who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name; you are Mine.
2 (Ps 66:12; Da 3:25-27) When you pass through waters, I will be with you.
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
nor shall the flame kindle on you.
3 (Ex 20:2; Pr 21:18) For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
4 (Ex 19:5-6) Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honorable,
and I have loved you; therefore, I will give men for you,
and people for your life.
5 (Isa 49:12; 44:2) Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west;
6 I will say to the north, "Give them up,"
and to the south, "Do not keep them back. Bring My sons from afar,
and My daughters from the ends of the earth,
7 (Ps 100:3; Isa 43:1) even everyone who is called by My name,
for I have created him for My glory; I have formed him, and I have made him."
[1] But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that
formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called
thee by thy name; thou art mine.
[2] When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through
the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the
fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
[3] For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave
Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
[4] Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I
have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
[5] Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and
gather thee from the west;
[6] I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring
my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;
[7] Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my
glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
As a boy, Ming found his father harsh and distant. Even when Ming was ill and
had to see the pediatrician, his father grumbled that it was troublesome.
Once, he overheard a quarrel and learned his father had wanted him aborted.
The feeling of being an unwanted child followed him into his adult years.
When Ming became a believer in Jesus, he found it difficult to relate to God
as Father, even though he knew Him as Lord of his life.
If, like Ming, we haven't felt loved by our earthly fathers, we may face
similar doubts in our relationship with God. We may wonder, Am I a burden to
Him? Does He care about me? But while our earthly fathers may have been
silent and distant, God our heavenly Father comes close and says,
"I love you" (Isaiah 43:4).
In Isaiah 43, God speaks as our Creator and as a Father. If you wonder
whether He wants you to live under His care as part of His family, hear what
He said to His people: "I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of
the earth;" (v. 6). If you wonder what you're worth to Him, hear His
affirmation: "You are precious and honored in my sight" (v. 4).
God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to pay the penalty of sin so that
we who believe in Him can be with Him forever (John 3:16). Because of what 'He says and what He's done for us, we can have full confidence that He wants
us and loves us.
By: Jasmine Goh
Reflect & Pray
What's your experience of relating to God as a Father?
How can you remind yourself that you're precious to Him?
Father, I want to live each day as Your child,
precious and honored in Your sight.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 3 - The Remedy
Acts 4:12
12 (Mt 1:21; Jn 3:36) "There is no salvation in any other,
for there is no other name under heaven given among men
by which we must be saved."
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
"You have cancer", the doctor told his patient. "We need to operate
- as soon as possible. It's the only remedy." The patient, not wanting
to undergo surgery unless it was absolutely necessary, sought out a second
opinion, then a third. When the third round of testing came up with the same
results, she returned to the doctor and submitted herself to the treatment.
Often the remedy for the problems in our lives seems worst than the problems
themselves. We don't want to endure the pain of self-examination, of honest
confrontation with our sin and selfishness. We'd rather live in "blissful
ignorance" than face up to ourselves.
But the Bible tells us there is only one remedy for sin: casting ourselves
upon the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. Submitting ourselves to God's
"treatment" for sin is not an easy matter or a simple decision. We have to
give up on ourselves, on our own striving for self-salvation. We have to come
to the agonising realisation of our sin, the depths to which we have fallen.
Acknowledging sin is not a duty simply for "bad" people who have lived in
rebellion against God. "Good" people - Sunday-school kids, moral parents,
and sweet little grandmothers - may have more difficulty coming to Christ
than swindlers and prostitutes, precisely because their sin is not as
visible - sometimes it is even applauded by church and society.
"Good" or "bad", we all have the same problem: sin. And, because
of the Lord's grace, we all have the same remedy: salvation through Christ.
As we look to him, not to others, and see ourselves in light of his holiness,
we can glimpse the seriousness of our own resistance to him and call upon
his name.
Application
a) What other "remedies" have I tried to use in treating my sin?
b) Why is Jesus Christ the only source of salvation?
c) How can this verse help me to see the "salvation"
of Christ in the daily struggles of life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Chr 31:21
21 And in every deed that he undertook in the service of the house
of God and with the law and commandment to seek out his God,
he did this with all his heart, and he found success.
21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house
of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God,
he did it with all his heart, and prospered.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Protection in Times of Trouble
Ps 27:1-6
PSALMS 27
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom will I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom will I be afraid?
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) When the wicked came against me
to eat my flesh -
my enemies and my foes -
they stumbled and fell.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Though an army should encamp against me,
my heart will not fear;
though war should rise against me,
in this will I be confident.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) One thing I have asked from the Lord,
that will I seek after -
for me to dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to see the beauty of the Lord,
and to inquire in His temple.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For in the time of trouble
He will hide me in His pavilion;
in the shelter of His tabernacle He will hide me;
He will set me up on a rock.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8 - 9) Now my head will be lifted up
above my enemies encircling me;
therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes,
came upon me to eat up my flesh,
They stumbled and fell.
3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear:
Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after;
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion:
In the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me;
he shall set me up upon a rock.
6 And now shall mine head be lifted up,
Above mine enemies round about me:
Therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy;
I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
21st Day of the Month
a) Pray for the leaders our educational system, that they would
have wisdom and make God honouring decisions
(
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make
supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life
in all godliness and honesty,
)
b) Pray that those who serve in law enforcement will have the resources
they need and the vigilance their work requires.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to endure in longsuffering and persecution
for the Lord will reward you in the 1st Resurrection.
Pray to the Lord: "Father, I want to live each day as Your child,
precious and honored in Your sight."
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember that Christ is the only remedy for Sin.
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek the Lord in Service.
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek to dwell in the House of the Lord.
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the leaders our educational system, that they would
have wisdom and make God honouring decisions
Pray that those who serve in law enforcement will have the resources
they need and the vigilance their work requires.
Pray for Sister Ruth, the widow of a martyred evangelist in Uganda .
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.
1) 1 Thessalonians , 2 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 1
Salutation
1 (2Th 1:1; Ro 1:7; Ac 18:5)Paul, Silas, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father
and in the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Thessalonians' Faith and Example
2 (Ro 1:8-9) We give thanks to God always for you all,
mentioning you in our prayers,
3 (2Th 1:11; Ro 15:4) remembering without ceasing your work of faith,
labor of love, and patient hope in our Lord Jesus Christ
in the sight of God and our Father.
4 (2Th 2:13; 2Pe 1:10) For we know, beloved brothers, your election by God.
5 (Col 2:2; 2Th 2:14) For our gospel did not come to you in word only,
but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance,
just as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.
6 (Ac 13:52; 1Co 4:16) You became followers of us and the Lord,
having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit.
7 Therefore you were examples to all who believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
8 (Ro 1:8; 2Th 3:1) For the word of the Lord sounded out from you not only
in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith
in God has gone forth, so that we do not need to say anything.
9 (1Co 12:2; Ac 14:15) For they themselves declare how we were received
by you, and how you turned to God from idols,
to serve the living and true God,
10 (Ac 2:24; Mt 3:7) and to wait for His Son from heaven,
whom He raised from the dead-Jesus, who delivered us from the wrath to come.
[1] Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians
which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you,
and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
[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 labour 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.
[5] For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in
the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were
among you for your sake.
[6] And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word
in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
[7] So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
[8] For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and
Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so
that we need not to speak any thing.
[9] For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto
you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
[10] And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even
Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
1 Thessalonians 2
Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica
1 You yourselves know, brothers, that our visit to you was not in vain.
2 (Ac 16:22-24; 17:2-9) But even after we had previously suffered and were
shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God
to declare to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.
3 (2Co 2:17; 4:2) For our exhortation was not from deceit,
nor from uncleanness, nor in guile.
4 (Gal 1:10; 2:7; Ro 8:27) But as we were allowed by God to be entrusted
with the gospel, even so we speak, not to please men, but God,
who examines our hearts.
5 (Ac 20:33; Ro 1:9) For neither at any time did we come with flattering
words, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed. God is our witness.
6 (Jn 5:41; 5:44) Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you,
or from others, even though we might have made demands
as the apostles of Christ.
7 (1Th 2:11; Isa 49:23) But we were gentle among you, like a nurse caring
for her own children.
8 (2Co 12:15; 1Jn 3:16) So having great love toward you,
we were willing to impart to you not only the gospel of God
but also our own lives, because you were dear to us.
9 (Ac 18:3; Ro 1:1) For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil.
Laboring night and day so as not to be an expense to any of you,
we preached to you the gospel of God.
10 (1Th 1:5; 2Co 1:12) You and God are witnesses of how pure, upright,
and blameless we ourselves behaved among you who believe.
11 (1Th 2:7) As you know, we exhorted, comforted, and commanded
every one of you, as a father does his own children,
12 (Eph 4:1; 1Th 5:24) that you would walk in a manner worthy of God,
who has called you to His kingdom and glory.
13 (Heb 4:12; Ro 10:17; Gal 4:14) For this reason we thank God
without ceasing because, when you received the word of God,
which you heard from us, you received it not as the word of men,
but as it truly is, the word of God, which effectively works also
in you who believe.
14 (Gal 1:22; 1Th 1:6) For you, brothers, became followers
of the churches of God, which in Judea are in Christ Jesus.
You also have suffered the same things from your own countrymen,
as they have from the Jews,
15 (Mt 5:12; Ac 2:23) who both killed the Lord Jesus
and their own prophets and have persecuted us.
They do not please God and are contrary to all men,
16 (Ac 13:50; Ge 15:16) forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles
that they might be saved. In this way they are always piling up
their sins, but wrath has come upon them to the extreme.
[1] For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not
in vain:
[2] But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully
entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto
you the gospel of God with much contention.
[3] For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
[4] But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even
so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
[5] For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a
cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
[6] Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we
might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
[7] But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
[8] So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have
imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls,
because ye were dear unto us.
[9] For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night
and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached
unto you the gospel of God.
[10] Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably
we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
[11] As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you,
as a father doth his children,
[12] That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom
and glory.
[13] For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye
received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the
word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually
worketh also in you that believe.
[14] For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in
Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your
own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
[15] Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have
persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
[16] Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to
fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
Paul's Desire to Visit Again
17 (1Co 5:3; Col 2:5) But we, brothers, being taken from you
for a short time, in presence, not in heart, endeavoured
all the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
18 (Ro 15:22; 1:13; Php 4:16) Therefore we wished
to come to you-even I, Paul, once and again-but Satan hindered us.
19 (Php 4:1; 2Co 1:14; 1Th 3:13) For what is our hope, or joy,
or crown of rejoicing? Will it not even be you in the presence
of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
20 You are our glory and joy.
[17] But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence,
not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great
desire.
[18] Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but
Satan hindered us.
[19] For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in
the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
[20] For ye are our glory and joy.
1 Thessalonians 3
1 (Ac 17:15; 1Th 3:5) Therefore, when we could no longer endure it,
we thought it good to be left at Athens alone.
2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and minister of God
and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish
and comfort you with regard to your faith,
3 (Ac 9:16; 14:22) so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions.
For you know that we are appointed to this.
4 (1Th 2:14) Indeed, we told you before when we were with you that
we would suffer tribulation, just as it came to pass, as you well know.
5 (Mt 4:3; Php 2:16) For this reason, when I could no longer endure it,
I sent to inquire about your faith, lest by some means the tempter
might have tempted you, and our labor might have been in vain.
6 (Ac 18:5; 1Th 1:3) But just now Timothy has come from you to us
and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always
have good memories of us, desiring greatly to see us,
as we also desire to see you.
7 (2Co 1:4) Therefore, brothers, during all our afflictions
and distress, we have been encouraged about you through your faith.
8 (1Co 16:13) For now we live, if you stand strong in the Lord.
9 (For what thanks can we render to God for you,
for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God,
10 (2Ti 1:3; 2Co 13:9) night and day praying earnestly that we might
see your face and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
11 (2Th 2:16; 1Th 3:13) Now may our God and Father Himself,
and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you.
12 (Php 1:9; 1Th 4:9-10) And may the Lord make you increase
and abound in love for one another and for all men, even as we do for you.
13 (1Th 2:19; Zec 14:5) To this end may He establish your hearts
to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father
at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.
[1] Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left
at Athens alone;
[2] And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our
fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you
concerning your faith:
[3] That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know
that we are appointed thereunto.
[4] For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should
suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
[5] For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your
faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in
vain.
[6] But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good
tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us
always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:
[7] Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction
and distress by your faith:
[8] For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
[9] For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy
wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
[10] Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and
might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
[11] Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our
way unto you.
[12] And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward
another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
[13] To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before
God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his
saints.
1 Thessalonians 4
A Life Pleasing to God
1 (Eph 4:1; 2Th 1:3) Finally, brothers, we urge and exhort you by the Lord
Jesus, that as you have learned from us how you ought to walk and to please
God, you should excel more and more.
2 For you know what commands we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
3 (Ac 15:29; Ro 6:22) For this is the will of God, your sanctification:
that you should abstain from sexual immorality,
4 (1Pe 3:7) that each one of you should know how to possess his own vessel
in sanctification and honor,
5 (Ro 1:26; Gal 4:8) not in the lust of depravity, even as the Gentiles
who do not know God,
6 (Ro 12:19; Heb 13:4) and that no man take advantage of
and defraud his brother in any matter, because the Lord
is the avenger in all these things,
as we also have forewarned you and testified.
7 (1Th 2:3; Lev 11:44) For God has not called us to uncleanness,
but to holiness.
8 (1Jn 3:24; Lk 10:16) Therefore he that despises does not despise man,
but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.
9 (1Th 5:1; Ro 12:10) As concerning brotherly love, you do not need me
to write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.
10 (1Th 1:7; 3:12) And indeed, you do have love for all the brothers
who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, that you increase
more and more.
11 (Eph 4:28; 1Pe 4:15) Learn to be calm, and to conduct your own business,
and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,
12 (Mk 4:11; Ro 13:13) so that you may walk honestly toward
those who are outsiders and that you may lack nothing.
[1] Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord
Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please
God, so ye would abound more and more.
[2] For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
[3] For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should
abstain from fornication:
[4] That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in
sanctification and honour;
[5] Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not
God:
[6] That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because
that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and
testified.
[7] For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
[8] He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also
given unto us his holy Spirit.
[9] But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye
yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
[10] And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia:
but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
[11] And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work
with your own hands, as we commanded you;
[12] That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may
have lack of nothing.
The Lord's Coming
13 (Eph 2:12; Lev 19:28) But I would not have you ignorant, brothers,
concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others
who have no hope.
14 (1Th 4:13; Rev 1:18) For if we believe that Jesus died and arose again,
so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
15 (1Ki 20:35) For this we say to you by the word of the Lord,
that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord
will not precede those who are asleep.
16 (1Co 15:23; Jude 1:9) For the Lord Himself will descend
from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel,
and with the trumpet call of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 (Jn 12:26; Ac 1:9) Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up
together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we
shall be forever with the Lord.
18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
[13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them
which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
[14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also
which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
[15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are
alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which
are asleep.
[16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the
voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ
shall rise first:
[17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with
them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be
with the Lord.
[18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 5
1 (Ac 1:7; 1Th 4:9) Concerning the times and the seasons, brothers,
you have no need that I write to you.
2 (2Pe 3:10; Rev 3:3) For you know perfectly that the day of the Lord
will come like a thief in the night.
3 (Lk 21:34-35; 2Th 1:9) When they say, "Peace and safety!"
then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor upon
a woman with child, and they shall not escape.
4 (1Jn 2:8) But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this Day
should overtake you as a thief.
5 (Lk 16:8; Ac 26:18) You are all the sons of light
and the sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.
6 (Lk 22:46; 1Pe 1:13) Therefore let us not sleep as others do.
But let us be alert and sober.
7 (Ac 2:15; 2Pe 2:13) For those who sleep, sleep at night,
and those who get drunk, are drunk at night.
8 (Isa 59:17; 1Th 5:5) But let us, who are of the day, be sober,
putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet,
the hope of salvation.
9 (1Th 1:10; 2Th 2:13-14) For God has not appointed us to wrath,
but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 (2Co 5:15) who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep,
we should live together with Him.
11 (Eph 4:29; Heb 10:25) So comfort yourselves together,
and edify one another, just as you are doing.
[1] But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write
unto you.
[2] For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a
thief in the night.
[3] For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction
cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not
escape.
[4] But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you
as a thief.
[5] Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are
not of the night, nor of darkness.
[6] Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
[7] For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are
drunken in the night.
[8] But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of
faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
[9] For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our
Lord Jesus Christ,
[10] Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live
together with him.
[11] Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as
also ye do.
Final Exhortations and Greetings
12 (Heb 13:17; 1Co 16:16; 16:18) We ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those
who labor among you, and are appointed over you in the Lord, and instruct you.
13 (Mk 9:50) Esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake.
And be at peace among yourselves.
14 (Ro 14:1; Ac 20:35) Now we exhort you, brothers, warn those who are unruly,
comfort the faint-hearted, support the weak, and be patient toward everyone.
15 (1Pe 3:9; Gal 6:10) See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone.
But always seek to do good to one another and to all.
16 (Php 4:4) Rejoice always.
17 (Eph 6:18; Lk 18:1) Pray without ceasing.
18 (Eph 5:20; Heb 13:15) In everything give thanks,
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19 (Eph 4:30; 1Co 14:30; 1Ti 4:14) Do not quench the Spirit.
20 (1Co 11:4; 14:1) Do not despise prophecies.
21 (1Jn 4:1; Lk 12:57; Ac 17:11) Examine all things.
Firmly hold onto what is good.
22 Abstain from all appearances of evil.
23 (Ro 15:33; Heb 4:12) May the very God of peace sanctify you completely.
And I pray to God that your whole spirit, soul,
and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 (1Co 1:9; 1Th 2:12 5:26 Ro 16:16 5:27 Col 4:16 5:28 Ro 16:20; 2Th 3:18)
Faithful is He who calls you, who also will do it.
25 Brothers, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
27 I command you by the Lord that this letter be
read to all the holy brothers.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
[12] And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and
are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
[13] And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at
peace among yourselves.
[14] Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the
feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
[15] See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that
which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
[16] Rejoice evermore.
[17] Pray without ceasing.
[18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
concerning you.
[19] Quench not the Spirit.
[20] Despise not prophesyings.
[21] Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
[22] Abstain from all appearance of evil.
[23] 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.
[24] Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
[25] Brethren, pray for us.
[26] Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
[27] I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy
brethren.
[28] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
2 Thessalonians 1
Salutation
1 (2Co 1:19) Paul, and Silas, and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ:
2 (Ro 1:7) Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Judgment at Christ's Coming
3 (2Th 2:13; Ro 1:8) We are bound to thank God always for you, brothers,
as it is fitting, because your faith is growing abundantly,
and the love of every one of you abounds toward each other.
4 (1Th 2:14; 2Co 7:14; 1Th 2:19) So we boast about you in the churches of God
for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations
that you are enduring.
5 (Php 1:28; Lk 20:35) This is evidence that God's judgment, being righteous,
will count you worthy of the kingdom of God for which you are suffering.
6 (Rev 6:10) It is a righteous matter with God to repay with tribulation
those who trouble you,
7 (Rev 14:13) and to give you who are troubled rest with us
when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels,
8 (Mt 25:41; Gal 4:8) in flaming fire taking vengeance on those
who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 (Mt 25:41; Php 3:19) They shall be punished with eternal destruction,
isolated from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,
10 (Jn 17:10; Isa 49:3) when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified
in His saints and to be marveled at by all those who believe,
because our testimony among you was believed.
11 (1Th 1:3; 2Th 1:5) Therefore we always pray for you that our God
would count you worthy of this calling and with power fulfill
all your good desires and works done by faith,
12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you,
and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians
in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
[2] Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ.
[3] 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;
[4] 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:
[5] 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:
[6] Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to
them that trouble you;
[7] And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be
revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
[8] In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that
obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
[9] Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of
the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
[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.
[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:
[12] That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye
in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 2
The Man of Lawlessness
1 (Mk 13:27; Mt 24:31) Now, brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ, and concerning our gathering together unto Him, we ask you
2 (Mk 13:7; 1Co 1:8) not to let your mind be quickly shaken or be troubled,
neither in spirit nor by word, nor by letter coming as though from us,
as if the day of Christ is already here.
3 (Da 7:25; Jn 17:12) Do not let anyone deceive you in any way.
For that Day will not come unless a falling away comes first,
and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction,
4 (Eze 28:2; 1Co 8:5) who opposes and exalts himself above
all that is called God or is worshipped,
so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself as God.
5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I told you these things?
6 Now you know what restrains him that he might be revealed in his time.
7 (Rev 17:5; 17:7) For the mystery of lawlessness is already working. Only
He who is now restraining him will do so until He is taken out of the way.
8 (Isa 11:4; 2Th 2:3) Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord
will consume with the breath of His mouth, and destroy with the brightness
of His presence,
9 (Mt 24:24; Rev 18:23) even him, whose coming is in accordance
with the working of Satan with all power and signs and false wonders,
10 (1Co 1:18) and with all deception of unrighteousness
among those who perish, because they did not receive
the love for the truth that they might be saved.
11 (Ro 1:28; Eze 14:9) Therefore God will send them a strong delusion,
that they should believe the lie:
12 (Ro 1:32; 2:8) that they all might be condemned who did not believe
the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
[1] Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and by our gathering together unto him,
[2] That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit,
nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
[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;
[4] 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.
[5] Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
[6] And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
[7] For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth
will let, until he be taken out of the way.
[8] 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:
[9] Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and
signs and lying wonders,
[10] And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish;
because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
[11] And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they
should believe a lie:
[12] That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had
pleasure in unrighteousness.
Chosen for Salvation
13 (1Th 1:4; 2Th 1:3) But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you,
beloved brothers of the Lord, because God has from the beginning called you
to salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief of the truth.
14 (1Th 2:12; 1:5) To this He called you by our gospel,
to obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 (1Co 11:2; 16:13; 2Th 2:2) Therefore, brothers, stand firm
and hold the traditions which you have been taught,
whether by word or by our letter.
16 (Jn 3:16; 1Th 3:11) Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself,
and God our Father, who has loved us and has given us eternal
consolation and good hope through grace,
17 (2Th 3:3; 1Th 3:2) comfort your hearts and establish you in
every good word and work.
[13] But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved
of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation
through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
[14] Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
[15] Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have
been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
[16] Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath
loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through
grace,
[17] Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
2 Thessalonians 3
Pray for Us
1 (1Th 5:25; 1:8) Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord
may quickly spread and be glorified, even as it did with you.
2 (Ro 15:31; Dt 32:20) And pray that we may be delivered from unreasonable
and wicked men, for not all men have faith.
3 (1Co 1:9; Mt 6:13) But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you
and guard you from the evil one.
4 (2Co 2:3; 1Th 4:10) We have confidence in the Lord concerning you,
that you are doing and will do the things which we command you.
5 (1Ch 29:18) May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God
and to the steadfastness of Christ.
[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:
[2] And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all
men have not faith.
[3] But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from
evil.
[4] And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and
will do the things which we command you.
[5] And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the
patient waiting for Christ.
Warning Against Idleness
6 (1Co 5:4; Ro 16:17) Now we command you, brothers, in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves
from every brother who walks in idleness and not according
to the tradition that he received from us.
7 (1Co 4:16; 2Th 3:9) For you know how you should follow us.
For we were not idle among you,
8 (Ac 18:3; 1Th 2:9) neither did we eat anyone's bread without paying
for it, but we worked tirelessly and toiled night and day that
we might not be a burden to any of you.
9 (1Co 9:4-14; 2Th 3:7) We did this, not because we did not have that right,
but to make ourselves an example for you to follow.
10 (1Th 4:11; Ge 3:19) For when we were with you,
we commanded you that if any will not work, neither shall he eat.
11 (1Ti 5:13; 1Pe 4:15) For we hear that there are some among
you who live in idleness, mere busybodies, not working at all.
12 (1Th 4:11; Eph 4:28) Now, concerning those who are such,
we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ that they quietly
work and eat their own bread.
13 (2Co 4:1; 1Th 4:1) But you, brothers, do not be weary in doing good.
14 (2Th 3:6) If anyone does not obey our word in this letter,
note that man, and do not socialize with him, so that he may be ashamed.
15 (1Th 5:14; Gal 6:1) Still, do not count him as an enemy,
but admonish him as a brother.
[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.
[7] For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not
ourselves disorderly among you;
[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:
[9] Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto
you to follow us.
[10] For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any
would not work, neither should he eat.
[11] For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly,
working not at all, but are busybodies.
[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.
[13] But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
[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.
[15] Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
Benediction
16 (Ro 15:33; Nu 6:26) Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace
always in every way. The Lord be with you all.
17 (1Co 16:21) I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand,
and this is the distinguishing mark in every letter: So I write.
18 (Ro 16:20) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
[16] Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The
Lord be with you all.
[17] The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every
epistle: so I write.
[18] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
2) Our Daily Bread for 21 November 2023 titled
Precious to God
Isaiah 43:1-7
The Redeemer of Israel
1 (Isa 43:7; 44:2) But now, thus says the Lord who created you, O Jacob,
and He who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name; you are Mine.
2 (Ps 66:12; Da 3:25-27) When you pass through waters, I will be with you.
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
nor shall the flame kindle on you.
3 (Ex 20:2; Pr 21:18) For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
4 (Ex 19:5-6) Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honorable,
and I have loved you; therefore, I will give men for you,
and people for your life.
5 (Isa 49:12; 44:2) Do not fear, for I am with you;
I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west;
6 I will say to the north, "Give them up,"
and to the south, "Do not keep them back. Bring My sons from afar,
and My daughters from the ends of the earth,
7 (Ps 100:3; Isa 43:1) even everyone who is called by My name,
for I have created him for My glory; I have formed him, and I have made him."
[1] But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that
formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called
thee by thy name; thou art mine.
[2] When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through
the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the
fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
[3] For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave
Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
[4] Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I
have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
[5] Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and
gather thee from the west;
[6] I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring
my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;
[7] Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my
glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
As a boy, Ming found his father harsh and distant. Even when Ming was ill and
had to see the pediatrician, his father grumbled that it was troublesome.
Once, he overheard a quarrel and learned his father had wanted him aborted.
The feeling of being an unwanted child followed him into his adult years.
When Ming became a believer in Jesus, he found it difficult to relate to God
as Father, even though he knew Him as Lord of his life.
If, like Ming, we haven't felt loved by our earthly fathers, we may face
similar doubts in our relationship with God. We may wonder, Am I a burden to
Him? Does He care about me? But while our earthly fathers may have been
silent and distant, God our heavenly Father comes close and says,
"I love you" (Isaiah 43:4).
In Isaiah 43, God speaks as our Creator and as a Father. If you wonder
whether He wants you to live under His care as part of His family, hear what
He said to His people: "I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of
the earth;" (v. 6). If you wonder what you're worth to Him, hear His
affirmation: "You are precious and honored in my sight" (v. 4).
God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to pay the penalty of sin so that
we who believe in Him can be with Him forever (John 3:16). Because of what 'He says and what He's done for us, we can have full confidence that He wants
us and loves us.
By: Jasmine Goh
Reflect & Pray
What's your experience of relating to God as a Father?
How can you remind yourself that you're precious to Him?
Father, I want to live each day as Your child,
precious and honored in Your sight.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 2 - Saved by Grace - Day 3 - The Remedy
Acts 4:12
12 (Mt 1:21; Jn 3:36) "There is no salvation in any other,
for there is no other name under heaven given among men
by which we must be saved."
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
"You have cancer", the doctor told his patient. "We need to operate
- as soon as possible. It's the only remedy." The patient, not wanting
to undergo surgery unless it was absolutely necessary, sought out a second
opinion, then a third. When the third round of testing came up with the same
results, she returned to the doctor and submitted herself to the treatment.
Often the remedy for the problems in our lives seems worst than the problems
themselves. We don't want to endure the pain of self-examination, of honest
confrontation with our sin and selfishness. We'd rather live in "blissful
ignorance" than face up to ourselves.
But the Bible tells us there is only one remedy for sin: casting ourselves
upon the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. Submitting ourselves to God's
"treatment" for sin is not an easy matter or a simple decision. We have to
give up on ourselves, on our own striving for self-salvation. We have to come
to the agonising realisation of our sin, the depths to which we have fallen.
Acknowledging sin is not a duty simply for "bad" people who have lived in
rebellion against God. "Good" people - Sunday-school kids, moral parents,
and sweet little grandmothers - may have more difficulty coming to Christ
than swindlers and prostitutes, precisely because their sin is not as
visible - sometimes it is even applauded by church and society.
"Good" or "bad", we all have the same problem: sin. And, because
of the Lord's grace, we all have the same remedy: salvation through Christ.
As we look to him, not to others, and see ourselves in light of his holiness,
we can glimpse the seriousness of our own resistance to him and call upon
his name.
Application
a) What other "remedies" have I tried to use in treating my sin?
b) Why is Jesus Christ the only source of salvation?
c) How can this verse help me to see the "salvation"
of Christ in the daily struggles of life?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
2 Chr 31:21
21 And in every deed that he undertook in the service of the house
of God and with the law and commandment to seek out his God,
he did this with all his heart, and he found success.
21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house
of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God,
he did it with all his heart, and prospered.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
God's Protection in Times of Trouble
Ps 27:1-6
PSALMS 27
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom will I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom will I be afraid?
2 (Ps 63:1; 84:2) When the wicked came against me
to eat my flesh -
my enemies and my foes -
they stumbled and fell.
3 (Ps 79:10; 80:5) Though an army should encamp against me,
my heart will not fear;
though war should rise against me,
in this will I be confident.
4 (Isa 30:29; Ps 62:8) One thing I have asked from the Lord,
that will I seek after -
for me to dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to see the beauty of the Lord,
and to inquire in His temple.
5 (Ps 42:11; 43:5) For in the time of trouble
He will hide me in His pavilion;
in the shelter of His tabernacle He will hide me;
He will set me up on a rock.
6 (2Sa 17:22; Dt 3:8 - 9) Now my head will be lifted up
above my enemies encircling me;
therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes,
came upon me to eat up my flesh,
They stumbled and fell.
3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear:
Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after;
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion:
In the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me;
he shall set me up upon a rock.
6 And now shall mine head be lifted up,
Above mine enemies round about me:
Therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy;
I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Newfoundland & Labrador
Total population 527000
Muslim population (est.) 2065
As of Autumn 2014, St. John's does not have a local CNMM network. Pray with us
for God's people to come together in prayer
and cooperative efforts to reach Muslims with the Good News.
St. John's has one mosque and 2 more musallas , or prayer locations, which
may grow into mosques of their own. The mosque is called Masjid an Noor,
The Mosque of the Light, and mosque historical documents record a trip in 1986
to Saudi Arabia to raise funds for the land purchase and construction costs.
A small number of Muslim families had come prior to 1964, but moved on to
other places after a short time. After this date, a small community began
to remain and grow , reaching about 25 families in the 1980s. A number
of international students also join the community annually
ranging from 25 to 60.
In 2014 the mosque website reports the community is made up of some 200
families and many university students attending Memorial University. A
small number of native Newfoundlanders have also converted to the Islamic
faith, one saying of this religion in Newfoundland, "Islam is a growing face".
With the growth of the community, the current challenge is lack of space
in the mosque, which they are now looking at expanding.
Pray for
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, saying to each other,
"What does this mean?"
13 (1Co 14:23) Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."
Peter's Speech at Pentecost
14 (Ac 1:26) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice
and said to them, "Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose,
since it is the third hour of the day.
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 (Isa 44:3; Ac 10:45) 'In the last days it shall be,' says God,
'that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams.'
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, atheists, secular humanists, ...)
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
21st Day of the Month
a) Pray for the leaders our educational system, that they would
have wisdom and make God honouring decisions
(
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that you make
supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and thanksgivings for everyone,
2 for kings and for all who are in authority,
that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life
in all godliness and honesty,
)
b) Pray that those who serve in law enforcement will have the resources
they need and the vigilance their work requires.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to endure in longsuffering and persecution
for the Lord will reward you in the 1st Resurrection.
Pray to the Lord: "Father, I want to live each day as Your child,
precious and honored in Your sight."
Pray to the Lord and pray to remember that Christ is the only remedy for Sin.
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek the Lord in Service.
Pray to the Lord and pray to seek to dwell in the House of the Lord.
Pray for in Newfoundland and Labrador
- The true Light of life, Jesus Christ, to be revealed to Muslims
in Newfoundland through the word, dreams, visions and answers to prayer.
- Christians to be as "wise as serpents and harmless as doves" regarding
Islam and reaching out in loving witness to Muslims in St. John's.
- for a dedicated, intentional witness to the growing number of Muslim
students on the university, college and trade school campuses.
Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
Pray for the leaders our educational system, that they would
have wisdom and make God honouring decisions
Pray that those who serve in law enforcement will have the resources
they need and the vigilance their work requires.
Pray for Sister Ruth, the widow of a martyred evangelist in Uganda .
Pray to the Lord that to know the Holy Spirit.
and Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness.
Remember eternity starts now -
Pray for the direction you take to the Ever lasting loving God.