A Few Thoughts About Being Steadfast

Steadfast in the Faith

1 Corinthians 15:58 WEB Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

This passage is at the end of the great resurrection chapter. The Gospel has been summarized. Jesus has conquered life, death, goodness, evil, and has overcome the world.

Knowing all this is wonderful, but we must continue in the faith. We must not fail as is illustrated by our Lord: Matthew 13:21 WEB yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

We are

B1 To be steadfast

C1 The Greek word is ἑδραῖος hedraîos. It means to be settled and not movable. It is like a fence post secured in concrete.

C2 It is used 3 times in the New Testament with the idea of firmly believing something. A decision has been made that will not change.

C3 Robertson’s Word Pictures has this note on this passage: Let the sceptics howl and rage. Paul has given rational grounds for faith and hope in Christ the Risen Lord and Saviour.

C4 We have a reasonable faith. It is rational. It is not blind faith. We have reasons, witnesses, and proofs.

C5 Some verses illustrating this idea:

D1 Proverbs 10:25 WEB When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more; but the righteous stand firm forever.

D2 Note the contrast between believers and unbelievers: Psalms 20:7-8 NRSV Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses, but our pride is in the name of the LORD our God. 8 They will collapse and fall, but we shall rise and stand upright.

C6 Our (that is all Christian believers) foundation is the most stable: Ephesians 2:19-20 NKJV Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,

C7 Our stability has a purpose. Look today how many do not know what they believe: Ephesians 4:14 GNB Then we shall no longer be children, carried by the waves and blown about by every shifting wind of the teaching of deceitful people, who lead others into error by the tricks they invent.

B2 To be immovable

C1 The Greek word for immovable is ἀμετακίνητος ametakínētos. It means firmly persistent. It is used only in this one passage in the New Testament.

C2 To be firmly persistent we must be continually alive. We get our life from the Lord Jesus. We must continue in His teaching: John 15:4-5 WEB Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

C3 We need to pray. It is part of the Armor of God: Ephesians 6:18 WEB with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints.

C4 Be tested in and about our faith makes us stronger in the faith: James 1:2-4 NRSV My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; 4 and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.

C5 Our love for God and His love for us is described in these actions: 1 Corinthians 13:7 NRSV It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. [Emphasis is mine]

B3 To be abounding in the Lord’s work

C1 Abounding is the Greek word περισσεύω perisseúō. It means to have much, very much even to overflowing.

C2 Vincent’s Word Studies has this note here: The former refers [steadfast] to their firm establishment in the faith; the latter [immovable] to that establishment as related to assault from temptation or persecution. Fixedness is a condition of abounding in work. All activity has its center in rest. [insert is mine]

C2 John Wesley writes: Be ye steadfast - In yourselves. Unmovable - By others; continually increasing in the work of faith and labour of love. Knowing your labour is not in vain in the Lord - Whatever ye do for his sake shall have its full reward in that day. Let us also endeavour, by cultivating holiness in all its branches, to maintain this hope in its full energy; longing for that glorious day, when, in the utmost extent of the expression, death shall be swallowed up for ever, and millions of voices, after the long silence of the grave, shall burst out at once into that triumphant song, O death, where is thy sting? O hades, where is thy victory?

C4 The work of the Lord Jesus is described: John 4:34 NRSV Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work.

D1 Our work in this life and forever is to do God’s will.

D2 We were created for fellowship with God and to serve Him forever.

D3 We serve Him by

E1 Obedience to His laws. These are the ~1,000 rules in the New Testament. John 14:23-24 GNB Jesus answered him, "Those who love me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and my Father and I will come to them and live with them. 24 Those who do not love me do not obey my teaching. And the teaching you have heard is not mine, but comes from the Father, who sent me.

E2 Doing life the way God intended and to grow in the knowledge about God: Colossians 1:10 NRSV so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.

E3 1 Thessalonians 1:3 NRSV remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

E4 This fruit should be cleanly seen by all. May God continue to work in our lives: Galatians 5:22-23 NRSV By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.

E5 Serving other believers. All believers can help one another believer sometime. I think we all see too many times others work to undermine another’s faith. God forbid! This is what we must do. It is an example for us: Hebrews 6:10-11 GNB God is not unfair. He will not forget the work you did or the love you showed for him in the help you gave and are still giving to other Christians. 11 Our great desire is that each of you keep up your eagerness to the end, so that the things you hope for will come true.

The reason for steadfastness is so our work for the Lord does not become empty.

B1 We don’t want

C1 Empty preaching or an empty faith: 1 Corinthians 15:14 NKJV And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.

C2 To be deceived by empty words: Ephesians 5:6 NKJV Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

C3 Be cheated out of our faith by philosophy and empty deceit: Colossians 2:8 NKJV Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.

B2 The Greek word for empty is κενός kenós. It means no effect, no results, no substance. It is just hot air and good for nothing.

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 NRSV We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

A Few Thoughts About Tithing

Jewish Regulations

B1 First source: TERUMOT AND MA'ASEROT

B2 Second source: Tithing

B3 Third source: TITHE

B4 The Mosaic Law tithes:

C1 The first tithe is given to the priests or the Levites as in Numbers 18:21-24. The notes from the resources vary of who the tithe was to go to. The Levites or the priests then gave 10% to the High Priest.

C2 The second is to be brought to Jerusalem and eaten there. It could be redeemed for money, if the distance was too far, but 20% had to be added. See Deuteronomy 14:22-26.

C3 The third tithe was in the 3^rd and 6^th year (or once every 7 years, its confusing) for the poor. See Deuteronomy 14:28-29 and Deuteronomy 26:12.

C4 A number of estimates I saw listed the mean (average) tithe was 22-23% of income a year.

C5 The tithe was not money. It was grain, fruit, wine, and animals. If it was an animal, it was the 10^th animal. The owner could not pick one of the 10, but he was required to give the 10^th animal.

B5 Fourth source from a Messianic Jew: Tithing

Abraham

B1 Abraham did not give 10% of his income.

B2 He gave 10% of his spoils of war.

B3 Genesis 14:11-12, 14, 16, 18-20 NIV The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food; then they went away. 12 They also carried off Abram's nephew Lot and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom. ... 14 When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan. ... 16 He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people. ... 18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, 19 and he blessed Abram, saying, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. 20 And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand." Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

B4 So, the laws of tithe from the Law would not apply.

I’ve heard sermons on this verse “proving” the tithe is for the Christian. At one point, I did myself. Let’s look at in its plain, normal sense.

B1 Verse: Matthew 23:23 NIV Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

B2 The Lord Jesus is speaking to the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees.

B3 He points out that they are meticulously careful about their tithes.

B4 The more important points of Mosaic Law, justice, mercy, and faithfulness, are neglected.

B5 The Lord Jesus tells these people they must do both according to Mosaic Law.

B6 This is descriptive, not prescriptive. The Lord is not telling us to do this. He is not correcting us; He is correcting the teachers and the Pharisees.

B7 The teachers and the Pharisees had greater care in following the ceremonial laws, then they did following the moral laws. Yet, God requires both to be fulfilled. Jesus did fulfill both.

The New Testament does teach

B1 To give money and supplies

C1 To the needy brothers and sisters

D1 See Deuteronomy 15

D2 Hebrews 13:16 GNB Do not forget to do good and to help one another, because these are the sacrifices that please God.

D3 Acts 11:29 NRSV The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea;

C2 To the full-time and/or needy workers: Galatians 6:6 NLT Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them.

B2 To give as God has prospered: 2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

B3 To give cheerfully

B4 To give willingly

B5 To give without expecting anything in return. It is not an investment.

C1 Some would consider this to teach that the tithe is an investment. The more you give; the more you receive: 2 Corinthians 9:6 NRSV The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

C2 The reward is not necessarily financial increases for us to keep. It refers to spiritual blessings as well as material blessings for the purpose of giving to others even greater amounts. 2 Corinthians 9:8 NRSV And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.

C3 If we are to lend to our enemies and expect nothing in return, then surely we would expect us to do the same for our brothers and sisters: Luke 6:35 NIV But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

B6 To give in acknowledgment of God’s blessing in granting us extra to give: 2 Corinthians 9:8 GNB And God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause.

B7 To give with an attitude of our treasures are in heaven, not on earth: Matthew 6:20-21 EMTV but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust corrupts, and where thieves do not dig through and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

B8 To NOT give to moochers, etc.: 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 GNB While we were with you, we used to tell you, "Whoever refuses to work is not allowed to eat." 11 We say this because we hear that there are some people among you who live lazy lives and who do nothing except meddle in other people's business. 12 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ we command these people and warn them to lead orderly lives and work to earn their own living.

When giving, we

B1 Should have the attitude that we are giving to God, for He gives us to meet our needs and extra to help others in need. We are a family.

B2 Give to our family first, then our brothers and sisters in our local congregation, then our brothers and sisters around the world, and lastly to non-believers.

C1 1 Timothy 5:8 MKJV But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel.

C2 1 John 3:17 NET But whoever has the world's possessions and sees his fellow Christian in need and shuts off his compassion against him, how can the love of God reside in such a person?

B3 Always meet the needs in the local congregation. There are month to month expenses, utilities, insurance, repair, staff needs, out reach, missions, etc.

B4 Should not be giving to get the special offer for a donation. We should give extra to cover the cost of the donation gift whether it is a book, DVD, pamphlet, etc.

B5 Give knowing it is a Christian sacrifice: Philippians 4:18-19 NRSV I have been paid in full and have more than enough; I am fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

B6 Should know that giving is greater joy than receiving: Acts 20:35 NRSV In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.

B7 Know that giving is a characteristic of believers: 1 John 3:17 WEB But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him, how does God’s love remain in him?

Amounts

B1 10% would be burdensome to someone who only earns $1,000 a month.

B2 10% doesn’t have much effect on one with a monthly earning of $10,000.

B3 Some could give only 1%, while others could give 50% even.

B4 1 John 3:17 WEB  But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him, how does God’s love remain in him?

B5 Just because someone earns $20,000 a month, it shouldn’t be expected of them to give 50%.

B5 Whatever we give, it must be of our free will, cheerfully, humbly, and as a sacrifice to God.

The love of money is a root of all evil: 1 Timothy 6:10 WEB For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

We are to be content: Hebrews 13:5 WEB Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, “I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.

1 Year Bible—1&2 Thessalonians On Holiness

Holiness versus evil

B1 God’s standards versus every other standard

C1 We are to walk worthily: 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 WEB As you know, we exhorted, comforted, and implored every one of you, as a father does his own children, 12 to the end that you should walk worthily of God, who calls you into his own Kingdom and glory.

D1 Walk is the New Testament term for lifestyle. It is our day to day life. It is how we are to live our life in public and private.

E1 Luke 1:6 WEB They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.

E2 Romans 8:1 WEB There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

D2 Walk, in agreement with the above point, also is a lifestyle without darkness. A life without darkness is a life lived with God’s help, God’s blessing, God’s truth, and God’s freedom:

E1 John 8:12 WEB Again, therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”

E2 John 12:35 WEB Jesus therefore said to them, “Yet a little while the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, that darkness doesn’t overtake you. He who walks in the darkness doesn’t know where he is going.

B2 Live God’s standards

C1 No sexual sins. Both husband and wife (only husband and wife according to God’s standards) are to enjoy sexual pleasure and togetherness. The wife is to enjoy pleasure just as the husband. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 WEB For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality, 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in sanctification and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who don’t know God.

C2 Living a quiet and upright life

D1 No gossip. If we tell the truth, it is not gossip. It we warn others, it is not gossip. If we can prevent further crimes or abuse, it is not gossip. If we are seeking help and tell our story, it is not gossip. If it is a truth about someone and they complain that it is gossip, it is not gossip. Gossip is when we have a secret just between you and me that is not criminal or injurious, and then I spread it far and near. For example, I had a job once where I learned to never tell a certain person what was happening in the family, finances, plans for the future, complaints, etc, because she would blab it to everyone. I did take advantage of this once, for I wanted some information to be given to all the other workers. I told this worker the information, and she told everyone. Ha!

D2 We are to work to meet our needs and have some extra to help others especially believers. 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10 WEB For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn’t behave ourselves rebelliously among you, 8 neither did we eat bread from anyone’s hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you; 9 not because we don’t have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us. 10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone will not work, don’t let him eat.”

B3 Living by God’s standards and being God’s people will result in a witness of our faith.

B4 Here are a number of rules for all Christians to be living this very day and tomorrow: 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22 WEB We exhort you, brothers,

C1 admonish the disorderly—the disorderly cause trouble in society and/or the church

C2 encourage the faint-hearted—these are those discouraged, sad, etc.

C3 support the weak—in persecution, distresses, physical

C4 be patient toward all. 15 

C5 See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good, for one another, and for all—calling law enforcement to report a crime is not returning evil. To call is a protective measure. 16 

C6 Rejoice always—if nothing else, we rejoice that God will never leave us and also suffered. 17 

C7 Pray without ceasing—this is an attitude not a 24 prayer vigil 18 

C8 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. 19 

C9 Don’t quench the Spirit. 20 by disobeying the Scriptures and in those days, not following the advice of the Apostles

C10 Don’t despise prophesies. 21 

C11 Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good. 22 The Scriptures are our standard.

C12 Abstain from every form of evil. Again, the standard is God’s Word as in recorded in the Scriptures.

B5 To stand firm in the faith. This is to continue in the doctrine that the Lord Jesus and the Apostles taught. This does not change in time or different societies. God’s way is best. Our way is not.

C1 Malachi 3:6 NRSV For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, have not perished.

C2 Hebrews 13:8 NRSV Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

C3 Proverbs 14:12 WEB There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

B6 Living by God’s standards and being God’s people will result in persecution.

Some encouragement

B1 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 NRSV Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified everywhere, just as it is among you, 2 and that we may be rescued from wicked and evil people; for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will go on doing the things that we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

B2 We are to pray for the Christian brothers and sisters

C1 For the Gospel to be spread to others

C2 For believers to be rescued from evil people

C3 For God’s strength. He WILL strengthen us.

C4 For safety from the evil one, especially satan. God is always victorious.

C5 For continuing in the faith in beliefs and lifestyle

C6 For continual seeking God’s help and wisdom

Psalms 28:7 NRSV The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

Psalms 55:22 NRSV Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

John 16:33 NRSV I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!"

1 Year Bible—1&2 Thessalonians Part B

B3 Rapture

C1 Rapture and Second Coming:

Question: "What is the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming?"

Answer: The rapture and the second coming of Christ are often confused. Sometimes it is difficult to determine whether a scripture verse is referring to the rapture or the second coming. However, in studying end-times Bible prophecy, it is very important to differentiate between the two. The rapture is when Jesus Christ returns to remove the church (all believers in Christ) from the earth. The rapture is described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-54. Believers who have died will have their bodies resurrected and, along with believers who are still living, will meet the Lord in the air. This will all occur in a moment, in twinkling of an eye. The second coming is when Jesus returns to defeat the Antichrist, destroy evil, and establish His millennial kingdom. The second coming is described in Revelation 19:11-16. [Source]

C2 Image

[I found this online, but I do not know the original source]

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 WEB But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. 15 For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with God’s trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first, 17 then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

From this passage we learn:

C1 We are not to be in ignorance

C2 Jesus is in heaven and will return with believers, which are also in heaven, for they are brought with Him.

C3 The believers who have died will be resurrected, that is, reunited with a new body like Christ has.

C4 We who are alive will be caught up (seized, snatched, raptured) to Christ in the air.

C5 We are to comfort one another.

We do not go through the Tribulation: 1 Thessalonians 5:9 WEB For God didn’t appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 Thessalonians 2:8-10 WEB Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will kill with the breath of his mouth, and destroy by the manifestation of his coming; 9 even he whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 and with all deception of wickedness for those who are being lost, because they didn’t receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

From this passage we learn:

C1 There will be a lawless one. There are many lawless people today, but this is the ultimate in lawlessness-just one of a kind.

C2 Yeshua will destroy him with just a word.

C3 The lawless one is empowered by satan.

C4 satan and his crowd can do miracles (compare Pharaoh's magicians in Exodus 8:7, etc.)

C5 The purpose of these miracles is to deceive

C6 Those most easily deceived are those who want to be deceived

C7 These who are deceived reject the truth

C8 They reject believing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and placing faith and trust in Him.

Let us

B1 Eagerly wait for Him: 1 Corinthians 1:7 NIV Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.

B2 Be ready. We do not know the day: Philippians 3:20 NIV But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Year Bible—1&2 Thessalonians Part A

There is one overriding topic that we will discuss. Yet, there is so much to learn.

Outline

1 Thessalonians

B1 Chapter 1: The Gospel Preached, Believed, and Lived Chapter 1:1-10

B2 Chapter 2

C1 We Came For You To Believe Gospel and Nothing Else Chapter 2:1-12

C2 Gentile Believers Persecuted Just As The Jewish Believers Chapter 2:13-16

C3 We Long To Be With You Chapter 2:17-20

B3 Chapter 3

C1 Timothy Sent To Strengthen and Encourage Them Chapter 3:1-5

C2 Timothy’s Encouraging Report Chapter 3:6-10

C3 May God Make a Way for Us to Visit Chapter 3:11-13

B4 Chapter 4

C1 Commit No Fornication Chapter 4:1-8

C2 Live a Quiet and Upright Life Chapter 4:9-12

C3 Teaching Concerning the Rapture Chapter 4:13-18

B5 Chapter 5

C1 Always Be Ready for His Return Chapter 5:1-11

C2 Final Instructions Chapter 5:12-22

C3 Paul’s Prayer for Them Chapter 5:23-28

2 Thessalonians

B1 Chapter 1: The Christians are suffering, but God’s judgment is coming.

C1 Greetings and Thankfulness Chapter 1:1-4

C2 God Will Judge the Evil and Deliver the Righteous Chapter 1:5-10

C3 Paul’s Prayer That Their Faith Grows and Is Steadfast Chapter 1:11-12

B2 Chapter 2: Anti-Christ

C1 Anti-Christ Chapter 2:1-12

C2 Stand Firm in the Faith Chapter 2:13-17

B3 Chapter 3: Requests

C1 For Prayer Chapter 3:1-5

C2 For Them to Work Chapter 3:6-15

C3 For God to Bless Them Chapter 3:16-18

Topic one

I’ll hopefully study this later

B1 Holiness versus evil

C1 God’s standards versus every other standard

C2 Live God’s standards

D1 No sexual sins

D2 Living a quiet and upright life

C3 Living by God’s standards and being God’s people will result in persecution.

Topic two

B1 Jesus is coming

C1 First coming

D1 As Messiah

E1 Foretold. Just one passage given: Isaiah 53. For more information on Messianic prophecies see Jews for Jesus has curate approximately 40 of the most helpful messianic prophecies along with their New Testament fulfillments

E2 Purpose to suffer for our sins in undergo punishment for our sins.

F1 Hebrews 9:28 WEB so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, without sin, to those who are eagerly waiting for him for salvation.

F2 1 Peter 3:18 LitV Because even Christ once suffered concerning sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God; indeed being put to death in [the] flesh, but made alive in the Spirit;

F3 He is our Passover Lamb: 1 Corinthians 5:7 NET Clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch of dough - you are, in fact, without yeast. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

E3 Jesus was proven successful: 1 Peter 1:3 NET Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

D2 Fulfilled: John 20:31 NET But these are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

C2 Second coming

D1 Foretold: Zechariah 14:4 NET On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives which lies to the east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in half from east to west, leaving a great valley. Half the mountain will move northward and the other half southward.

D2 Fulfilled: Revelation 19:11-13 NET Then I saw heaven opened and here came a white horse! The one riding it was called “Faithful” and “True,” and with justice he judges and goes to war. 12 His eyes are like a fiery flame and there are many diadem crowns on his head. He has a name written that no one knows except himself. 13 He is dressed in clothing dipped in blood, and he is called the Word of God.

B2 Christ versus anti-Christ

C1 Christ: I John 1:5 BSB And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.

D1 Light signifies:

E1 Purity in every conceivable way: Isaiah 5:20 BSB Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter.

E2 Exposure of sin, thus truth. God’s exposure of sin is for 2 reasons. The first is for the sinning person to repent. The second is for others not to imitate what the sinner is doing, thus, a warning. John 3:19 CSB This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil.

E3 Those who are godly want the light: Psalms 119:105 NRSV Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

D2 The message given by Jesus Christ, God the Son, is true and righteous. All of God’s decisions, messages, and doings are done in wisdom, love, and holiness.

C2 anti-Christ

D1 Loves darkness. Darkness signifies:

E1 A desire for sin to be hidden: John 3:20 WEB For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn’t come to the light, lest his works would be exposed.

E2 Sin, evil, worldview, lifestyle, a culture: Proverbs 2:12-13 NRSV It will save you from the way of evil, from those who speak perversely, 13 who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness,

D2 Loves to deceive, which is the true opposite of truth and exposing evil.

E1 We term this love bombing today. Let us beware: Proverbs 26:24-28 WEB A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but he harbors evil in his heart. 25 When his speech is charming, don’t believe him; for there are seven abominations in his heart. 26 His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. 27 Whoever digs a pit shall fall into it. Whoever rolls a stone, it will come back on him. 28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts; and a flattering mouth works ruin.

E2 The anti-Christ, the lawless one, is of satan and is a lying, deceiver: 2 Thessalonians 2:8-10 WEB Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will kill with the breath of his mouth, and destroy by the manifestation of his coming; even he whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deception of wickedness for those who are being lost, because they didn’t receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

A Short Note from My Devotions on Matthew 23

This is the chapter I studied this morning.

We all need to read the Bible, study the Bible, think about the verses, and apply the teaching.

Matthew 23

What does this mean?

Jesus teaches against hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is a lie. God wants truth. There must be a match between what we say and what we do.

We are not to seek honor. All honor goes to Messiah. We are brothers and sisters. We do not want to elevate people, for they probably will get proud and fall into the condemnation of the devil.

Jesus then gives a number of examples. He exposes these religious leaders. He does this for two reasons. The first reason is to expose their sin, so they can repent. The second is to warn others both not to follow these false leaders and also not to be like them.

Likewise, Jesus exposes the sins of the Pharisees and Scribes, whom one would expect to be the most knowledgeable and most compliant.

Verse 23 is often used to teach the tithe. This verse is descriptive of what the Pharisees and Scribes are supposed to do. The verse is not prescriptive of we are to do. The Scriptures teach us to give as the Lord has blessed us (2 Corinthians 9:7 and 1 Corinthians 16:2).

The Pharisees and Scribes were meticulous in ceremonial law but neglectful of moral law. They also were exposed as considering small things as very important but very important things to be of little importance. They were also careful of outward righteousness but little attention was spent on inward righteousness.

Verse 34 the Lord Jesus is the one who sends.

Verse 37: Jesus wanted all to repent, but He states it, “They would not.” No one has any excuse. It's my understanding that verse

39 will happen at the end of the 7 year tribulation when those Jews left in Jerusalem will believe.

How do I apply this to my life?

Help me, O Lord.

A Few Thoughts About Anger

Definitions:

B1 English:

C1 A strong feeling of displeasure and usually of antagonism—Merriam-Webster

C2 Wrath is strong emotional anger and usually with action.

B2 Hebrew:

C1 אַף ʼaph (H639). It means properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire.

D1 1 Samuel 20:34 NET Jonathan got up from the table enraged. He did not eat any food on that second day of the new moon, for he was upset that his father had humiliated David.

D2 Psalms 103:8 WEB Yahweh is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness.

C2 חֵמָה chêmâh (H2534). It means heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever

D1 Jeremiah 23:19 NET But just watch! The wrath of the LORD will come like a storm! Like a raging storm it will rage down on the heads of those who are wicked.

D2 Proverbs 19:19 NET A person with great anger bears the penalty, but if you deliver him from it once, you will have to do it again.

B3 Greek:

C1 ὀργή orgḗ (G3709) properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment

D1 John 3:36 WEB One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Son won’t see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

D2 Mark 3:5 WEB When he had looked around at them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their hearts, he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored as healthy as the other.

C2 θυμός thymós (G2372) it means passion, hot anger, wrath (Greek Lexicon Of The New Testament).

D1 Hebrews 11:27 BSB By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible.

D2 Revelation of John 12:12 BSB Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea; with great fury the devil has come down to you, knowing he has only a short time.”

D3 Revelation of John 14:8 LEB And another second angel followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, who caused all the nations to drink from the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.”

Two types

B1 Sinful:

C1 Matthew 5:22 WEL But I tell you that whoever is angry with his brother or sister without a just reason will be in danger of The Judgment, and whoever says to his brother, “Raca,” will be in danger of the Council, but whoever says, “You fool!” Will be in danger of Gehenna fire. [Emphasis is mine]

C2 John 15:25 MKJV But that the Word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, "They hated Me without a cause."

B2 Not sinful

C1 Mark 3:5 NRSV He looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart and said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.

C2 Ephesians 4:26 NRSV Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.

The Lord Jesus was angry. He did not sin. So we learn

B1 The Lord Jesus being both 100% human and 100% God was angry.

B2 There is an angry that is correct and not sinful.

B3 There needs to be a cause.

B4 In abuse, there is a cause. In fact, it is a crime that must be reported to law enforcement. This is to prevent others from being hurt.

B5 Some causes:

C1 The hardness of their heart. The Lord Jesus had shown and taught the people who He is. He shows compassion to help this man. He shows He wants to clarify their misunderstanding of their interpretation of Mosaic Law. But, the people would not listen, they would not have compassion, they would not discuss the Scriptures, they would not answer His questions. It was their understanding, their interpretation that was correct and no other. They wouldn’t even look up the Scriptures!

C2 Deliberate breaking of God’s Law:

D1 Moses: Exodus 32:19 NRSV As soon as he came near the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, Moses' anger burned hot, and he threw the tablets from his hands and broke them at the foot of the mountain.

D2 Nehemiah: Nehemiah 13:25 NRSV And I contended with them and cursed them and beat some of them and pulled out their hair; and I made them take an oath in the name of God, saying, "You shall not give your daughters to their sons, or take their daughters for your sons or for yourselves.

Reference: Exodus 34:15-16 NRSV You shall not make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to their gods, someone among them will invite you, and you will eat of the sacrifice.  16  And you will take wives from among their daughters for your sons, and their daughters who prostitute themselves to their gods will make your sons also prostitute themselves to their gods.

C3 God’s punishment. He is King of the Universe and King of all kings. He is the Law Giver and Judge. Break His law, and there is punishment: Micah 5:14-15 NRSV and I will uproot your sacred poles from among you and destroy your towns. 15 And in anger and wrath I will execute vengeance on the nations that did not obey.

C4 Government punishment: Romans 13:3-4 NRSV For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you wish to have no fear of the authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive its approval; 4 for it is God's servant for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for the authority does not bear the sword in vain! It is the servant of God to execute wrath on the wrongdoer.

C5 King Saul against the Ammonites. Note, the Spirit of God came upon King Saul. 1 Samuel 11:5-6 NRSV Now Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen; and Saul said, "What is the matter with the people, that they are weeping?" So they told him the message from the inhabitants of Jabesh. 6 And the spirit of God came upon Saul in power when he heard these words, and his anger was greatly kindled.

C6 Jonathan. His father, King Saul, wanted to kill David for crimes that David did not do. There was no cause for King Saul to do this. When he tried to kill David, Jonathan was very angry. He had a cause to be angry at this injustice as is defined by God’s law. 1 Samuel 20:31-34 NRSV For as long as the son of Jesse lives upon the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Now send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die." 32 Then Jonathan answered his father Saul, "Why should he be put to death? What has he done?" 33 But Saul threw his spear at him to strike him; so Jonathan knew that it was the decision of his father to put David to death. 34 Jonathan rose from the table in fierce anger and ate no food on the second day of the month, for he was grieved for David, and because his father had disgraced him.

B6 Anger is destructive, so God gives instruction to not go to bed angry. Ephesians 4:26 ESV Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger

Anger which is sin is when someone is angry due to misunderstanding. Anger which is sin is if someone is controlling, abusive, hurting emotionally or verbally to coerce another’s actions or belief, etc. Many times they hurt someone by anger just because they can.

If we are angry, some helps

B1 If it is due to a misunderstanding, clarification is needed. Calmly discuss the situation with that person. Don’t bring it up for all to see, hear, or read.

B2 If it is from an abuser who is abusing in any way, leave. Do not argue with an abuser, for that only causes more trouble. Abusers can repent, but probably 99% will not.

B3 Pray. God gives grace and peace to help. We must actively calm our mind by not thinking about this when we lay down to sleep.

C1 Colossians 3:2 NRSV Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth,

C2 Isaiah 26:3-4 ESV You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. 4 Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.

B4 Give our anxieties to God. The devil wants to destroy us. So we must be aware. 1 Peter 5:6-8 ESV Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

B5 Realize God is compassionate and understanding of those under stress:

C1 Matthew 11:28 NRSV Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

C2 Psalms 107:6 NRSV Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.

C3 John 16:33 NRSV I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!"

B6 Then do some of the usually recommended things as listen to calming music, take a walk, listen to the sounds of nature, etc.