II Thessalonians 3:
Chapter three of II Thessalonians is a benediction. There are two verses we should give some attention to considering their possibilities. They have to do with fellowship and can easily be contrary to our church experiences and customs or practices of today. Might their meaning carry over into end time as a sign of its arrival? This is a We teach but You Decide moment.
Chapter 3 is a benediction but has additional implications AND instructions to and for those who lay claim to being believers and occupy church pews. This chapter is short. Click here to read it for yourself, then consider what follows per a possible and personal aha-moment derived from II Thessalonians 3.
In this article, number 11 of this series, we concentrate on verses 10 and 14. Yes, this will raise the annoyance of some readers. Read the chapter noting the context of chapter 3. It MAY also have end-time consequences.
First, note the command to pray for them (each other) in verse 1. Take close note that Paul does not ask fellow believers to ask God to BE WITH THEM. So often we make the mistake in private and public prayers by asking God to “be with whomever.” Scriptures tell us that God will never leave nor forsake his followers [Matthew 28:20]. Scripture also instructs us to draw closer to God so that He may draw closer to us. We are missing a scripture-based step by asking God to BE WITH whomever. When one draws closer to God, He can then draw closer to him or her. Our prayers should be, God, please help so-in-so to draw closer to you so that you can then draw closer to him or her. HUH? Read James 4:8. Take God’s Word for what it says.
Verses 6-15 address those who are idle, non-workers, not disciples, not learners who share the tasks and workload commissioned to true believers. By application, this can mean spiritually and physically. If a self-claiming believer is idle in his or her Christian life, perhaps one should consider verse 3:10…”And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.”
Whoa!!! This is contrary to our current day thoughts and practices in society AND church settings. The Apostle Paul is talking about those who claim Christian membership in the family of God standing on the “God of Love” principle alone. If we are to shun them, does that possibly mean that the same will be separated as a goat on judgment day [Matthew 25:31-46]? We are not teaching this thought as absolute, but it is mightily worthy of thought. Our purpose in this article is to make believers aware and better understand God’s promise of salvation. There is no promise to be fulfilled regarding eternity. Eternity is universally assured. All will have an eternity after the grave. It is an issue of where one will spend it.
Psalms 89:48 states…What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave? However, we must also read that the spirit will not cease to live, right up to the point of when Christ returns in the clouds to resurrect those believers whose bodies are in the grave. And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last. (Luke 23:46). He committed his spirit into the hands of God the Father. His body went to the grave.
Ahamoment: This is how Satan through the antichrist will amaze the world. Antichrist will “APPEAR” to have died, then resurrected. Deception – deception – deception. Broadway magicians do it all the time. If one has observed, Satan tries to duplicate all the manifestations of God and Jesus. He even has his own trinity…Satan, antichrist, false prophet. Another example: [Bible Hub] [We] read of Christ going forth to sow the “good seed” (Matthew 13:24), then we also read of the enemy going forth to sow his “tares” — an imitation wheat (Matthew13:25).
To reiterate, verse 3:10 says “if one does not work, he will also not eat.” Verse 14 almost states the same thing…”If one does not obey our word(s) in this epistle, …do not keep company with that person.” Obey what words? This person is not an enemy but a human brother. So often we act as if we should be apologetic for sharing God with others. It tends to take the path of defensiveness. Paul is adamant. Be on the offensive. Point out evils. The following will help one understand this. Click on each passage to be briefed.
- Ephesians 5:11-12
- Titus 1:10-13
- James 5:20
- Ezekiel 3:18-19
- Isaiah 5:20
- 1 John 2:15
- Matthew 7:21-23 “…only he who DOES the will of the Father.”
The question of consideration may be…God will not leave nor forsake us, but can we leave or forsake him? How is this connected to our series on End Time? What does End Time judgment mean to you?
PS, a very good article written by Arthur Pink “The Antichrist” can be found by clicking here. He does a great job of researching the comparisons between God’s doings and Satan trying to provide deceiving copycat manifestations.
Rev. Dr. Jstark
2022
AHA Bible Moments 