New Testament Bible Study by John Stanko

Thessalonians Study 6: 2:2:13-3:18

Dear Student of the Word,

Well, it didn't take us long to complete our study of Paul's two letters to the Thessalonians.  They are both short works, and here is the last study.  I am not sure where we will go from here, but let's just enjoy this last installment and see what you we can learn.  Here is what I wrote in part five of this seven-part study:

Study Six, Part Five

9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." 11 We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat.

3:9 – So here in another reason that Paul worked while he ministered, rather than taking his support from the people.  Paul wanted to provide an example for the saints.  Again, there seemed to have been a problem with people not working and expecting others to provide for them as their Christian duty.  Paul wanted to refute this practice by showing the way for it to be done differently.

God may have you do something to be a model for others.  That is part of being a leader.  I feel that my busy schedule and high productivity are serving as models for others.  I don’t ever try to impose my schedule or work habits as a rule, but I do hope some will see them and say, “If he can do all that, then I can surely do this.”  That is leading by example.  Is there anything similar to this in your life that God is using as an example for others?  Does it seem that the “rules” in that situation different for you than for others?  If so, don’t complain, but use that as an opportunity to teach others.

3:10 – Don’t think for a minute that Paul was talking about the poor, widows or handicapped.  He was referring to those who could work but chose not to.  Paul was never afraid to address pertinent, relevant issues that impacted the daily lives of the saints.  He not only taught doctrine, but also showed how that doctrine should be carried out in daily life.  This is a good pattern to follow—always look for how you can apply your doctrine to what you do every day with your family, co-workers and fellow believers.

In fact, you may want to give some thought to the question:  Is there anywhere in my life where my daily actions doesn’t match my doctrinal beliefs?  If so, then meditate further on how you can adjust that situation. 

3:11 – These freeloaders were living off other people’s productivity and Paul wanted that stopped.  There are times when you must say no to those who ask you for something, without being mean-spirited.

3:12 – Paul’s answer to these busybodies was for them to find employment and work with their hands.  Often there are easy answers to life’s problems and here the solution was, “Get a job!”  My problem is of a different sort.  I have so many things before me that I could do that I must “Stay focused.”  What is the answer to your current dilemma or situation?  Don’t make it more complicated than it is.  Ask yourself, “What would Paul say about what I am going through right now?”  You may even want to enter into a make-believe dialogue with him to see what he would say!

As always, I welcome your comments to this week's study. For additional Bible studies, check out my website archive, which contains a complete collection of all my verse-by-verse New Testament studies, along with the unpublished volume of The Faith Files.

Download Thessalonians Study 6

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KENYA UPDATE:  You can read the latest update from Pastor Peter concerning the library project here, along with some new pictures.  Then please donate by the time I depart next Monday for Kenya either through my website or by sending a check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 8882, Pittsburgh, PA 15221-0882.

KENYA TRAININGS:  I will be doing several special workshops while I am in Kenya, which include:

1. Training to become certified in the DISC profiling system.
2. A Purpose Profiling Seminar to help you understand your purpose, gifts and strengths.
3. A Turn Your Dream Into A Reality Seminar to help you take your creativity and make it a reality.
4. The Investment in Excellence seminar from The Pacific Institute.
5. The PX2 Youth Seminar from The Pacific Institute.

Please write for more information to learn how you can be a part of these exciting training opportunities.

NEW BOOK!:  My latest book, The Price of Leadership, arrived last Friday.  This is a rewrite and revision of my original leadership book entitled, So Many Leaders, So Little Leadership. You can order your copy here.

 

 

 

Thessalonians Study Five: 2:1:5-2:12

Dear Student of the Word,

My how time flies!  It's been several weeks already since I sent you the last study, so as I begin my weekend, let me post this next to last study of Paul's letters to Thessalonica. This week, we proceed into his second letter, in which Paul addressed the false rumor that Jesus had already returned!  This week I wrote in part four of this seven-part study:

Study Five, Part Four

2:1 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.

2:1&2 – It seems that there were demonic rumors and false teachings concerning the return of the Lord then and now.  It is fascinating that there is such a morbid fascination with the end and so little preoccupation with the present.  If the Lord is returning soon, why doesn’t the church spend more on missions?  If the Lord’s return is imminent, why do we spend millions on buildings that will soon be rendered useless according to this interpretation?  As we stated in our Revelation studies, there are many who have enriched themselves by concocting fairy tales about the Second Coming. Pray they are investing their money in missions and outreach to save as many as possible with the few days we have left before Jesus returns (according to their calculations)!

In Paul’s day, the false report was that the return of the Lord had already come.  Perhaps someone wrote a novel about it!  At any rate, this report had caused alarm among the young believers.  Paul now sought to comfort them with the truth. 

2:3 – Deception is a real possibility when you are dealing with spiritual things.  Demonic doctrines and unscrupulous men and women have regularly deceived otherwise intelligent people.  That is why being grounded in both the Word and a local church are so important, for they both serve as safeguards to keep you from error and deception. 

Paul referred to a rebellion and the man of lawlessness.  This has commonly been interpreted to mean the so-called Antichrist.  It’s possible that Paul was referring to Satan, who is indeed doomed to destruction after a period of evil deeds.  We discuss this in much more depth in the verse-by-verse Revelation studies.   There is a spirit of  “anti-Christ”—a spirit that is against Christ.  For instance, Islam is an antichrist doctrine, for it denies the divinity and supremacy of Christ.  Buddhism is also an antichristian doctrine, making room for many “Christs,” namely each seeker of truth.

Don’t spend your life looking for a literal man of evil, when evil is present in so many systems and doctrines.  Suffice it to say that there is a spirit of antichrist working in the world and it will get more powerful.  But then again, so will the work of Christ.  Be glad you are on the winning side and don’t invest one minute to idle speculations about things God did not feel important enough to give you more clarity and insight. 

What do you believe about the end?  If it is imminent, does your lifestyle reflect that belief?

 

As always, I welcome your comments to this week's study. For additional Bible studies, check out my website archive, which contains a complete collection of all my verse-by-verse New Testament studies, along with the unpublished volume of The Faith Files.

Thessalonians Study Four: 1:5:15-2:1:4

Dear Student of the Word,

I had time over the Fourth of July holiday to prepare the next installment from my Thessalonians study. This installment finishes up Paul's first letter and actually begins to look at the second letter.  Some believe these to be among Paul's earliest letters, but they are still chock full of important insight for you and I to learn and apply.  For instance, look at what I wrote in part one of this week's study, and then download the rest at the bottom to see how I follow it up:

Study Four, Part One

15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. 16 Be joyful always;

5:15 – Almost all Paul’s letters follow the same format.  The first half of the letter is theological or doctrinal; the second half is practical.  This letter is no exception.  As Paul ended this letter, he presented a “to do” list for the Thessalonians.  He instructed that no one should back a wrong with a wrong.  That can be difficult for sure.  It’s so difficult not to react to an insult with an insult, or a wrong deed with another wrong deed.

Paul’s standard was that we are to try and be kind to everyone, not just those who are kind to us.  Of course, Paul didn’t teach anything that Jesus hadn’t taught as well.  Remember:  Jesus is our model and He certainly modeled this verse and gave us guidelines of how to do the same:

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:43-48). 

Take verse 15 and the passage from Matthew above and do a quick check.  Are you being kind to everyone, even those who are your “enemies?”  If not, where do you need to repent and follow God’s agenda and not your own?

5:16 – This is a simple, straightforward verse—“be joyful always.”  One could ask:  What part of “joyful” or “always” don’t you understand?  Being joyful must be a choice or Paul would not have commanded you to maintain it.  Joy isn’t based on circumstances; it’s based on position—being in Christ.  Paul wrote to the Philippians:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4). 

You rejoice not because you love everything that is going on in your life, but because you are experiencing everything in your life while you are in Christ.  You rejoice “in” the Lord.  Are you “in the Lord?”  If you are, then are you rejoicing?  Why or why not?  What are you prepared to do about it?

As always, I welcome your comments to this week's study. For additional Bible studies, check out my website archive, which contains a complete collection of all my verse-by-verse New Testament studies, along with the unpublished volume of The Faith Files.

Download Thessalonians Study 4

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL:  Do you know that I post a daily devotional to my blog entitled "What Would Jesus Ask You Today?"  I take a question from the Bible and pose it to you to think about for the day, along with a few lines of my thoughts and a cross-referenct to another part of the Bible.  It is short and perfect for today's busy person.  You can check it out and subscribe to receive it here.

WOULD YOU PAY $1,000 FOR A BASEBALL TICKET?  You have a chance to do just that to benefit the orphans in Kenya!  Read about it here and then be part of a special night here in Pittburgh to benefit the poor in Kenya on July 24.

KENYA TRIP: My trip to Kenya from August 17-31 is coming together.  So far, I know I will be hosting a DISC Certification Profiling Seminar (for those interested in making profiling a part of their business), a Purpose Profiling Seminar, A Dream to Reality Seminar, and one PX2 and Investment in Excellence, the latter two from The Pacific Institute.  Please write if you live in Kenya and are interested in receiving information about any or all of these events as the times draws near.

Thessalonians Study Three: 4:9-5:14

Dear Student of the Word,

It's been much too long since my last update, so withour further ado, let's move on in our study of Paul's two letter to the Thessalonians.  In this installment, we finish up the first letter and will of course move on to the second the next time you hear from me.  This week, we look at Paul's instruction to his readers concerning the Second Coming of Christ.  I apply his teaching in a different way, so read on and see what you think.  You can download the entire study at the end of this post, for this is only part four of this seven-part study:

Study Three, Part Four

5:1 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

5:1-3 – Most people read this and think of the Second Coming of Christ, but don’t we miss a more practical, day-to-day application of this truth by pushing it in the future? 

As you get older, you will probably see a fair share of death. Who knows if today will even be your last day on earth?  On a trip to Singapore, a young man got up and showed the pictures of his car, which was demolished on a recent trip to the States.  While visiting the Grand Canyon, he was driving too fast as he rounded a turn and flipped the car several times.  What was an innocent tourist trip could have been his last on earth.  The day of the Lord does indeed come as a “thief in the night.”

The brother said he came home and told his wife he loved her, because he hadn’t done that enough.  When he was faced with his mortality, he decided to do those things that were most important.  He realized that he wasn’t guaranteed tomorrow, so he has started doing things that were important today

If that is true, what are you doing with your life?  Why do you postpone things until your retirement, or to that great procrastination destination—“some day”?   Why do you talk about the next 20 years like you have them guaranteed?  We must act like today is the last day.

When this author buried his father, we could barely carry his casket to his grave.  No, he wasn’t a heavy man.  It’s just that we put all his regrets into the coffin with him and we could barely pick it up.  He had so many things he wanted to do, but he allowed fear of risk and failure to stop him almost every time.

When I considered his life, I determined I would not fall into the same trap.  I vowed that “one day” I would visit Israel, and I have been there ten times.  I said “one day” I would write a book, and I have written thirteen.  I said “one day” I would visit the Rose Bowl Parade, and I have been there twice.

Please don’t misunderstand.  I am not trying to take Paul’s words and ignore the obvious reference to the return of Jesus.   The same application of His imminent return holds true for you today:  If the Lord could return tomorrow, what you are doing today? 

With that in mind, I urge and implore you to stop procrastinating!  Stop putting off until tomorrow or a decade of tomorrows what is in your power to pursue today.  You will not do the things that God wants you to do by talking about them.  There must be some urgency that will enable you to do them, or at least prepare to do them.  And some of the urgency may come from the fact that you will not live forever.

What first steps can you take today that will enable you to reach some destination of your choosing?  What have you put off until tomorrow that you can do today?  Be honest, write those things down and then act like this is the last day you have to pursue them.

As always, I welcome your comments to this week's study. For additional Bible studies, check out my website archive, which contains a complete collection of all my verse-by-verse New Testament studies, along with the unpublished volume of The Faith Files.

Download Thessalonians Study 3

Thessalonians Study Two: 3:1-4:8

Dear Student of the Word,

We began our study of Paul's letters to the Thessalonians two weeks ago, and here is the second installment of that study. These letters are short but they indicate a strong bond of love that existed between Paul and the churches he planted. These two letters contain some excellent advice and teaching that the modern church would do well to heed.  This week I wrote in part six of this seven-part study:

Study Two, Part Six

3 It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him.

4:3 – When you study Proverbs, you realize just how much of the first chapters talk about sexual purity and adultery.  See for yourself by going to Proverbs 2:16-19; Proverbs 5; Proverbs 6:20-35; and Proverbs 7.  As you read, notice how often the phrase “my son” appears.  It seems that sexual guidelines and rules are best imparted in a family platform and not one provided by schools, government or social agencies.

In your family, how often do you talk about sex?  If the wise king Solomon saw fit to devote that much space to “sex talk” in his Proverbs wisdom literature, then we would do well to follow his wisdom and do the same. 

Yet we must be realistic concerning this present age.  The world is saturated with sex through television, DVDs and the Internet.  It is almost impossible not to encounter something sexual every day.  So the Church must be prepared that new converts will most probably have a sexual history, much as the Corinthian church and believers did.  This will mean that the Church must be more open to talking about God’s view of sex and much more patient with those who are being delivered from a sexually open lifestyle.

Every local church should have some ministry to those who are addicted to sex or pornography, or at least know where people can get help.  That means that the Church must provide a more open environment where those who have problems can come forward—not before the whole church, but appointed or designated counselors who are equipped and anointed to help them.  Acceptance without judgment should be the rule for those who are working with people who have sexual problems or sins.

4:4&5 – What was recommended in the verse above must include the discussion and outreach to homosexuals, both male and female.  Modern culture portrays this lifestyle as normal or at least acceptable.  We must teach people what God’s will is for their body where sex is concerned and then help them walk out those truths.  There is no easy way to do this.  We must utilize the pulpit, small groups, counselors, support groups and writers to do a much better job than we have done to help those with sexual sins.

And we must realize that pastors and leaders aren’t exempt from the onslaught.  We must overcome our tendency to be shocked when anyone, even leaders, becomes entrapped by sexual sin.  If they repent and want help, then we should provide it for them without judgment.  Too many good men have been forced to resign or flee because they made a mistake or were ensnared.  Now, some men have broken the law with minors and members of the flock.  They must suffer the consequences of their sins legally and if, they refuse to repent, be shunned and removed from the church body.   But how many could have been helped before it got so serious if the Church was more open to helping those with sexual problems, especially leaders?

4:6a – When sexual problems involve members of the church being involved with one another, then that presents another set of problems.  This requires a special type of counseling that the church should provide for the members, even if the church has to fund such counseling.  The goal here would be restoration and forgiveness.  How this would occur would be different for each situation and those wronged or guilty may never resume a normal life in the church where they sinned.  But they can resume a normal life somewhere if the church does it job and God provides the grace.  Is this too idealistic?  Do you agree or disagree?

As always, I welcome your comments to this week's study. For additional Bible studies, check out my website archive, which contains a complete collection of all my verse-by-verse New Testament studies, along with the unpublished volume of The Faith Files.

Download Thessalonians Study 2

Thessalonians Study One: 1:1-2:20

Dear Student of the Word,

It's time to move on from our study of Acts, so I have chosen Paul's two letters to the Thessalonians as our new focus.  They are short letters and won't take us nearly as long as it did to finish Acts, but that doesn't mean Paul didn't have many good things to say and teach us in these two short letters. As we start this new study, take a look at what I wrote in part three of this seven-part opening installment:

Study One, Part Three

2:1 You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2 We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.

2:1 – This is an interesting comment.  Paul reminded them that his mission to them wasn’t a failure.  That would seem to be obvious, but perhaps there were some who deemed it a failure because Paul was able to stay for such a short time—probably only about eigh months:

When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ," he said.

Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women. But the Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd.  

But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting: "These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar's decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus." When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go. As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea (Acts 17:1-10). 

This would not appear to have been a successful trip, but obviously enough heard the gospel and repented for there to be a church to which Paul was writing.  There are times when you may feel like a failure and you just have to trust God for the results — that you did what you could do.  Don’t judge things from the perspective of your enemies or your own sense of failure.  Give it time and let God show you the fruit of your labor.

2:2 – Paul was referring to his treatment in Philippi, where he was beaten without a trial (see Acts 16:35-40).  This was unlawful treatment of a Roman citizen and Paul considered it an “insult.”  Paul had been beaten, came to Thessalonica and still had the courage, while his wounds were probably still healing, to preach the gospel again!  What faith!  How did he know that he would not be beaten again?  Could his body have endured another beating like he got in Philippi? 

Yet this man Paul was courageous and willing to give everything, even his life, for the sake of the gospel.  This is why that, in spite of his imperfections, God has honored him with a significant position in the history of the church.  Paul was a great man and we are called to be like him.  What price are you willing to pay for the sake of the gospel being spread?

2:3 – There were some who were preaching the gospel from error, impure motives, or a desire to trick people, usually for financial gain.  Paul was probably accused of all this as well.  Very often the real is subjected to doubt and scrutiny because of the counterfeit.  In fact, Paul had a group of people who were dedicated to his demise, taking every opportunity they could to undermine his work.  This group was called the Judaizers and they followed Paul’s itinerary. 

They went to where he had preached and declared that the believers had to follow the Mosaic Law.  How would you like to have group so dedicated to undermining your work?  So Paul didn’t only suffer when he was ministering; he suffered when he left, not knowing what would happen to his work.  The only thing he could do was trust the results to the Lord.  We know that God was faithful to preserve what Paul had done for Him.  He will do the same for you.

2:4 – God tests hearts and He had tested Paul’s.  Paul wasn’t doing what he did for money or glory; he was doing it for the Lord.  Therefore God had approved Paul and had entrusted him with the message of the gospel to the Gentiles.  God just doesn’t entrust His treasures to anyone, but only to the faithful. Has God entrusted anything to you?  A message?  A ministry opportunity?  Other people?  Are you doing all that you can with it? 

Paul could not do what he did trying to please men.  It was too difficult.  Rather Paul was working to please God.  May it be said that we have done the same.  But some do not work to please today, just as they didn’t in Paul’s day, and that is why we must trust God to overcome our opposition to make our results meaningful and lasting.

As always, I welcome your comments to this week's study. For additional Bible studies, check out my website archive, which contains a complete collection of all my verse-by-verse New Testament studies, along with the unpublished volume of The Faith Files.

Download Thessalonians Study 1