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1 Thessalonians 1:10 – He’s Coming!

Posted on March 28, 2016 by Will

and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus the one delivering us from the coming wrath.

Truth to Learn

Jesus Christ is coming back very soon.

Behind the Words

“Wait” is translated from the Greek verb anamenō, which is made up of ana, used as an emphatic and menō, meaning “to remain.” Thus, anamenō means “to wait for expectantly with patience and confidence.” It is expressed as a present tense infinitive, indicating continuous action. We could translate this as “keep on waiting.”

The verb ”raised” is egeirō, which means “to awaken from sleep” or “to raise up from a bed.” It is used metaphorically to mean “to raise up from the dead.”

The words “the dead” are translated from ek nekrōn. The word ek means “out” or “out of” and nekrōn means “of the dead ones” or “from the dead ones.” Hence, this says that Jesus was not simply brought back to life, but that He was raised up from among the dead ones.

“Delivering” is translated from rhuomai which literally means “to draw to one’s self;” that is, to rescue. The picture is that of drawing someone out of a rushing river. It is expressed as a participle so it could be translated as “rescuing us” or “delivering us.”

The second occurrence of the word “from” is translated from the Greek preposition ek, meaning “from” or “out of.” It is significant that he will deliver us “out of” the wrath, not simply protecting us in the midst of the wrath. This implies that we will not be present when the wrath occurs. This is evidence that the rapture will occur before God pours out His wrath.

The words “coming” are from erchomai, which means “to come” or “to go.” As used here it refers to “the wrath that is currently coming” or “the wrath that is on its way.”

Orgē is the Greek word translated “wrath.” It is a reference to the outpouring of action as a result of violent passion or of a vengeful mind.

Meaning Explained

In yesterday’s verse we learned that Paul refers to the Thessalonian Christians as having turned to God from idols. As we mentioned, the church there was probably made up principally of converted Greek pagans rather than converted Jews. Not only did they turn away from their idols, they turned toward God and actively served Him with devotion.

In today’s verse we learn something else about these converted pagans: they were awaiting the return of our Lord. The implication is that they were expecting Him to return at any moment. Obviously, Paul had preached to them that not only had Jesus Christ been resurrected from the dead, but he was going to return to our physical world in physical form. In fact, the return of the Lord is a major theme that runs throughout this entire letter.

Another thing we learn here is that the Thessalonian Christians had been taught that God is going to pour out His wrath on sinful mankind. They also knew that God’s wrath would not be poured out on them because of their faith in the Savior. Salvation through Jesus Christ means more than simply a free ticket into heaven, it also means that we will avoid the vengeful judgment that God has reserved for those who reject Him.

Application

Are you living your life for God? Are you looking forward with eager expectation to the return of Jesus Christ? That eager expectation should be one of the things driving us to serve Him with complete devotion. Remember, He’s coming soon. It could even be today!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 2:7 – Priceless Grace

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Will

that in the ages coming He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Truth to Learn

God’s grace is priceless.

Behind the Words

The word “ages” is from aiōn, which refers to a duration or continuance of time. As used here, it refers to “an indefinitely long period of time.”

“Coming” is translated from eperchomai, which is composed or epi, meaning “on, upon, to, over, or above” and erchomai, meaning “to come.” It is expressed as a present participle, so we could translate this as “coming upon us.”

The Greek word translated “He might show” is endeiknumi, which is made up of en, meaning “in” or “to” and deiknumi, meaning “to point out” or “to present for viewing.” We might translate this word as “to showcase.” It is expressed here in the middle voice (action done by the subject to the subject), so it could be translated as “He might showcase for himself.”

“Exceeding” is from the Greek verb huperballō, which is made up of huper (hyper), meaning “above” or “beyond” and ballō, meaning “to throw.” Thus huperballō literally means “to throw beyond,” that is, “to go beyond” or “to exceed.”

“Riches” is the translation of the Greek word ploutos, which refers to “wealth composed of valuable things.”

The Greek word translated “kindness” is chrēstotēs, which is based on chrēstos, meaning “usefulness” or “moral excellence.” Hence, chrēstotēs refers to “goodness” or “kindness.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we learned that our merciful God did three things for us: He made us alive, He raised us up (resurrected us), and He caused us to sit in the heavenlies. Today’s verse explains why God decided to do this for us. Well, actually He didn’t do it for us. He did it for His own glory. Let me say that a little differently. God did not give us eternal life, raise us from the dead, and seat us in His presence for our sake. He did it for Himself to showcase His glorious grace.

According to the Apostle Paul, God did these things so that He could showcase, for Himself, the exceedingly great value of His grace, so that He would receive glory and praise. What is the value of grace? A couple of verses back we learned that God’s grace to us is undeserved “favor, good will, or kindness, especially that which causes joy and gratification.” Why is it undeserved? We are all sinners; that is, we are not righteous. And we know that the penalty for not being righteous is God’s wrath and eternity in hell. But, as a result of God’s grace, we who have accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior will not experience hell because we have been made alive, resurrected, and seated in His presence.

So, let me ask again, “What is the value of grace?” There is not enough money in all the earth to purchase eternal life, resurrection, and a seat in God’s presence. God’s grace is more valuable than all we have or could ever possess. It is exceedingly valuable, and we can’t afford it.

Application

No, we can’t afford God’s grace. That’s why He freely gives it to us, not because we deserve it, but because we don’t. If we deserved it, it wouldn’t be grace; it would be something He owes us. God doesn’t owe us anything, but He gave it to us anyway, simply because He wanted to show how gracious and glorious He is!

I think it’s time once again to fall on our knees and thank God for His priceless grace. Thank you Lord!

In God’s service, for His glory,

James 5:7 – Patient Suffering

Posted on June 9, 2015 by Will

Therefore, brothers, be patient until the coming of the Lord. See, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it might receive the early and latter rains.

Truth to Learn

Patiently suffering in the midst of unfair treatment by others will bring glory to God.

Behind the Words

The word translated “patient” is the Greek word, makrothumeō. This is a compound word made up of makros, meaning “long” and thumos, meaning “wrath” or “anger.” Hence, makrothumeō means “to suffer long” or “to persevere patiently.” This is different than the word hupomenō, translated “patience” in James 1:3, 4. Generally, hupomenō (remaining under) refers to patiently putting up with things or circumstances, whereas makrothumeō (being long suffering) means to exercise understanding and patience towards other persons, especially those who are oppressive.

“Coming” is from parousia, which is from paron, meaning “to be present.” Thus, parousia represents “the presence” of someone or something.

The Greek word ekdechomai is translated here as “waits.” Ekdechomai is made up of ek, meaning “out” or “out of” and dechomai, meaning “to receive.” In its common usage it means “to watch for” or “to wait for with expectation.”

“Early” is translated from proimon, which is an adjective that refers to “daybreak” or “early morning.” It is the word used to describe the rains that come in the autumn.

“Latter” is translated from opsimos, which is derived from opse, meaning “late.” Opsimos is the word used to describe the rains that come in the spring.

Meaning Explained

Now that James has admonished the rich for their unjust treatment of the poor, he turns his attention to those brothers who had been suffering at the hands of the rich men. His message is pretty simple – “Be patient!” This is always the message to Christians who have been treated unfairly. It is not our place to seek revenge, as it says in Romans 12:17-19:

Giving back to no one, evil for evil. Providing right things before all men. If possible, so far as is in you, being at peace with all men. Not avenging yourselves, beloved, but giving place to wrath, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay," says the Lord.

Christ Himself set the example for us to follow. Though He was innocent, he did not strike back when he was struck and he did not argue when he was falsely accused.

By way of encouragement, James cites an example of how patience pays off. He says, “See, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth …” and just as God provides water and growth for the plants he will help the oppressed through their trying times and will someday avenge Himself on the wrongdoers. If necessary, we need to be patient until the coming of The Lord.

James’ admonition to be long suffering until the coming of the Lord is a reminder to those who are being oppressed, that the Judgment Day is coming. The faithless rich who are behaving selfishly and oppressively toward the poor will one day stand before God to receive harsh judgment for their actions. The faithful poor, however, who are being unfairly treated by the rich will also stand before the Judge, but they will receive mercy instead of wrath.

Application

Just remember that God teaches each one of us patience by putting us in situations where we have to wait on Him. It cannot be learned any other way. So, if you are now in a situation where you have been praying and waiting, remember to praise God for it (not in spite of it, but because of it) since He is developing patience in you and making you more like Christ!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 2:8 – Glorious Second Coming

Posted on November 21, 2012 by Will

And 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 coming.

Truth to Learn

Jesus will destroy the antichrist at His second coming.

Behind the Words

“Consume” is translated from the Greek verb anaireō. This word is made up of ana, meaning “up,” used here as an intensifier and haireō, meaning “to take.” Thus, anaireō means “to take away” or “to abolish.” This is the word used of a public execution.

The word “breath” is from pneuma, which literally means “breath,” but it is frequently used as a metaphor for spirit.

Stomatos is the word translated “mouth.” It specifically refers to “the opening through which breathing or blowing occurs.”

“Destroy” is translated from katargeō, which is made up of the intensifier kata and argeō, meaning “to be idle.” So we see that katargeō means “to render completely inactive or useless.”

Epiphaneia it the Greek word translated “brightness.” It is composed of epi, meaning “over” or “upon” and phainō, which means “to shine.” Thus, epiphaneia refers to our Lords shining brightness or His Shekinah glory.

The word “coming” is from parousia, which refers to “presence” or “arrival.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous two verses Paul talked about the restraining force, which we concluded is most likely the Holy Spirit that is holding back the full force of lawlessness in the world. After the Holy Spirit is taken out of the way, the “man of sin” or “the lawless one,” as Paul calls him here, will be revealed and allowed to take control of the people of the world.

Once this person (whom the Apostle John calls the antichrist) is revealed, the Day of the Lord will begin. This is the time, beginning with the Tribulation, during which God will judge “the inhabitants of the earth” (see Revelation 8:13; 12:12; 17:2). In these passages, the word translated “inhabitants” is a form of katoikeō, meaning “to dwell permanently in a fixed dwelling.” Believers are never referred to as “inhabitants of the earth.” Instead, we are said to dwell (Greek word skēnoō, meaning “to pitch a tent and encamp”) here.

At the end of the seven year Tribulation (the last half of which Jesus referred to as “great tribulation” in Matthew 24:21), Jesus Christ will return to earth. His glorious return and His complete victory over the armies of the antichrist (also called the Beast), the antichrist himself, the False Prophet, and Satan is described in Revelation 19:11 – 20:2. This is the “second coming” of Christ which is spoken of throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Application

Fortunately for Christians, we will not be here when the Tribulation begins. Paul makes it clear that Christians will be kept “out of” this time of trouble. The rapture could occur any day now. If you have friends or loved ones who aren’t saved, now is the time to witness to them. Don’t wait!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 2:1 – Look Up

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Will

Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you,

Truth to Learn

In the midst of your suffering, look up! He is coming soon!

Behind the Words

The word translated “now” is de. This particle serves to introduce a new topic. It is most often translated as “and” or “but.”

“Concerning” is translated from the Greek preposition huper (hyper). This word generally means “over” or “above.” But, it can also mean “about,” “concerning,” or “with respect to.”

Parousia is the Greek noun translated “coming.” This word is derived from pareimi, meaning “to be present.” Parousia can refer either to the presence of something or it can refer to the coming of someone into one’s presence.

“Gathering together” is from the verb episunagōgē. This is a double compound word made up of epi, meaning “upon,” sun, meaning “with” or “together with,” and agō, meaning “to lead.” Putting these all together we see that episunagōgē literally means “to lead or bring together upon a place.” In other words, it means “a gathering together into one place.”

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul spent most of the first chapter of this letter talking about God’s righteous judgment: grace for believers and tortuous, blazing fire for unbelievers. This was necessary to reassure the Christians in Thessalonica that God is always righteous. Now he builds on that concept and proceeds to explain to them that God has not deserted them. The reason they needed this reassurance is that there were some false teachers in the church who were teaching that the rapture had already come and they had been left behind. Not only that, they were teaching that the Day of the Lord (the time of God’s judgment of mankind) had begun.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. Therefore, Paul now will explain to them (and to us) some of the truths that he had previously taught them. We need to keep in mind that there is a difference between the Day of Christ (the rapture) and the Day of the Lord (the time of God’s judgment). By maintaining this critical distinction, we will be able to clearly see through some of the confusion that various teachers have taught concerning this second chapter of 2 Thessalonians.

Paul starts off this chapter talking about the rapture. He describes it as “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him.” This “coming of our Lord” is not a reference to the time of God’s judgment, but to the event that is the culmination of God’s grace. This is clear because he couples it with the “gathering together to Him.” The only future event spoken of in these terms is the rapture, when all Christians (those living as well as those who have previously died physically) “will be caught up together … to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

Application

Throughout history, Christians have been persecuted and have suffered at the hands of non-believers. More Christians are suffering today than at any time in the past. But, don’t despair, my friends, God is coming soon. When He does, He will take us out of the world. Then, He will judge our persecutors.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 4:15 – Any Day Now

Posted on August 16, 2012 by Will

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 by no means precede those who are asleep.

Truth to Learn

The rapture could happen any day now!

Behind the Words

The word “alive” is from the verb dzaō, which means “to be alive” or “to have life.” It is expressed here as a present participle, so it could be translated as “the living.”

“Remain” is translated from perileipō. This word is made up of peri, meaning “around” and leipō, meaning “to leave” or “to have a lack of something.” Hence, perileipō means “to leave around” or “to leave behind.” This verb is also expressed as a present participle, so it could be translated as “the ones left behind” (when the others died).

Parousia is the Greek word translated “coming.” This word is derived from pareimi, meaning “to be present.” It can refer either to the presence of something or it can refer to the coming of someone into our presence.

“By no means” is the translation of the two Greek words ou mē. Ou represents the absolute negative and mē represents the relative negative. When the two words are used together it indicates the strongest form of a negative, meaning “absolutely not” or “no way.”

The word translated “precede” is phthanō, which means “to be beforehand” or “to precede.”

Meaning Explained

Paul is currently teaching about the rapture, indicating in verse thirteen that it is a future hope that belongs to all Christians. In yesterday’s verse we learned that when Jesus Christ comes back at the rapture, He will bring with him everyone who has died having a saving faith in his work on the cross.

He now makes a statement about why we should believe what he is telling us. He says, “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord.” In other words, this is not just some hair brained idea that Paul came up with. This is teaching directly from the mouth of God, His Word.

When the King James Version of the Bible was by far the most frequently read translation, many people became confused about this verse. The reason is that the word phthanō was translated as “prevent.” At the time the KJV was translated, the word “prevent” meant “to come before,” not “to keep from happening” as it does today. Nearly all modern translations use the word “precede,” meaning “to happen before something else.”

Paul’s message here is that Christians who are alive at the time of the rapture will not receive their heavenly bodies before those who are asleep in Jesus (Christians who have died). Finally, notice that Paul said “we who remain.” He fully expected the rapture to occur within his lifetime!

Application

The rapture hasn’t happened yet, but we (like Paul) believe it could occur any day now. Christians should be serving God faithfully now, looking forward to Christ’s return when “we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” (1 John 3:2)

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 3:13 – Blameless Saints

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Will

so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.

Truth to Learn

God will declare all genuine Christians to be blameless.

Behind the Words

“Establish” is translated from stēridzō, which is a derivative of histemi, meaning “to stand.” Stēridzō means “to set firmly in place.”

The word translated “blameless” is amemptos, which is composed of the privative a, meaning “without” and a form of the verb memphomai, meaning “to find fault.” Thus, amemptos means “without fault” or “blameless.”

Hagiosunē is the Greek word translated “holiness.” It is derived from the noun hagios, meaning “set apart” or “holy.” Holiness means to be completely set apart from sin and its consequence.

Back in verse nine we learned that the word translated “before” is emprosthen, which means “in the presence of” or “before.”

The word “coming” is from parousia. This word is derived from pareimi, meaning “to be present.” Parousia can refer either to the presence of something or it can refer to the coming of someone into our presence.

Meaning Explained

We are in the midst of a prayer by the Apostle Paul in behalf of the Christians in Thessalonica. In yesterday’s verse he prayed that God would increase the love that these Christians have for one another and for all people. The reason Paul gives for this growing and strengthening of their love for all is “so that He may establish (make firm) your hearts [as] without fault …”

Some people have used this as an indication that some may lose their salvation if they don’t properly show their love to others. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In the Apostle John’s first letter he said,

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:7, 8)

In other words, John tells us that showing love for others is the evidence of salvation, not a condition of salvation. If you are saved, you will love others. If you don’t have a genuine love for others, you are not born of God.

Now Paul tells us that God will establish us blameless “at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.” This coming of the Lord may be a reference to the rapture or to His coming at the end of the Tribulation. It is more likely, however, that it refers to both events. Either way, it is when all believers will be judicially declared to have the righteousness of Christ. In God’s eyes (since He is not bound by time) this has already occurred, but for us (who are bound by time) it will occur at His coming.

Application

Periodically, each of us needs to calibrate our own salvation. One of the signs that we are genuinely a child of God is that we have love for the brethren and for all people. That doesn’t mean that we have to approve of the sinful actions of others. We are supposed to hate the sin but love the sinner. Do you regularly show love to others?

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:19 – Present Suffering or Future Glory?

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Will

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?

Truth to Learn

Keep your focus on eternity when you suffer as a Christian.

Behind the Words

Elpis is the Greek word translated “hope.” This word signifies more than just a wish that something good will happen. It also implies a full expectation of obtaining that good thing. It could be paraphrased as “hopeful expectation.”

The word “crown” is translated from stephanos, which refers to the crown or wreath awarded to the winner of an athletic event. It is distinctly different than a diadēma, which refers to a crown of royal dignity.

“Rejoicing” is from kauchēsis, meaning “to boast” or “to brag.” Kauchēsis refers to “boasting” or “glorying” in some achievement, either of self or of others.

The words “in the presence” are translated from emprosthen, which is made up of en, meaning “in,” pros, meaning “to” or “toward,” and then, denoting a direction or a place. Thus, emprosthen indicates “the place directly in front of someone.”

Meaning Explained

Apparently, the Apostle Paul had been accused of having deserted the Christians in Thessalonica and not trying to return there. In the previous couple of verses he expressed his heart wrenching separation from as having been orphaned. He also expressed the fact that he had repeatedly planned on returning there but was hindered from doing so by our adversary.

During times of persecution it is important to keep the future in view. Instead of continuing to focus on the current persecution that he and the Thessalonians were facing, Paul reminds them of the coming rewards for their persistence. He reminds them (and us) of our future hope we have in the coming of our Lord. He reminds them (and us) of the boasting, or glorying, that we will have at His coming. And, he reminds them (and us) of the eternal rewards we will receive when He comes back for us.

When Christ returns, all Christians will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. This is a time when our works will be judged for the purpose of finding good (1 Corinthians 3:10-15), and rewards in the form of crowns will be awarded. These rewards, and this rejoicing, will not be temporal like things in this life; these things will be eternal. Also, in recognition of the real source of all our accomplishments, we will be able to cast our crowns at His feet, proclaiming that He is the one worthy of all glory and honor (Revelation 4:10).

Application

Don’t be discouraged, my dear Christian friends, when you suffer from opposition and persecution for your Christian witness. One day we will receive rewards for our good works done in faith. And, we will be able to give recognition and glory to our Lord for His faithfulness and empowering Spirit.

In God's service, for His glory,