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2 Thessalonians 3:15 – Loving Restoration, Not Punishment

Posted on September 15, 2016 by Will

Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Truth to Learn

Church discipline should be done as an act of love, with the objective being restoration and growth, not punishment.

Behind the Words

The word “count” is translated from the Greek verb hēgeomai, which is based on the verb agō, meaning “to lead” or “to go before.” Metaphorically, this word means “to lead out before the mind,” that is, “to regard, esteem, count, or reckon.” Today, we might say “… don’t think of him as …” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

“Enemy” is from echthros, which refers to “someone who is an enemy” or “someone who is hated.”

The word translated “admonish” is translated from noutheteō. It is made up of nous, meaning “the mind” and tithēmi, meaning “to put” or “to place.” Thus, noutheteō means “to place in the mind” or “to warn, admonish, or exhort.” This verb is also expressed here in the imperative mood.

“Brother” is from the Greek word adelphos, which we saw a couple of verses back. As used here, it means “a brother or sister in the Lord,” that is, another Christian.

Meaning Explained

The concept Paul is talking about in yesterday’s verse and this one is often referred to as “church discipline.” It is necessary in any organization to have some form of action against those who cause problems. Within the church, it is just as important for such discipline to be done with love and with the end objective being to restore the person to full fellowship with the Lord and with the church. Notice that what Paul is talking about here is not a punishment; it is not to be used as retaliation for their actions, but as discipline with a loving attitude. This is to be done like a parent disciplining a child in order to make him or her a better person.

There are several kinds of behavior that require discipline within the church and each has its own proper response. If a brother or sister sins against you, you are to confront him or her in person, then confront him or her in the presence of two or three witnesses if he or she will not listen to you. Then you are to reveal it to the church if he or she still won’t listen. And, if all these fail, reject that person from the church (Matthew 18:15-17). If someone in the church is teaching doctrinal error, that person should be patiently taught the truth (2 Timothy 2:23-26) and if he or she persists, then the church leadership should rebuke that person (Titus 1:10-14). If a brother or sister is overtaken in sin, then one who is spiritually mature should restore him or her in love (Galatians 6:1-3). If a brother or sister is causing division within the church, he or she should be warned twice and then rejected (Titus 3:10). If someone in the church is living in open immorality, you are not to keep company with him or her (1 Corinthians 5:9).

What Paul is specifically addressing in this letter is the brother or sister who is a busybody and refuses to work. He says that if such a person does not respond to the teaching in this letter, we are not to have fellowship with that person, and we are to warn that person but not treat him or her as an enemy.

Application

Whenever discipline is necessary, it must be done with love and humility in order to cause restoration, not as vengeance or retribution.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 3:6 – Judgment With Love

Posted on September 2, 2016 by Will

But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which you received from us.

Truth to Learn

There are times when Christians are supposed to judge others.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “command” is parangellō, which we saw back in verse four. It refers to a command given by a superior officer which is passed on from one person to the next.

The word “name” is from onoma, which specifically means “name.” However in the common usage of the first century it usually referred to the title or authority or someone.

“Withdraw” is from a form of stellō, meaning “to set fast,” that is, “to repress or avoid.” In the middle voice, as it is here, it means “to withdraw oneself from.”

Adelphos is the word translated “brother.” It specifically refers to someone from the same womb, hence, “a brother or sister.” It is used throughout the New Testament to refer to “a brother or sister in the Lord,” that is, another Christian.

“Disorderly” is translated from ataktōs, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of tassō, meaning “to arrange in an orderly manner.” Thus, ataktōs refers to a person who is disorderly or neglectful of their responsibilities.

Meaning Explained

A couple of verses back, the Apostle Paul expressed his faith that the readers of this letter would continue obeying the commands that he was passing along. He now gives one of those commands, specifically stating that we are to withdraw ourselves from other Christians whose lives are not demonstrating obedience to God.

There are two things that we can learn from today’s verse. The first is that we are supposed to judge the behavior of other Christians. Even though Christ said, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” In Matthew 7:1, he was referring to not having a judgmental attitude. There are several examples in the New Testament where we are told to make judgments about others and this is one of them. Paul does not tell us here that we are to condemn these disorderly and disobedient brothers and sisters, we simply are to withdraw ourselves from them. The reason for withdrawing from them is two-fold. It sends a message to the disobedient ones that their actions are inappropriate and it keeps us from being adversely affected by their behavior. It’s hard enough to walk the Christian walk without having others affecting our actions by their bad example.

The other thing we need to learn from today’s verse is that we should not carry this teaching to extremes. There are some churches which teach that if a brother or sister is not withdrawing himself or herself from another Christian who is disorderly, then we should break fellowship with them. Carried to an extreme, this isolates such churches from nearly all other Christians. Such churches become very legalistic and completely lose their effectiveness in ministering to others and witnessing to the lost.

Application

We need to make judgments concerning other Christians, but we need to do so in love, as our Lord would do. We also need to be willing to welcome them back into the fold when they repent. Let love and mercy guide your actions, not vengeance.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 5:25 – Humble Prayer Request

Posted on July 12, 2016 by Will

Brothers, pray for us.

Truth to Learn

We all need prayer so that we can bring glory to God.

Behind the Words

The word “brothers” is translated from adelphos, which is made up of a connective particle, a and a form of the noun delphus, meaning “the womb.” Thus, adelphos literally means “from the same womb.” In the New Testament this word is used to refer to people who are of the same family, including cousins and other more distant relatives. It is used frequently by Paul to refer to fellow Christians since we are all children of our Heavenly Father.

“Pray” is translated from the Greek verb proseuchomai. This word is made up of pros, meaning “to or toward” and euchomai, which literally means “to speak out” or “to express a wish.” Therefore, proseuchomai means “to express a wish to someone” or “to speak out to someone.”

Meaning Explained

In the first century of the church, there is no one who did more for the growth of the church and the spread of the Gospel than the Apostle Paul. From the time of his conversion until the day of his death, he worked tirelessly to proclaim the good news and build up Christians throughout the known world. And yet, in all of his writings there is never even a hint of selfish pride in what he accomplished. Paul realized that it was God working through him who accomplished great things for the church. He realized he was a sinner; in fact, he thought of himself as the worst sinner of all. Here’s what he said:

Faithful is the Word and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15)

Because he knew that anything he might accomplish was the result of God working through him, Paul prayed a lot and asked others to pray for him. He was not afraid to ask for prayer, even from the very people to whom he was ministering. We see this in today’s verse as well as the following verses:

As to the rest, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified … (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

Continue earnestly in prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us, that God might open to us a door for the word, that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ … (Colossians 4:2-3)

with all prayer and supplication pray at all times in the Spirit, … pray also for me, that utterance may be given to me, in the opening of my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, (Ephesians 6:18-19)

Now I urge you, brothers, through our Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in prayers to God on my behalf, (Romans 15:30)

Application

Given all that Paul accomplished, it is amazing that he was so humble and so frequently asked others to pray for him. Notice that he did not make selfish prayer requests. The focus of his prayer requests was the glory of God. When you ask others to pray for you, is it for your benefit and glory, or God’s?

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 3:15 – Loving Restoration, Not Punishment

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Will

Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Truth to Learn

Church discipline should be done as an act of love, with the objective being restoration and growth, not punishment.

Behind the Words

“Enemy” is from echthros, which refers to “someone who is an enemy” or “someone who is hated.”

“Brother” is from the Greek word adelphos, which we saw a couple of verses back. As used here, it means “a brother or sister in the Lord,” that is, another Christian.

Meaning Explained

There are several kinds of behavior that require discipline within the church and each has its own proper response. If a brother or sister sins against you, you are to confront him or her in person, then confront him or her in the presence of two or three witnesses, then reveal it to the church, and if all these fail, reject that person from the church (Matthew 18:15-17). If someone in the church is teaching doctrinal error, that person should be patiently taught the truth (2 Timothy 2:23-26) and if he or she persists, then the church leadership should rebuke that person (Titus 1:10-14). If a brother or sister is overtaken in sin, then one who is spiritually mature should restore him or her in love (Galatians 6:1-3). If a brother or sister is causing division within the church, he or she should be warned twice and then rejected (Titus 3:10). If someone in the church is living in open immorality, you are not to keep company with him or her (1 Corinthians 5:9).

Application

Whenever discipline is necessary, it must be done with love and humility in order to cause restoration, not as vengeance or retribution.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 3:13 – Don’t Get Discouraged

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Will

But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.

Truth to Learn

Work hard for God and don’t get discouraged.

Behind the Words

Adelphos is the word translated “brother.” It literally refers to someone from the same womb, hence, “a brother or sister.” It is used throughout the New Testament as a term of endearment, referring to “a brother or sister in the Lord,” that is another Christian.

The words “grow weary” are from the Greek verb ekkakeō. This word is made up of ek, meaning “out of,” used here as an intensifier, and a form of kakos, meaning “evil or bad.” It means “to lose one’s courage.”

“Doing good” is translated from the verb kalopoieō, which is composed of kalos, meaning “something that is inherently good or beautiful” and poieō, meaning “to make or to do;” thus, kalopoieō means “to do something good or virtuous.”

Meaning Explained

Paul has been writing about people in the church who are not busy doing constructive things but, instead, are depending on others for their daily needs and sticking their nose into other people’s business. As a result, he sternly told the Thessalonian Christians (and us) to work quietly and provide for their own needs.

A natural response from our sinful nature might be “Well, if I can’t depend on others to take care of my needs, then I’m not going to do anything for anyone else either.” Knowing that this is how the human mind tends to work, Paul now addresses this type of response head on. He starts out with, “But you, brethren …” Notice the term of endearment that he uses. He calls us brothers and sisters. Even the great Apostle Paul does not refer to us as being any less important than he is.

He goes on to say, “don’t become discouraged doing good.” In our translation here (NKJV) as well as many other translations, we see the words “grow weary” or “become tired,” but the word ekkakeō does not imply tiredness or fatigue; instead, it carries the idea of being discouraged. If Paul were intending to say, “don’t get tired,” he would have probably used the words ekluō (to relax, that is, to become tired or weary), or kamnō (to become tired or faint from working) instead. The point is that Paul is not saying it is wrong to get tired or fatigued from doing what is right. He is saying that we shouldn’t get discouraged from it. Nearly every Christian who gives his all to God and serves Him faithfully gets tired. It’s okay to get tired in the work, but we should never get tired of the work.

In Thessalonica, as in churches today, there was a core group of Christians who carried on the work of the ministry. There were also others who didn’t carry their fair share and who either complained or told those who are working how to do their jobs. This is discouraging to those who are working hard.

Application

Let’s all commit ourselves to doing the work that God has given us to do without complaint, even when we get tired. Let’s also encourage others to join us in the work. Remember, it’s all for Him and for His glory, not our own.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 3:6 – Judgment With Love

Posted on January 24, 2013 by Will

But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

Truth to Learn

There are times when Christians are supposed to judge others.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “command” is parangellō, which we saw back in verse four. It refers to a command given by a superior officer which is passed on from one person to the next.

The word “name” is from onoma, which specifically means “name.” However in the common usage of the first century it usually referred to the title or authority or someone.

“Withdraw” is from a form of stellō, meaning “to set fast,” that is, “to repress or avoid.” In the middle voice, as it is here, it means “to withdraw oneself from.”

Meaning Explained

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 16:1 – Phoebe the Deaconess

Posted on June 5, 2011 by Will

Romans 16:1 – Phoebe the Deaconess

I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea,

Truth to Learn

Women who serve in formal positions in a church perform an important service to God and His church.

Behind the Words

“Commend” is translated from the Greek verb sunistēmi, a compound word made up of sun, meaning “together with” and histēmi, meaning “to stand or to set in place.” Thus, the literal interpretation of this word is “to stand together.” When used of persons it generally means “to introduce or present to one’s acquaintance for favorable notice.” Thus, it means to commend or present as worthy. This is the word which was commonly used in letters of commendation.

The word translated “sister” is adelphē. This is the feminine form of adelphos, which is made up of a, implying togetherness or unity and delphus, meaning “the womb.” Thus, adelphē means a female who has come out of the same womb. Both adelphos and adelphē are frequently used metaphorically to refer to a brother or sister in Christ.

“Servant” is from the Greek word diakonos, meaning “a minister, a servant, or a deacon.” In this verse it most likely refers to the formal position of deaconess within the church.

“Cenchrea” was a port city just nine miles east of the city of Corinth. Some believe that this was where the church of Corinth actually met, though there is some dispute on this matter.

Meaning Explained

Having finished his doctrinal teaching, Paul now closes the letter with a series of salutations. In doing so he demonstrates his intimate knowledge of members of the church in Rome even though he had not yet been to Rome. This is a sign of a good minister of the Gospel, knowing personal details about the people to whom and with whom he ministers.

He starts off this verse with a formal commendation of a woman named Phoebe, who was probably the messenger carrying this letter from Corinth (where Paul was when it was written) to Rome. Phoebe is referred to as a deaconess. Though this could be interpreted as simply “a minister” or “a servant,” the fact that Paul refers to her as a diakonos “of the church in Cenchrea” indicates that it probably was her formal position in the church. In the first century of the Christian church, it was not uncommon to have deaconesses whose primary responsibilities were to minister to and care for other women in the church. Elsewhere in the New Testament, references are made to a class of females whose duty it was to teach other females and to take the general superintendence of that part of the church. Also, various letters of ecclesiastical history (not included in the Bible) give evidence to this class of females within the church. The strict separation of the sexes in the early church made the services of deaconesses necessary for baptism, visiting the women, and teaching women’s study groups.

Application

Though there is sound Biblical evidence that the position of pastoring a church is to be strictly limited to men, that doesn’t mean that women are to be excluded from serving in formal positions. Women are needed to perform much needed duties in the church and are commended by God for doing so.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Romans 8:12 – Indebted to Whom?

Posted on June 3, 2010 by Will

Romans 8:12

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.

Truth to Learn

We owe a debt, but not to our sin nature.

Behind the Words

“Therefore” is translated from the two Greek words, ara oun. The word ara in an inferential conjunction which indicates that the following phrase is an inference, a conclusion, drawn from the preceding thoughts. It is most often translated “therefore.” The other Greek word, oun, is also an inferential conjunction, but it is also used as a transitional conjunction, indicating that a new train of thought is on the way. It is sometimes translated as “then” or “now.” We could translate these two words as “So now” or “Therefore then.” The effect is to introduce a strong conclusion that the writer is emphasizing.

The word translated “brethren” is the plural form of adelphos. This is made up of a, indicating unity and delphus, meaning “the womb.” So, this word indicates someone who has come from the same mother. The word is used metaphorically throughout the New Testament to indicate those who have the same Heavenly Father. Paul uses this term in reference to Christians and Jews alike.

“Debtors” is from opheiletēs, which comes from the verb opheilō, meaning “to owe something to someone else.” Hence, opheiletēs refers to someone who owes something to someone else, that is a debtor.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse we talked how God promises those of us who are truly saved that He will give us the same kind of immortal body that Jesus Christ has right now. That’s part of eternal life, having an eternal body. It will be a body that will not know pain and will not grow old; a body far superior to the one that we now possess.

Now, he makes a very strong conclusion: since we will receive an immortal body, we have no reason to live as debtors to this mortal body. In other words, we should not treat this body as if we owe it anything. We should not satisfy the desires and cravings of this body because not only does it not own us, but it will be replaced by a much better body some day.

We should not live kata sarka or “according to the flesh.” You will remember that we talked a number of verses back about the fact that kata, means “according to” or “with respect to.” We should not conduct our lives in such a manner as to cater to our fleshly desires. We should, in fact, act as if we were dead when it comes to satisfying the desires of our flesh. That’s what Paul will tell us in the next verse.

Application

The next time one of those sinful fleshly desires begins to get you into trouble, remember that you are not required to obey it; you don’t owe it anything! In fact, we are debtors to someone else. We owe God a great debt, our lives. We owed Him the penalty for our sins (death), but Jesus Christ paid that debt for us so we now have eternal life. Therefore, we owe Him a debt of gratitude for rescuing us. We owe Him our life!

How are you paying off that debt?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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2 Peter 3:15 – Patiently Restraining

Posted on July 2, 2009 by admin

2 Peter 3:15

Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.

Truth to Learn

God is holding back His wrath so that salvation can come to as many as possible.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “Bear in mind” is hegeisthe, which technically means “lead the way.” Metaphorically, however, it means “lead out before the mind,” that is, “consider it” or “think of it as.” The word is expressed here in the imperative voice indicating a command.

Meaning Explained

Peter says, “Don’t think of the longsuffering of God as weakness or as His inability to fulfill his promises. Instead, think of His longsuffering as His way of making sure that salvation comes to everyone possible.” The Apostle Paul said a similar thing regarding God’s longsuffering in Romans 2:4,

Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, and the forbearance and long-suffering, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

Both the Apostles, Peter and Paul, indicate that God’s longsuffering (his patience, according to Peter) is His way of holding back judgment until the last possible moment so that salvation can come to as many as possible.

Romans 2:4 may be the verse that Peter is referring to in the second half of this verse. The startling thing is not that Peter refers to the teaching of Paul, but that he refers to him as a dear brother. If you recall, Paul was not one of the original 12 disciples nor was he the one selected to replace Judas (see Acts 1:15-26.) Paul is the only apostle of Christ who was saved after the resurrection. The other apostles were primarily sent to witness to Jews, but Paul was commissioned by the Lord Himself to a ministry among the Gentiles.

Scripture also records the fact that Peter and Paul had several strong confrontations regarding how Christianity was differentiated from Judaism (see Galatians 2:11 and surrounding verses), so for Peter to now refer to Paul as a “beloved brother” shows a remarkable demonstration of humility and acceptance on Peter’s part.

This is as much the message of today’s verse as anything else. We need to accept the fact that none of us has all the answers. In spite of everything that we have been taught through years of sermons, Sunday school lessons, and Bible studies, we all have much to learn from each other. And, as long as the teaching is based on what the Bible actually says (as opposed to hearsay or private interpretation), we need to be willing to be taught by the Holy Spirit regarding these truths.

Let us guard ourselves against heresy and the corruption of false teachers. However, we need to be open to the teaching from the Spirit of God so that we can all be effective witnesses for Christ.

Application

While God is patiently waiting, holding back His judgment, we need to be witnessing to everyone we can. God’s wrath will not be restrained forever, and each soul saved is one fewer who will experience that wrath. Proclaim the gospel message and ignore what the scoffers say about you.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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