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2 Thessalonians 1:9 – Eternal Torment

Posted on July 28, 2016 by Will

These shall pay the penalty, eternal distress from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,

Truth to Learn

Those who reject Jesus Christ will suffer terribly, for eternity!

Behind the Words

The words “pay the penalty” is translated from the words dikēn tisousin. The word dikēn refers to “a judgment, a penalty, or a punishment” and tisousin is a form of the verb tinō, which means “to pay the value of something.” When these two words are used together they mean “to pay a penalty.”

“Eternal” is from the Greek adjective aiōnios, which is derived from the noun aiōn, meaning “an age of time.” Aiōnios means “constant, perpetual, or eternal.”

Olethros is the word translated “distress.” It is based on the verb ollumi, meaning “to destroy” or “to kill.” The fundamental thought behind olethros is not annihilation (ceasing to exist), but unavoidable and never ending distress and torment.

The word translated “presence” is prosōpon, which is made up of pros, meaning “toward” and ops, meaning “the eyes.” Thus, prosōpon literally means “toward the eyes.” It is most often translated as “face,” but it can also be translated as “presence.”

Meaning Explained

Paul has been talking about the righteous judgments of God: His righteous decision to show grace to sinners who believe in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, and His righteous decision to sentence all non-believers to eternal punishment. Yesterday we looked at one aspect of this punishment of unbelievers. Paul identified it as hot, blazing fire. In Luke’s gospel account the following description of this torment is described in the story of the rich man and Lazarus, where the rich man was in torment in hades:

And he cried out and said, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in this flame.” (Luke 16:24)

But even this pales in comparison to the final torment that unbelievers will suffer. According to Revelation 20:15, “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

As painful and torturous as this may be, I believe that this is not the worst part of the sentence that will be passed on those who reject the gospel message. Listen to the words of Jesus:

And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 8:11-12)

In this verse, the expression “sons of the kingdom” is a reference to the Jews, sons of Abraham, who rejected their Messiah. The total absence of the presence of God and His glory will produce such darkness that it will cause those experiencing it to wail and to gnash their teeth. This is the future that is promised to all who reject Jesus Christ.

Application

It is not our job to punish evil doers. That is God’s prerogative and His punishment will be worse than anything we could do.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 2:17 – Orphaned Christians

Posted on April 20, 2016 by Will

But we, brothers, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in spirit, were all the more eager with great desire to see your face.

Truth to Learn

Persecution of Christians occurs world-wide today.

Behind the Words

The words “having been taken away” are translated from the Greek verb aporphanidzō. This word is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and orphanos (from which we get our English word orphan). Orphanos means “obscure” or “dark,” like an orphan who, without parents, was often forced to wander in obscurity and darkness. Thus, aporphanidzō means to be made alone and helpless, without parents.

“For a short time” is from the Greek words kairon horas. Kairon refers to a period of time or “a season,” and horas means “an hour.” Therefore, kairon horas literally means “a season of an hour.” Metaphorically, it means “for a short time.”

The word “more” is translated from perissōs, which means “abundantly” or “exceedingly.” It implies a much greater amount than just “more.”

“Eager” is from spoudadzō, which is based on spoudē, meaning “speed, haste, or diligence.” Spoudadzō, therefore, means “to be eager, diligent, or earnest.”

Both of the words “presence” and “face” are translated from prosōpon, which literally means “before your eyes.” It is the word that refers to a person’s face, but it also means “in someone’s presence” (just as we might refer to close proximity as “being in your face”).

Meaning Explained

In the last few verses Paul has been telling the Christians in Thessalonica how he, and they, have been persecuted by their fellow countrymen. They were hindered from witnessing the Gospel truth because of it. Paul and his companions even suffered physical persecution. In fact, the opposition was so great that Paul and Silas had to be scurried out of town at night:

Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. (Acts 17:10a)

Paul has used the personal family metaphors of a nursing mother and a father to describe his relationship with, and love for, the Thessalonians. Now he uses even more emotional words to describe his separation from these dear people. He says, “having been taken away from you,” that is, “having been orphaned from you.” This is very descriptive of the heart wrenching pain of their sudden separation from each other.

However, Paul informs his children in the Lord that this separation is only for a short time. We don’t know for sure how long he had been gone from Thessalonica when he wrote this letter; it may have only been a few months. And we will learn in this verse and the next verse that Paul had already tried to return to Thessalonica, but he wasn’t able to. He tells his readers that he had tried very hard to return to them so that he could at least see their faces again.

Application

In some countries of the world today Christians are under heavy persecution, being imprisoned or even killed because of their desire to be obedient to God. Let’s all take a few minutes right now to pray to our Heavenly Father for protection and comfort for Christians everywhere who suffer for their faith.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 1:29 – God Deserves the Glory

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Will

that no flesh should glory in His presence.

Truth to Learn

God deserves the praise for who we are and what we have.

Behind the Words

“That” is translated from the Greek word hopōs, which is an adverb of manner. The basic meaning of this word is, “in what manner, how, or so that.”

The Greek word translated “flesh” is sarx. This word specifically refers to the “flesh of a living being,” as opposed to the word kreas, which refers to “the flesh of a dead animal” or “meat.” Metaphorically, sarx refers to the physical being of a man as opposed to the immaterial soul or spirit.

Kauchaomai is the verb translated “glory.” Some sources claim that it is derived from auchen, meaning “the neck,” which some self-righteous people hold in a proud manner. Kauchaomai means “to boast, brag, or have pride.” In the New Testament, it is used both in a good sense and in a bad sense.

The words “in … presence” are from enōpion. It is made up of en, meaning “in” and a form of ōps, which refers to “the eyes.” Whereas this word literally means “in the eyes of,” it is most often translated as “in the presence of.”

Meaning Explained

In this first chapter of his letter to the Christians in Corinth, Paul is specifically addressing the problem of divisions within the church, which he first introduced in verse ten:

Now I plead with you, brethren … that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together …

The divisions within the church were caused by people claiming to follow certain gifted and respected leaders within the church. The Corinthians even boasted about who they followed. As a result, Paul spent most of the previous nineteen verses showing that worldly wisdom, education, and social rank have no influence with God. He then went on to show that not only does God not show any special favor to the rich, powerful, and famous, He actually focuses his grace primarily on those of us who are nobodies in the eyes of the world.

People who have made a name for themselves through hard work, education, political maneuvering, or social standing, all have one thing in common: they take pride in their attainment. They believe that they have risen to their position of importance because of who they are or what they have done. This self-pride, in return, takes the credit away from God. However, the Prophet Jeremiah said this:

Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

What we have to recognize is that everything that we are and everything that we have comes from God. Therefore, He deserves to get the credit for it all.

Application

Let us give humble thanks to God for everything that we are and everything that we have. He doesn’t make mistakes, so no matter what our position in life, God deserves all the credit for who we are and what we have accomplished.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 1:9 – Eternal Torment

Posted on November 1, 2012 by Will

These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,

Truth to Learn

Those who reject Jesus Christ will suffer terribly, for eternity!

Behind the Words

The word “punished” is translated from the words dikēn tisousin. The word dikēn refers to “a judgment, a penalty, or a punishment” and tisousin is a form of the verb tinō, which means “to pay the value of something.” When these two words are used together they mean “to pay a penalty.”

“Everlasting” is from the Greek adjective aiōnios, which is derived from the noun aiōn, meaning “an age of time.” Aiōnios means “constant, perpetual, or eternal.”

Olethros is the word translated “destruction.” It is based on the verb ollumi, meaning “to destroy” or “to kill.” The fundamental thought behind olethros is not annihilation (ceasing to exist), but unavoidable and never ending distress and torment.

Meaning Explained

Then he cried and said, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” (Luke 16:24)

But even this pales in comparison to the final torment that unbelievers will suffer. According to Revelation 20:15, “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”

As painful and torturous as this may be, I believe that this is not the worst part of the sentence that will be passed on those who reject the gospel message. Listen to the words of Jesus:

And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 8:11-12)

Application

It is not our job to punish evil doers. That is God’s prerogative and His punishment will be worse than anything we could do.

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.”

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

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,

1 Thessalonians 2:17 – Orphaned Christians

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Will

But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire.

Truth to Learn

Persecution of Christians occurs world-wide today.

Behind the Words

“Endeavored” is from spoudadzō, which is based on spoudē, meaning “speed, haste, or diligence.” Spoudadzō, therefore, means “to be eager, diligent, or earnest.”

The word “more” is translated from perissōs, which means “abundantly” or “exceedingly.” It implies a much greater amount than just “more.”

Meaning Explained

Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. (Acts 17:10a)

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 4:17 – Children by Faith

Posted on January 14, 2010 by Will

Romans 4:17

(as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did;

Truth to Learn

God’s promise to Abraham referred to both his physical descendants and to his spiritual descendants.

Behind the Words

The words “I have made” are translated from the Greek verb tithēmi, meaning “to place” or “to put.” The Hebrew word in the passage Paul is quoting (Genesis 17:15) is nathan, which can have several shades of meaning, one of them being “to give or to grant.” The Greek word is expressed here in the perfect tense indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect.

“In the presence” is from katenanti, which literally means “down over against.” It is used to indicate being “in the sight of” or “in a place in front of” someone or something.

Meaning Explained

Like a number of verses we have looked at in the past, this verse must be looked at in connection with the previous verse in order to get its full meaning. Connecting the first part of this verse (a quote from Genesis 17:15) with the previous verse gives us:

… so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”)

The point is that Abraham is the father of all who are saved through faith. In other words, at the time that God said this to Abraham, because of Abraham’s faith, God had already granted to Abraham that he would be a father of many nations.

If we look at the descendants of Abraham, we see that he is the father of the Jews through Isaac (from his wife Sarah), the father of the Arabs through Ishmael (from Sarah’s handmaid Hagar), and the father of numerous other tribes through the six sons with his second wife, Keturah. However, the Apostle Paul evidently understood the promise as referring, not to the physical descendents of Abraham, but to the spiritual descendants (all those who believe in God’s message).

The next phrase, “in the presence of Him” refers back to the first part of the previous verse. Hence, “Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace… in the presence of Him whom he believed—God …” In other words, the faith is demonstrated in the presence of God. It’s not just some ethereal “Yeah, I believe in God” type of experience. Rather, it is a belief in what God says, in His presence, so that there is no doubt either in what is believed or in the reality of that belief.

Paul then says of God that He both has the ability to give life and to call things which do not yet exist as if they already did exist. In other words, this God of ours neither has any bounds on his power nor is he bound by time. He is without limit in both time and space. We will see the significance of this in the next verse.

Application

If you believe the promise that your sins are paid for through the blood of Jesus Christ, then God has declared you as righteous and you are a son or daughter of Abraham through faith.

In God’s service, for His glory,

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2 Peter 1:18 – His Holy Presence

Posted on April 28, 2009 by admin

2 Peter 1:18

We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

Truth to Learn

Holiness is in the presence of God, not the location or building.

Behind the Words

The word translated “voice” is phōnē, which comes from the verb phaō, meaning “to shine.” So phōnē actually means “to audibly shine forth.” The Greek historian, Plutarch, calls it “that which brings light upon that which is thought of in the mind.” So, not only did these three disciples see the shining glory of the Son of God revealed, but they also heard the revelation of the shining voice of God the Father.

The word translated “holy” is hagios, which comes from the word hagos, meaning “an awful thing.” Not awful as we often think of it as “terrible” or “very bad,” but awful as something that fills one with awe and wonder. It is a word that has come to mean “morally pure and set-apart from sin.”

Meaning Explained

As Peter continues his description of the transfiguration of Christ, he makes three assertions in this verse. First, that he, along with James and John, heard the voice of God the Father. It was not merely an inarticulate noise; they heard His words giving glory and honor to the Son.

The second assertion that Peter makes is that the three disciples were “with Him.” Yes, they were physically with him, but there is another sense in which they were with him. They were with him in spirit through their belief in him. They were his disciples, his followers, desirous of learning more about Him. This is one of the “black and white” issues of the Scriptures. Christ, Himself, said it this way in Luke 11:23,

He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.

You are either with Him, that is, you believe in Him, you follow Him, and you obey Him, or you are against Him. There is no middle road and no half-way Christianity. Either your faith is real or it is pretend. That’s one of the points Peter has been making throughout this chapter. We need to show our faith, let it shine forth like the voice of God, by diligently working on developing the Christian character qualities he outlined in the early verses of this chapter.

The third assertion that Peter makes in today’s verse is regarding the place where they were. He calls the mountain holy, not because the mountain itself possessed any special moral purity, but because of the presence of the Almighty. We think of a temple or a church, particularly the “sanctuary” where church services are held, as a holy place. The very word “sanctuary” is a translation of the Greek word hagia meaning an awful (holy) place. It is not a place of holiness and awe because the physical structure possesses any holiness, but because of Whose presence is there. It is this presence of the Holy God that makes something, or someone, holy.

Application

The place where you meet on Sunday morning may be a large cathedral, a small hand-made building, or even someone’s living room. The place is not important, but the presence of God is. As you participate in your church service this week, remember that you are in a holy place because the Spirit of our Holy God is in your midst.

In God’s service, for His glory,

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