2 THESSALONIANS 1-3: DAY 218: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
August 6, 2023
2 THESSALONIANS 1-3
DAY 218: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
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Focus Verse For Today: 2 Thessalonians 3:10
The book of 2 Thessalonians, which we begin and conclude today, is a book that demonstrates misunderstanding of God’s word, then and today.
Ask God for His understanding of 2 Thessalonians 1-3. Read 2 Thessalonians 1-3. Let’s journey!
2 Thessalonians 1-3: Many people of the church of Thessalonica thought that the Rapture had taken place or was about to take place. The problem this created was that people of the church at Thessalonica stopped living, dealing with day-to-day life matters, and focusing on the return of Christ. Paul corrects this problem by teaching what will be seen at the return of Christ. He teaches us to stand firm in the letters and teaching he, the apostle Paul, had provided, and not be confused by incorrect teachings. (2 Thessalonians 1:1-3:18)
Our focus verse for today:
10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”
(2 Thessalonians 3:10, NIV)
Today’s focus verse is one of the most misunderstood Bible verses. Which generates a simple question? How is a Bible verse to be interpreted: through a God-driven view or a World driven view? The verse taken in context was addressing a serious problem that was taking place in Thessalonica – many people had stopped working because they believed Jesus’ return was imminent. These able-bodied people were living off the food that was intended for the genuinely poor and needy, depriving them of needed necessities. Jesus makes it clear that only God, not even Jesus knows when His return will occur. (Matthew 24:36) Jesus does teach that people will be carrying on routine business when His return happens. (Matthew 24:37-41)
God created man to labor; however, God did not create labor as an excuse to deny people in need. Sin abounds today, as it did in Noah’s time, and, most certainly, during Paul’s teaching at Thessalonica. People will try to deceive. Prudence is indeed necessary when assisting people in need and restoration. It is also necessary to not allow this scripture to take on the tone of the worldview to the detriment of God’s view of restoring a fallen people. Assess other’s needs, with a Christlike heart.
Godspeace!
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