2 Timothy 2:11-26 Christ will give unto us according to our faithfulness to him.

This saying is trustworthy: “For if we died with him, we will also live with him. If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us. If we are faithless, he remains faithful. He can’t deny himself. ”Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they don’t argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth. But shun empty chatter, for it will go further in ungodliness, and those words will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some. However God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.” Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor, and some for dishonor. If anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master’s use, prepared for every good work. Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife. The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient, in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth, and they may recover themselves out of the devil’s snare, having been taken captive by him to his will. The defining verse of the New Testament is "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, so that whoever believes in him may have eternal life." God loves the world and Jesus went to the Cross for all. Yet only those who believe in him inherit eternal life. Some Jews in the early church tried to promote themselves as greater because they are the seed of Abraham. God's ambition was not only to bless some but to bless all who come to his beloved son. For this reason Paul exhorts Christians to only use words that edify all and not to divide the body of Christ. Yet sin exists in this world. Jesus will give all who place their faith in him eternal life, but to those who abide with him and his teaching, he gives greater honor that those who like Jonah neglected his instruction.

2 Timothy 2:1-10 We must pick up the Cross of Jesus for his sake and the sake of the flock. This is our calling.

You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier. Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn't crowned unless he has competed by the rules. The farmers who labor must be the first to get a share of the crops. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the offspring of David, according to my Good News, in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God’s word isn’t chained. Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones’ sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. Since we have been chosen by God, we must labor for the Master. Our labor is not for our own sake, but for the sake of the flock, the household of God. But we know that our toil is not against men, but against dark forces of evil. Therefore we must protect the flock from all harm even if we suffer at the hands of the enemy. For whatever Christ Jesus did we must do also and daily pick up our Cross and be his representatives.

2 Timothy 1:1-18 Never be ashamed of the Cross

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve as my forefathers did, with a pure conscience. How unceasing is my memory of you in my petitions, night and day longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy; having been reminded of the sincere faith that is in you; which lived first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, in you also.For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. Therefore don’t be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the Good News. For this, I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For this cause I also suffer these things. Yet I am not ashamed, for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed to him against that day. Hold the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, guard through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. This you know, that all who are in Asia turned away from me; of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain, but when he was in Rome, he sought me diligently, and found me 18 (the Lord grant to him to find the Lord’s mercy in that day); and in how many things he served at Ephesus, you know very well. In Paul's former letter to Timothy, he was giving him instructions on how to run the church and choose its leaders. Now he is stating that he and his son in the faith have been called by God since before the world began. There was a time when I was a young man where someone criticized my boss. I became fighting mad with this person. Why? It was not me that I was concerned, instead the one whom I represented and held up high. In the same way, in these verses and in the book to come, Paul expresses to Timothy to not be ashamed of him. Why? It is because who Paul represents who is the eternal Son of God who came to earth to take away the sins of the world so that whoever believe in him will have eternal life. We are never to be ashamed of the cross because it was through the Cross that God in his infinite wisdom chose to save those who trust in his Son. Amen.

1 Timothy 6:1-21 The First Will Be Last and the Last Will be First

Let as many as are bond servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine not be blasphemed. Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things. If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn’t consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, insulting, evil suspicions, constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out. But having food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses. I command you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate testified the good confession, that you keep the commandment without spot, blameless, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; which in its own times he will show, who is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light; whom no man has seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and eternal power. Amen. Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life. Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of what is falsely called knowledge; which some profess, and thus have wandered from the faith. Grace be with you. Amen. There are only two world views. One places mankind in the center of importance and the other recognizes God and his Son Jesus Christ as the True Creators and True God and in the center of all importance. To the one who places himself as all important - he does not believe in eternal life that God created all of us to have. Instead he focuses on his importance only and even regards Jesus, the sustainer of life as foolishness. For the one who clings to Jesus as Savior, he will enjoy life after death in the presence of Jesus, but to the one who boasts in himself, this one will be cast into utter darkness, a place where he lived his life. In the life to come we will find that the first will be last and the last first, because their hour has arrived.

1 Timothy 5:1-25 Leading families and churches in purity

Don’t rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers; the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity. Honor widows who are widows indeed. But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God. Now she who is a widow indeed, and desolate, has her hope set on God, and continues in petitions and prayers night and day. But she who gives herself to pleasure is dead while she lives. Also command these things, that they may be without reproach. But if anyone doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. Let no one be enrolled as a widow under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, being approved by good works, if she has brought up children, if she has been hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, and if she has diligently followed every good work. But refuse younger widows, for when they have grown wanton against Christ, they desire to marry; having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge. Besides, they also learn to be idle, going about from house to house. Not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for insulting. For already some have turned aside after Satan. If any man or woman who believes has widows, let them relieve them, and don’t let the assembly be burdened; that it might relieve those who are widows indeed. Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain.” And, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” Don’t receive an accusation against an elder, except at the word of two or three witnesses. Those who sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear. I command you in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality. 22 Lay hands hastily on no one, neither be a participant in other men’s sins. Keep yourself pure. Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities. Some men’s sins are evident, preceding them to judgment, and some also follow later. In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and those that are otherwise can’t be hidden. Believers have two families. The first is their natural family with their parents and brothers and sisters. The second is their church family. When one member is in distress such as a widow, it is the church's obligation to support this one if she has no children. If there are children, it is their responsibility because this is pleasing to God. In the church we are to recognize the older members for their wisdom. The young should submit to the older letting their wisdom guide the younger and not take offense at correction or reproof. The leaders of the church are due double honor because they train up their own house and find time for the House of God. However if any leader takes the flock astray, his punishment is double because he has not been a good shepherd.

1 Timothy 4:1-16 Be Holy Just As God Is Holy, In Practicing Holiness You Will Save Your Soul & The Souls Of Others

But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, through the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron; forbidding marriage and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with thanksgiving. For it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer. If you instruct the brothers of these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which you have followed. But refuse profane and old wives’ fables. Exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to come. This saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance. For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have set our trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. Until I come, pay attention to reading, to exhortation, and to teaching. Don’t neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders. Be diligent in these things. Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be revealed to all. Pay attention to yourself, and to your teaching. Continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. Both in the Old Testament and in the New, God gave us lives of people as an example for our own life. In the Old Testament and in the New, God sent spokespersons to guide us through life and into holiness. Wisdom comes from the Word of God and from the lives that publicly follow it. Folly comes from laziness and and unwillingness to learn from godly examples. If you read the word of God and follow the examples God sends us, you will save your soul and the souls of others.

1 Timothy 3:1-16 How God wants the church to be established, maintained, and to endure

This is a faithful saying: if a man seeks the office of an overseer, he desires a good work. The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching; not a drinker, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence; (but if a man doesn’t know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the assembly of God?) not a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have good testimony from those who are outside, to avoid falling into reproach and the snare of the devil. Servants, in the same way, must be reverent, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money; holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. Let them also first be tested; then let them serve if they are blameless. 11 Their wives in the same way must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let servants be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For those who have served well gain for themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.These things I write to you, hoping to come to you shortly; but if I wait long, that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in God’s house, which is the assembly of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. Without controversy, the mystery of godliness is great: God was revealed in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and received up in glory. Paul is establishing guidelines for the church in his older years. Truthfully his teaching can be summed up in the 10 commandments: I am the Lord your God You shall have no other gods before me You shall not make for yourself an idol Do not take the name of the Lord in vain Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy Honor your father and mother You shall not kill/murder† You shall not commit adultery You shall not steal†† You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor You shall not covet‡ your neighbor's wife You shall not covet‡ anything that belongs to your neighbor God wants someone who has a good heart manifested by good management of his own family. He wants someone who is temperate, not self motivated, not addicted to wine, and one who does not covet. He wants a shepherd over his sheep and not a slave driver. In the same way, God wants the flock to obey their master and not be quarrelsome, remembering that the obedience is to God and not man. This is the way the church should be established, maintained, and endure.

1 Timothy 2:1-15 Pray for one another and the church and government and accept your role in God's creation

I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all; the testimony in its own times; to which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth in Christ, not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubting. In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety; not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing; but (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works. Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection. But I don’t permit a woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. Adam wasn't deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience; but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety. Prayer is our primary way to communicate with God and the Son. Because we desire a quiet and peaceful life, we should pray for our families and all others that come into our lives including the church and the government. We want to be set apart and holy and not self-centered as some are, but to accept the decisions God has made and live by them For this reason, every man is subject to Christ who is the head of all. He is the head of the house and his partner in life loves him by subjecting herself to him and not calling attention to herself with luring dress that would attract the attention to other men than her husband. We are all subject to someone, but all are subject to God the Father who is the centerpiece of the godhead.

1 Timothy 1:12-20 The Lord Alone is Wise - Commit Your Ways Unto Him

And I thank him who enabled me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he counted me faithful, appointing me to service; although I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. The grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience, for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. This instruction I commit to you, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which led the way to you, that by them you may wage the good warfare; holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust away made a shipwreck concerning the faith; of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I delivered to Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme. Paul is stating that he had no part in his salvation. He labels himself chief among the sinners since in prior times he persecuted the church. He states that the Lord planted faithfulness in him so that he could be a godly example to others. He acknowledges Jesus as supreme of the heaven and the earth and commits his son in the faith to the Good and faithful Shepherd who has been leading his life from salvation unto glory and counts him alone to be wise and worthy of our obedience and praise.

1 Timothy 1: 1-11 Be Steadfast In The Faith

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and Christ Jesus our hope; to Timothy, my true child in faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. As I urged you when I was going into Macedonia, stay at Ephesus that you might command certain men not to teach a different doctrine, and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause disputes, rather than God’s stewardship, which is in faith— but the goal of this command is love, out of a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith; from which things some, having missed the mark, have turned aside to vain talking; desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor about what they strongly affirm. But we know that the law is good, if a man uses it lawfully, as knowing this, that law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for man slayers, for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave-traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine; according to the Good News of the glory of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. Christ has arisen and ascended back to the Father. The age of the apostles is nearing its end as they are now old. Paul has spiritually adopted Timothy as a true son of the faith. He is counting on him to be steadfast in doctrine and Christine living. He is also counting on him to adhere to guidelines set forth for the church. To choose leaders, prohibit another kind of gospel than what Paul preached. This steadfastness is the essence of his letters to young Timothy as he prepared him for leadership.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 Follow Christ's Example of Servant hood and do not keep company with the rebellious sluggards

Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us. For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn't behave ourselves rebelliously among you, neither did we eat bread from anyone’s hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you; not because we don’t have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone will not work, don’t let him eat.” For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But you, brothers, don’t be weary in doing well. If any man doesn’t obey our word in this letter, note that man, that you have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. Don’t count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. In every respect, we should not grow weary in good deeds, but support for the sluggard short of correction leads to his demise. If a child does not eat the good food set before him, do you cater to his desires for pleasure. Working the ground for your food dates back to Adam and his sin so admonish the sluggard for his own sake.

2 Thessalonians 2: 13--17 3: 1-5 Pray for each other to sustain faith in the midst of evil men so that we may stand firm until the day of our Lord Jesus Christ

But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth; to which he called you through our Good News, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm, and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word, or by letter. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good work and word. Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, even as also with you; and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you, and guard you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you both do and will do the things we command May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patience of Christ. Men are not saved by the labor and efforts of men, but by the imparting of life by the Holy Spirit. God does use men to preach the gospel, but uses the Holy Spirit for salvation and sanctification.In these verses, Paul gives thanks to the Lord for the salvation brought in Thessalonica but asks for prayers for he and his ministers to be delivered from evil men in the world. Finally Paul exhorts them to hold fast to the gospel so that it is not snatched away from dark powers in the world.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 The Restrainer will leave, deceptions will be believed, and the Anti-Christ will be made manifest

Now, brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to him, we ask you not to be quickly shaken in your mind, nor yet be troubled, either by spirit, or by word, or by letter as from us, saying that the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you in any way. For it will not be, unless the departure comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction, he who opposes and exalts himself against all that is called God or that is worshiped; so that he sits as God in the temple of God, setting himself up as God. Don’t you remember that, when I was still with you, I told you these things? Now you know what is restraining him, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season. For the mystery of lawlessness already works. Only there is one who restrains now, until he is taken out of the way. Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will kill with the breath of his mouth, and destroy by the manifestation of his coming; even he whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deception of wickedness for those who are being lost, because they didn't receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. Because of this, God sends them a working of error, that they should believe a lie; that they all might be judged who didn't believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. The only reason that things are not as bad as they could be is because the Restrainer who is the Holy Spirit quiets Satan in the world. But before the day of the Lord, the Restrainer will leave and a spirit of deception sent and the world will literally be hell on earth. Jesus Christ is the Lord of truth and any who do not love the truth will be washed away by the wrath of Satan. At this time, the church also will be removed to be with Christ and there will be great havoc on this planet.

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 Await the return of Christ as it is promised

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers, even as it is appropriate, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of each and every one of you towards one another abounds; so that we ourselves boast about you in the assemblies of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you endure. This is an obvious sign of the righteous judgment of God, to the end that you may be counted worthy of God’s Kingdom, for which you also suffer. Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay affliction to those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted with us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, giving vengeance to those who don’t know God, and to those who don’t obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus, who will pay the penalty: eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired among all those who have believed (because our testimony to you was believed) in that day. To this end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and work of faith, with power; that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. The First Book of Thessalonians was written to give comfort to the believers that the dead in Christ and those on earth would be spared fro the Day of the Lord (a time of great tribulation and judgment). Now in the second letter Paul is telling believers to persevere through their present trials knowing that deliverance from Christ is assured and our withstanding trials now glorifies Christ. We should not repay evil doers because "Vengeance is mine," declares the Lord. We should await his coming as our blessed hope and will be rewarded if we are watching and preparing for his return.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-23 Be sober and keep watch because sudden destruction comes like a thief in the night

But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you. For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. For when they are saying, “Peace and safety,” then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman; and they will in no way escape. But you, brothers, aren't in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief. You are all children of light, and children of the day. We don’t belong to the night, nor to darkness, so then let’s not sleep, as the rest do, but let’s watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep in the night, and those who are drunk are drunk in the night. But let us, since we belong to the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and, for a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God didn't appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do. But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, and to respect and honor them in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. We exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, encourage the faint-hearted, support the weak, be patient toward all. See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good, for one another, and for all. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. Don’t quench the Spirit. Don’t despise prophesies. Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good. Abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because men are evil unless they are hidden in Christ, the judge will come swiftly - like a thief in the night - to render judgement. Therefore despise evil and keep watch with a sober spirit. God will not be mocked and will bring down blame upon those who do not belong to him. Whether Jew or Greek, a person's blood like will not save him. Only those who trust in the redemption of Christ will be saved. So observe the times and the seasons, because the hour is near when the master will come to his house and see if you are doing what he has commanded us to do. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 The believer in Christ Jesus will not be left behind

But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left to the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with God’s trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first, then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore comfort one another with these words. The purpose for Paul writing these words is to give hope to those who have lost loved ones. The hope he brings them is to reveal to that that Christ will not leave them in their grave. Just as we hold to the fact that Jesus arose from the dead then all who believe in his finished work will join him where he is. Those that have not died, but are in Christ will by no way be left behind. But just like their ancestors before them, they will be caught up with Jesus and the resurrected saints. This will clear the way for that which must occur which is the 7 year period of the Great Tribulation. It can be aptly described as hell on earth where Satan will have his sway with the unregenerate before Jesus swiftly brushes him into Hell which his judgment and the judgment of his followers, both human and angelic. This is the word of the Lord.