Day 63

in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be marveled at by all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.             2 Thessalonians 1:8, 10 MEV

Although there is sin in the believer, this is not talking about that. This is talking about the rejection of the good news that God had, through Jesus Christ, reconciled us to Him.

who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or is worshipped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself as God. 2 Thessalonians 2:4 MEV

This has been Satan’s goal since his fall, the events in the garden leading to the fall of man plays into this.

Therefore God will send them a strong delusion, that they should believe the lie: 2 Thessalonians 2:11 MEV

It is fatal to believe the lie. Those who truly seek God will not be under this strong delusion.

For when we were with you, we commanded you that if any will not work, neither shall he eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 MEV

If unemployed, look for a job. Don’t get comfortable doing nothing. Earn your bread, provide for the family the Lord blessed you with. I’ve not worked this hard, ever, and it is neither a burden or toil, as a pastor. Not only is what I do a privilege but it is also rejuvenating because I’m walking worthy of my calling in Christ.  Isaiah 48:17 NKJV

Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go.

If anyone does not obey our word in this letter, note that man, and do not socialize with him, so that he may be ashamed. Still, do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 MEV

As a pastor, without God’s wisdom, drawing this line between not having fellowship and ministering would be impossible, especially given that I too have human emotions to deal with.

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 MEV

God of peace. There the word peace again.

Day 64

Now the goal of this command is love from a pure heart, and from a good conscience, and from sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:5 MEV

Pure heart, good conscience, sincere faith.

I do not permit a woman to teach or to usurp authority over a man, but to be silent. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman, being deceived, fell into sin. Yet she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control. 1 Timothy 2:12, 14-15 MEV

To get a true understanding of this, we must understand the roles that God has ordained for men and women, what sin is and what really happened at the garden, the use of language at the apostle Paul’s time and culture etc. For example, the word “childbearing” is used the same way as we would use “tied the knot” or “got hitched”, meaning it can be a synonym for  marriage.