ACTS: The Gospel Message May be "Boring", but It Gives Life!

After the uproar [in Ephesus] had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia. (Acts 20:1)

Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece  and stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia—also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. These men, going ahead, waited for us at Troas. But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days. (Acts 20:2-6)

Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. (Acts 20:7-9)

Well, Paul can be considered as the first preacher that literally "bored a person to death".  But seriously, he spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. Paul explained in a future letter, And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (I Corinthians 2:1-5)

Today so many preachers try to get the people excited and saying "Amen" and shouting when they speak.  If that's how the Holy Spirit moves a person to respond, that is fine.  But the goal of the preacher should not be to incite that kind of response.  The preachers goal should only be to clearly declare the testimony of God, Jesus Christ and Him crucified, by the Spirit and of power of God.  And let's pay attention that Paul continued his message until midnight.  So often we go to church, enjoy the "show", and then leave.  If it should last longer than a few hours, we start complaining.  If we can do other things we enjoy, we should be able to listen to the Word of God with the same enthusiasm and joy, without putting a time restriction on the message.

This brings to mind the time that God lead Nehemiah to the children of Israel, who escaped one of their periods of captivity, to rebuild the wall and city of Jerusalem.  When that work was complete, Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel. So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month. Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. (Nehemiah 8:1-3)

So Ezra the scribe stood on a platform of wood which they had made for the purpose;... And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. [And many others] helped the people to understand the Law; and the people stood in their place.  So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading. (Nehemiah 8:4-8) Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, in sackcloth, and with dust on their heads. ... And they stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for one–fourth of the day; and for another fourth they confessed and worshiped the Lord their God. (Nehemiah 9:1-3)

The people not only listened to the reading of the Word of God with attentive ears, but the people stood up.  The readers weren't shouting or hollering or running around or using props to help explain their message.  They just read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading.  So many times we may go to church and be entertained, but we don't remember anything the preacher said; or we may remember what was said, but we only remember his words, not the Word of God.  We have to be sure when we listen to any preacher that we are being fed spiritual food, and spiritual drink. ...that spiritual Rock ..., and that Rock was Christ. (I Corinthians 10:3, 4)

As for the young many who fell asleep and fell out the window, while Paul was speaking for hours, But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.” Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted. (Acts 20:10-12) Through the power of God's Holy Spirit in him, Paul was able to revive the young man; and when they returned to the room on the third floor, Paul kept on speaking the gospel message, for many more hours.

Then we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, there intending to take Paul on board; for so he had given orders, intending himself to go on foot. (Acts 20:13)  Sometimes we just have to be by ourselves.  After what had taken place in Troas, that's exactly what Paul did.  The others traveling with him took a ship to Assos, but Paul walked.  Just as Jesus would sometimes do, He would send the disciples ahead of Him to a place, while He would walk and join them later.  The scripture doesn't specify, but more than not these private times were dedicated to prayer and fasting.

And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene. We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus. For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 20:14-16)

ACTS: Ephesians Goddess Diana; Who? Why "carry the wood of their carved image, and pray to a god that cannot save"?

When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time. (Acts 19:21-22)

And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way [Christianity]. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. (Acts 19:23-24) Diana (or the Greek Artemis) was believed by her pagan worshipers to be a goddess of fertility, a provider for and protector of her people, and the mother of the earth. (read "Artemis of Ephesus" and "The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus")

Diana was "big business", and even though she was a "false god", the Ephesians who profited from her did not want this teaching of the Way to continue in Asia. Demetrius went on to explain why.  He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: “Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands. So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.” (Acts 19:25-27)

By this time, the Word of God had been spread throughout almost all Asia, and many people had been persuaded and turned away from worshiping false gods, including Diana.  But we must understand, that For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (I Timothy 6:10) Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. (Romans 1:24-25)

Now when they heard this, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul’s travel companions. And when Paul wanted to go in to the people, the disciples would not allow him. Then some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him pleading that he would not venture into the theater. (Acts 19:28-31)

Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together. And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander motioned with his hand, and wanted to make his defense to the people. But when they found out that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” (Acts 19:32-34)

And when the city clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: “Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple guardian of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Zeus? Therefore, since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rashly. For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. (Acts 19:35-37)

This is very important to make note of.  Our world if overcome by immorality, even amorality, just as Ephesus were.  Yet, Paul and his companions did not rob their temples nor blaspheme their goddess.  They just spoke the Truth, accurately and boldly, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands.  Often times as Christians, we turn people off from the gospel message, because we come in condemning and judging, instead of ...speaking the truth in love... (Ephesians 4:15) Jesus was our perfect example, for He said, "And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day." (John 12:47-48)

In a future letter, Paul will explain it this way, "Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings." (I Corinthians 9:22-23 NLT) We have to try and be loving towards all people, because love is action, it's how we treat people, and ...the goodness of God leads you to repentance. (Romans 2:4) Not the wrath of God, because the wrath of God is reserved for Judgement Day.  But for now, He ...desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (I Timothy 2:4)

The city clerk concluded by saying, "Therefore, if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. But if you have any other inquiry to make, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. For we are in danger of being called in question for today’s uproar, there being no reason which we may give to account for this disorderly gathering.” And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly. (Acts 19:38-41)

Regardless of this world's courts and lawful assemblies, God will be the final judge regarding Diana, all false gods, and all people.  “To whom will you liken Me, and make Me equal And compare Me, that we should be alike? They lavish gold out of the bag, And weigh silver on the scales; They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god; They prostrate themselves, yes, they worship. They bear it on the shoulder, they carry it And set it in its place, and it stands; From its place it shall not move. Though one cries out to it, yet it cannot answer Nor save him out of his trouble. ... For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me,..." (Isaiah 46:5-9)

“Assemble yourselves and come; Draw near together, You who have escaped from the nations. They have no knowledge, Who carry the wood of their carved image, And pray to a god that cannot save. Tell and bring forth your case; Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, the Lord? And there is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; There is none besides Me. Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, And shall not return, That to Me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall take an oath. He shall say, ‘Surely in the Lord I have righteousness and strength. To Him men shall come, And all shall be ashamed who are incensed against Him." (Isaiah 45:20-24) AMEN!

As for Diana and her temple, Demetrius had said, So not only is this trade of ours in danger of falling into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Diana may be despised and her magnificence destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship. Well, that's exactly what happened.  The temple of Diana, once the largest building of the ancient world, and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, now of which scarcely a trace remains.  "Historical sources tell us that the temple was deliberately burnt down by Herostratus in 356 BC, and, according to tradition, on the very night that Alexander the Great was born in Macedon. Many of the architectural elements and sculptures from the Archaic Artemision show clear signs of burning."  It was rebuilt three times before being completely destroyed in 268 AD. (read "Diana of Ephesus") 

Hear, all you peoples! Listen, O earth, and all that is in it! Let the Lord God be a witness against you, The Lord from His holy temple. "All her carved images shall be beaten to pieces, And all her pay as a harlot shall be burned with the fire; All her idols I will lay desolate, For she gathered it from the pay of a harlot, And they shall return to the pay of a harlot.” (Micah 1:2, 7) Diana is dead, and her temple is destroyed. But Christ Jesus is still alive, Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance ... and forgiveness of sins.(Acts 5:31) And He is still willing and able to save! 

ACTS: We Need More than the Name "Jesus"; "For the Word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart!"

Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. (Acts 19:11-12)

Jesus had said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father." (John 14:12) The apostles were proof that this prophecy was the Truth, especially Paul, as he would say in a future letter, that "...what Christ has done through me, bringing the Gentiles to God by my message and by the way I worked among them. They were convinced by the power of miraculous signs and wonders and by the power of God’s Spirit." (Romans 15:18-19 NLT)

When Jesus had sent out the seventy disciples in pairs, they declared to Him when they ...returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:17-20)

Also Jesus had promised the disciples, "It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you." (John 16:7) The prerequisites to having this kind of power is to believe in Christ Jesus, being filled with God's Spirit, and to be given the authority by Christ Jesus.  Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. (Acts 19:12-14)

We've studied in previous messages that many believed based on what they saw and heard, but that didn't necessarily lead to their conversion, accepting Christ Jesus as their Savior and Lord and being filled with the Holy Spirit.  Remember ...a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” (Acts 8:9-10)

But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:12-15)

And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. (Acts 8:18-21)  This man had professed to believe, was even baptized, but the reality was his heart was not right in the sight of God.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12-13)  We can say the right words, act the right way, but if the source is not the Word of God and His Holy Spirit in us, our best effort may fool man, but they won't fool God nor demons.

And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. (Acts 19:15-17)

MY GOD!!!  Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11) We can say the name of Jesus, even name children Jesus, but there is only ONE "JESUS", that Even the demons believe—and tremble! (James 2:19)

If we try to do greater works, but we don't have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the only Begotten Son of God, the world is going to tear us up, just like this evil spirit did to these seven sons of a Jewish chief priest.  However, because of what happened, they were "exposed" as the fakes they were, but the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.  And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed. (Acts 19:18-20)

Paul would say in another letter, "Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice." (Philippians 1:15-18)  Regardless of people's motives, the gospel message of Christ Jesus was and is still being preached throughout the world.  God's Word will not return to Him void, But it shall accomplish what He please (Isaiah 55:11); and God will judge the intents of the heart, to Whom we must give account.

When these things were accomplished, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time. (Acts 19:21-22)

ACTS: Speak What You Know, but Always Listen to Instruction!

And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up and greeted the church, he went down to Antioch. [During this time, he wrote both letters to the church in Thessalonica]. After he had spent some time there, he departed and went over the region of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples. (Acts 18:22-23)

Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John. So he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. (Acts 18:24-26)  Oftentimes we hear the Word of God, and if we believe, we get so excited about the message that we just "run with it", telling others what we know.  That's good, but we have to commit ourselves to learning as much as God has revealed.  We have to study the entire Word of God; Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15 KJV)

Elders in the church have a great responsibility. But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— ...in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. (Titus 2:1-8)  These are the kind of elders Aquila and Priscilla were in the church.  Paul had spent much time with them; he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. (Acts 18:3) They even accompanied Paul on one of his missionary journeys to Syria and Ephesus. (Acts 18:18-20)

So, When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. (Acts 18:26) Aquila and Priscilla did their jobs as elders, and Apollos did his job as a "babe" in the faith, he listened to the instruction and teaching given to him by the elders. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. (Proverbs 9:9) A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, (Proverbs 1:5) And when he [Apollos] desired to cross to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; for he vigorously refuted the Jews publicly, showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ. (Acts 18:27-28)

And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Now the men were about twelve in all. (Acts 19:1-7)

We've studied this repeatedly, where people have heard and believed the Word of God, but had not  been "sealed by the Holy Spirit" yet.  These believers, just like all of us who first believed, In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14)  God makes sure His Word spreads throughout the world.  So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: “Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world.” [Psalm 19:4] (Romans 10:17-18) For as the earth brings forth its bud, As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth, So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. (Isaiah 61:11)

God also makes sure that all who believe will come to know the whole Truth and salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-11) So Paul, And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. (Acts 19:8-10)

II THESSALONIANS: Salvation is a Choice, and So is Working and Caring for Others!

But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. (II Thessalonians 2:13-15)

Paul was continuing to encourage the church at Thessalonica, as they endured much hardship and persecution, so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. (II Thessalonians 1:4-8)

Paul also reassured them that the Day of the Lord was indeed coming, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels;  but that Day had not come yet, because certain events must happen before that Day comes. ...the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (II Thessalonians 2:8-10)

Paul made it very clear that there are two categories of people, the saved and the unsaved.  He stated that the unsaved are those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.  The unsaved refuse to believe the Truth, the Word of God, in Christ Jesus as their Savior and Lord.  However, the saved from the beginning God chose for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by the gospel.  We can not misinterpret what Paul is saying.  God did not choose from the beginning who would be saved.  He chose how we would be saved. (see Predestined, not Predetermined)

Yes, He does know the choices we will make, but He didn't pre-program us to make a certain choice.  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) We have to choose to believe the Word of God, in Christ Jesus.  Jesus beckons, Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him... (Revelations 3:20)  We have to choose to let Christ into our lives.  He doesn't open the door, we have to. 

From the beginning, God chose all people for salvation through sanctification; Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (I Timothy 2:4)  But how does this process of sanctification work? By the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by the gospel.  First, we have to hear the gospel.  Then, we have to believe in the truth.  Finally, we will be filled and sealed by ...the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30)  That is salvation, that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:9, 17) 

After reassuring the Thessalonica church that their belief, faith, hope and trust are secure in Christ Jesus and the promises of God, he continues with more encouragement. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. (II Thessalonians 2:16-17) Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. (II Thessalonians 3:1-5)

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. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. (II Thessalonians 3:6-12)

As Christians, we should be the example to all unbelievers of how man ought to live and treat each other. We should always pay for what we receive, or at least offer.  We should always work hard and faithfully, And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)  We who are physically and mentally able should work, and not expect anyone to take care of us. 

It is so sad to see the number of adult children returning home for their parents to take care of them,;or if they are living on their own, expecting their parents to help support them; or have their parents raising their children, and this is going on among professed Christians.  The church is supposed to help take care of widows and orphans. (James 1:27) Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her. But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to show godliness at home and repay their parents by taking care of them. This is something that pleases God. (I Timothy 5:3-4 NLT) We are to repay our parents by taking care of them, not having them continue to take care of us!

But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. (II Thessalonians 3:13-15) In other words, if anyone is offended by these instructions, then they have a problem with God, because doing these things pleases God.  Don't continue supporting them or spending time with them, but exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. Just leave that person alone, and let God convict them.  Maybe they will become ashamed, and then change their behavior in also doing what pleases God, and return to fellowship as a brother.

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (II Thessalonians 3:16-18)

II THESSALONIANS: Stay Faithful During Trials and Tribulations; Certain Events Must Happen Before Christ Return!

Now as He [Jesus] sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?” And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet." (Mark 13:3-7)

In the previous lessons, we studied Paul's first letter to the church in Thessalonica, and how he encouraged that young church, reiterating the foundation of their faith, ...and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, evenJesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. (I Thessalonians 1:9-10)  This wrath to come caused the recipients of his first letter to have some additional questions, especially the part concerning the "rapture", For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. (I Thessalonians 4:16-17) Therefore, Paul was convicted to send them another letter to answer their questions and reassure them about what must happen before Christ returns.

Paul, Silvanus [Silas], and Timothy,

To the church 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 thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other, so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. (II Thessalonians 1:1-8)

The church in Thessalonica was going through a lot of difficulties,  For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans, who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men, forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost. (I Thessalonians 2:14-16)  Paul was trying to encourage them through their suffering not to give up because the suffering we go through on earth is temporary, compared to the suffering and vengeance God will take on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, for eternity.

These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed. Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (II Thessalonians 1:9-12)  These Gentile converts in Thessalonica needed to understand, just like all of us do that Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)  If Christ Jesus has overcome the world, we will also!  When He comes in that Day, God will fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified. 

Christ will be glorified in us and we will be glorified in Him.  Peter explained the assurance and confident expectation we need to have, while we wait for the Day of the Lord, when Christ Jesus returns. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. (I Peter 1:6-9)  All that we may go through for having faith in Christ Jesus may cause us to be treated very unkindly by the world, but that's just the genuineness of your faith is being tested.  Remember, in the previous lesson we reviewed that we are a triune being, body, spirit and soul. Then the dust [body] will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7) But all that we go through while we're here, as long as we keep our faith, hope and trust in the Lord Christ Jesus, will lead to the salvation of our souls.

Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. (II Thessalonians 2:1-4)

The Thessalonica church was going through so much persecution that they thought the day of Christ had come, and that they had missed it.  Paul was correcting them and letting them know "that certain events must take place before Christ will return." (Strong's Bible)  We will study more about the man of sin, the son of perdition when we study the books of Daniel and Revelation.  But God spoke through the prophet Daniel over 2,500 years ago, and described this man that, He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand For a time and times and half a time." (Daniel 7:25) “Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; And he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; But he shall be broken without human means." (Daniel 8:25) This still has not happened yet, because the temple has not been rebuilt in Jerusalem, and this man will sit as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. But he shall be broken without human means. (read Revelation 19-20)

Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (II Thessalonians 2:5-12)

Jesus said it this way, “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” (John 3:18-21) When will the Day of the Lord come?  No man knows the day nor the hour.  The world may think we're crazy to work while we wait for a Savior to return, that they don't even believe is real. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (I Corinthians 1:18)