Bible Pathway - December 8

Read 2 Thessalonians 1

Highlights:

Encouragement in persecution; instruction concerning the day of the Lord; commandments to work.

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels (2 Thes. 1:7).

There are two definite appointed times that we will all face: death, and the coming of the Lord (Mark 13:32). Christ is coming again, and preparation must be made before death for the life to come (John 11:26). The only way we can be prepared for these events is to be “born again into the Family of God” by His Spirit (1 John 5:1; see also John 3:3-5). We must accept the free pardon from sin that is offered to us by Jesus. Jesus has made the way for us to prepare ourselves to meet Him. Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (John 14:6). Jesus makes it clear that He has made the only way that will get us to Him in the end. We must place our trust in the work done upon the cross by Jesus Christ. And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven (Col. 1:20).

Titus spoke of that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13). But this blessed hope, and the glorious appearing is only for Christians — others have no hope. Those who know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power (2 Thes. 1:8-9). They have heard the message of the Good News. They understand that Christ died for them. They simply for one reason or another have chosen to reject the gospel message or put off their decision. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgement to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have convenient season, I will call for thee (Acts 24:25). There are probably no sadder words spoken than these or others like them. So many have heard the message of Christ and simply said not now.

Don't let the enemy deceive you. The devil will use every device at his command to keep a person from coming to Christ. It is amazing that sometimes the simple schemes work the best. Just getting us to hold off long enough could cost us everything. Tomorrow is not promised us. For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2). So we need to seek the Lord while there is still time. Whether by death or the return of Christ, judgement is coming.

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he can not enter into the Kingdom of God (John 3:5).

Thought for the Day: Those who truly love God will pursue righteousness.

Cross References:

For II Thess. 1:8: See Is. 1:28. II Thess. 2:3: See Dan. 7:25. II Thess. 2:4: See Ezek. 28:2.

Word Studies:

1:3 meet fitting, right; 2:17 stablish strengthen, make firm; 3:7 disorderly irresponsibly.

Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord's forgiveness with a repentant heart, knowing that God will graciously receive you (Hos. 14:1-2).

Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 1:37