February 5, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – 2 Thessalonians Chapter 3
1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
17 The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
In the third chapter of the Second Letter to the Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul offers both encouragement and admonition to the congregation. He asks for prayers for the spread of the Gospel and simultaneously speaks about the importance of faithfulness in belief. A central theme of this chapter is the warning against idleness and the call to lead a disciplined and industrious life. Finally, Paul concludes the letter with a wish for peace and blessing.
Commentary
This chapter highlights the significance of prayer, work ethic, and spiritual discipline. Paul emphasizes the need to actively spread the Gospel and to distance oneself from those who lead a disordered life. Particularly striking is the admonition against laziness: whoever does not want to work should not eat. This is not about harshness or punishment, but about establishing a clear spiritual order in the congregation. At the same time, brotherly love is not forgotten—correction should be made not out of hostility, but out of genuine care.
Summary
Paul asks the congregation for prayers for the proclamation of God’s word and encourages them to remain faithful. He warns against idleness and calls for a well-ordered and industrious life. Those who oppose this instruction should be admonished, but not as enemies, rather as brothers. In conclusion, Paul blesses the congregation with a wish for peace and the grace of Jesus Christ.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 3—Repentance
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Repentance is the first step toward true conversion and reconciliation with God. But what does genuine repentance mean? Is it merely a fear of the consequences of sin, or is it a profound turning away from it? The Bible shows us that true repentance is not only the acknowledgment of our faults but also an inner transformation that leads us to Christ. Many wonder how they can come into alignment with God. The answer is: through sincere repentance and the acceptance of God’s grace. In this chapter, we recognize that genuine repentance does not come from ourselves, but is the work of the Holy Spirit who convicts our hearts and draws us to Christ.
Commentary
The Bible distinguishes between genuine and false repentance. False repentance is often evident in people who fear the consequences of their sin but do not hate the sin itself. Examples of this are Esau, Balaam, Judas, and Pharaoh – each of them repented of their actions, but not from a change of heart, rather out of fear of punishment.
True repentance, on the other hand, is a deep recognition of the sinfulness of one’s own life and a sincere desire for change. King David is an example of true repentance: he recognized his guilt, sought God’s forgiveness, and asked not only for cleansing but for a new heart and a renewed spirit (Psalm 51).
This true repentance cannot be achieved by human effort alone. It is Christ who leads us to repentance. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and shows us the righteousness of Christ. Those who become aware of the love and suffering of Jesus are moved to conversion. Only through Christ’s work on the cross can we recognize our sinful nature and develop a sincere desire for change.
Many people mistakenly believe that they must first repent before they can come to Christ. Yet the Bible teaches that Christ himself grants us repentance. Without him, we are not capable of truly regretting our sin or turning away from it. Therefore, Jesus calls, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Another obstacle to true repentance is self-righteousness. Many believe that they are not as sinful as others and therefore do not need a profound conversion. But it is precisely pride and self-deception that separate us from God. The Bible shows that even small sins can have serious consequences – even the disobedience of Adam and Eve led to suffering and death in the world.
The chapter concludes with an urgent warning: whoever repeatedly rejects God’s invitation to convert hardens their heart. The best time for repentance is now – for every delay can cause the heart to become increasingly unresponsive to God’s voice.
Summary
1.False and True Repentance – Genuine repentance does not mean fearing the consequences of sin, but hating the sin itself.
2.The Work of the Holy Spirit – Repentance is not a human achievement but the work of God. The Holy Spirit convicts us and draws us to Christ.
3.The Cross as the Key to Repentance – Whoever recognizes the suffering and love of Christ will be moved to conversion. God’s goodness leads us to repentance.
4.The Danger of Procrastination – Those who delay their conversion harden their hearts and risk missing out on God’s grace.
This chapter urgently calls us to true repentance—not out of fear of punishment, but out of love for God. Whoever recognizes and repents of their sin has the door wide open to forgiveness and renewal.
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