In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, Truth to Learn Even in the midst of difficult times we should be rejoicing that God has secured our salvation, forever! Behind the Words The word “rejoice” is...
1 Peter 1:5 – Guardian of Salvation
who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. Truth to Learn God is guarding our salvation and will not allow it to be lost. Behind the Words “Kept” is translated from the Greek word phroureō, which is...
1 Peter 1:4 – Eternal Inheritance
to an inheritance which is incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, Truth to Learn Our inheritance, as born again children of God, is guaranteed for us, and it will never be taken away from us. Behind the Words The word translated...
1 Peter 1:3 – Spiritual Birth
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, Truth to Learn Because of the resurrection of Jesus, we have spiritual life. Behind the...
1 Peter 1:2 – God Selected
chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. Truth to Learn God chose us to be saved. Behind the Words “Chosen” is translated from the Greek...
1 Peter 1:1 – From Peter, To All Christians
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen sojourners of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Truth to Learn If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins then this...
1 Peter – Introduction (part 2)
When Was this Letter Written? This letter was apparently written just before or shortly after the beginning of the systematic persecution of Christians in the later years of Nero (around AD 64). The acquaintance that Peter had with Paul’s letters, even those written during Paul’s imprisonment at Rome (ending in...
1 Peter – Indroduction (part 1)
We are now beginning the book of 1 Peter. Today and tomorrow we will cover the introductory information. Who Wrote this Letter? Because of his unique prominence, there was no shortage in the early church of documents falsely claiming to be written by Peter. However, there is considerable evidence, both...
2 Thessalonians 3:18 – Our Master’s Grace
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Truth to Learn Jesus Christ is our gracious Lord and Master. He owns us. Behind the Words “Grace” is translated from the Greek noun charis, which is from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Therefore, we see...
2 Thessalonians 3:17 – Read Your Bible
The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every letter; so I write. Truth to Learn We must read the Bible to learn God’s message to us. Behind the Words Aspasmos is the Greek word translated as “salutation.” It is based on aspodzomai, which...
2 Thessalonians 3:16 – No Worries, Mate
And may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. Truth to Learn There is no cause for worry when the Lord of peace is our God. Behind the Words “Lord” is from the Greek noun kurios, which is...
2 Thessalonians 3:15 – Loving Restoration, Not Punishment
Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. Truth to Learn Church discipline should be done as an act of love, with the objective being restoration and growth, not punishment. Behind the Words The word “count” is translated from the Greek verb hēgeomai,...
2 Thessalonians 3:14 – Breaking Fellowship
And if anyone does not obey our word in this letter, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Truth to Learn We are not to fellowship with other Christians who are rebellious and disobedient. Behind the Words “Obey” is translated from...
2 Thessalonians 3:13 – Don’t Get Discouraged
And you, brothers, do not get discouraged in doing good. Truth to Learn Work hard for God and don’t get discouraged. Behind the Words Adelphos is the word translated “brothers.” It literally refers to someone from the same womb, hence, “a brother or sister.” It is used throughout the...
2 Thessalonians 3:12 – Share the Load
Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. Truth to Learn Everyone in the church needs to carry his or her own weight. Behind the Words The words “who are such” come from...
2 Thessalonians 3:11 – Another Fine Line
For we hear that there are some among you walking in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but being busybodies. Truth to Learn There is a difference between taking care of the needs of others and becoming a know-it-all busybody. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “we...
2 Thessalonians 3:10 – A Fine Line
For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone is not willing to work, neither is he to eat. Truth to Learn There is a difference between showing love and enabling the laziness of others. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “we commanded” is...
2 Thessalonians 3:9 – Christ-like Selflessness
not because we do not have authority, but that we might give ourselves as an example for you to imitate us. Truth to Learn Our love for others is shown in what we sacrifice for them. Behind the Words “Authority” is translated from the Greek noun exousia, which is...
2 Thessalonians 3:8 – A Servant Above Reproach
nor did we eat anyone's bread as a free gift, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, Truth to Learn The Apostle Paul behaved above reproach in his ministry. Behind the Words The Greek word translated...
2 Thessalonians 3:7 – Walk, or Just Talk?
For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, for we were not disorderly among you; Truth to Learn The most effective proclaimer of the Gospel truth is someone who lives the kind of life he preaches about. Behind the Words The word translated “know” is eidō, which...
2 Thessalonians 3:6 – Judgment With Love
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 you received from us. Truth to Learn There are times when Christians are supposed to judge others. Behind the Words...
2 Thessalonians 3:5 – Our Heavenly Guide
Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. Truth to Learn As you travel through this life, follow God’s directions. Behind the Words “Direct” is translated from the Greek verb kateuthenō. This is a compound word made up of...