What was God’s reasoning for bringing judgment and chastisement? The answer is found in their apostasy—politically, religiously, and nationally. When a nation depends upon and boasts of its wealth and intellectual achievements without giving God credit, know this: they are headed for a fall.

After all, it is the Almighty who gives man the ability to gain wealth, along with reason and understanding. The prophet Daniel confirms this truth: “Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.” (Daniel 2:20-21)

Furthermore, the Psalmist spoke about man’s riches: “And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.” (Psalm 73:11-12)

Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, reveals the danger of not giving God glory because of greed: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:6-10)

Conclusion: Eventually, the nation of Israel learned this lesson. After seventy years of captivity, they returned to their homeland. Yet, in the providence of God, they were overtaken once again in 70 A.D. by the Romans and scattered abroad. However, they returned as a nation on May 14, 1948.

Until this day, they are being blessed, but not without struggles. Futuristically, Israel will be overpowered by the Man of Sin—Antichrist—until Jesus Christ comes in His Second Coming, inaugurating His kingdom, and there shall be no end. Although blinded now, many will look upon their Messiah for their salvation.

The word “salvation” is σωτηρία (so-tay-ree’-ah), which means deliverance. Was Paul talking about deliverance from prison or this life into heaven? Most believe the latter—heaven. Perhaps he knew he would never be released from prison. But he also believed heaven was in the picture, as he makes mention of it in the following verses.

I love the meaning of the phrase “earnest expectation.” It is the word ἀποκαραδοκία, which means an earnest longing. At the same time, it pictures a person straining their neck with all their might to catch a glimpse of something that is ahead.

In other words, Paul was looking ahead to when he would stand before Jesus at the Judgment Seat. More specifically, that he would be ready. And God forbid that he should be ashamed.

Both his goal, as well as ours, should be that Jesus Christ is glorified in our life and death.

Check out the word “despise.” Do you know what it means? Here is the word: καταφρονέω. It means to dislike, or it can even have to do with scorning or looking down upon. The Lord is saying, do not let anyone look down upon you, Timothy, because of your age or experience. Conversely, he was urged to show others by his lifestyle. In other words, his “walk” and “talk” would be on display for others to see, which should point them to the GRACE of God, the LOVE of Jesus, and the POWER of the Holy Spirit.

What was meant by the phrase “attendance to reading”? In the context of this letter, the phrase ἀνάγνωσις meant recognition. It also had to do with public reading, more specifically the Law and the Prophets in the synagogue or church.

Next, what does “exhortation” mean? Technically, it means to comfort or encourage.

Conclusion: If we are going to use our influence for the glory of the Lord, then we must not only teach the right thing but also live the right life.

Introduction: As a Christian, do you need encouragement? Try reading this passage while letting its truth sink in! Take a moment out of your busyness to build up your spiritual batteries. If these verses do not recharge your heart, something is wrong.

Writing to the Church of Colossae under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, the deity of Jesus Christ was on the forefront. Why? Because of the misinformation—false teaching—which had infiltrated the Church. However, as a skilled soldier of the cross, the flaming missionary Paul, who was incarcerated at the time, totally debunks the false teaching.

The Bible teaches that every human is born with a sin nature (Rom 5:12). Yet, at the same time, a sinner who is born “dead in trespasses and sin” (Eph. 2:1-4), he or she can be “quickened together” with Jesus. By the way, the word “quickened” is συζωοποιέω, which literally means to make alive. That is, once regenerated or quickened by the Holy Spirit, an exchange takes place. He comes inside of the believer to bring life to the one who was spiritually dead.

What does the word “blotting out” indicate? The word is ἐξαλείφω, and it means to wipe out or to blot out. It can mean to erase or even to obliterate.

Do you get the picture? Through the cross of Christ, including His cleansing blood, the believer’s sins are wiped away, removed, forgotten, forgiven, released, blotted out. Think about it. All the sins that you have ever committed are erased in the eyes of the God of the Bible.

3. Once was dominated by satanic influences but now overcomers through Jesus Christ! (Col 2:15) – “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”

The word “triumphing” is θριαμβεύω, which pictures One leading in triumphal procession. That One was Jesus Christ. Since He is victorious over the satanic influences, then we too can be overcomers in Him!

Conclusion: These threefold works of Jesus should both motivate us and cause us to evaluate the “gift” of knowing Him and letting Him be known. This is great news in a bad news world!

King David was on the run… running for his life. Believe it or not, his own son Absalom was attempting to usurp authority over the king, his father. But as you read, “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.”

Think about it… Sleeping in peace, feeling secure! The word “safety” is בֶּטַח (betach). It has to do with security and safety. The word can also mean confidence and trust.

Conclusion: Since our security, identity, and destiny are found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we can SLEEP in PEACE because our trust and faith are in Him.

Introduction: Do you know what the word “sanctified” means? Basically, it has to do with setting apart. In other words, God wants to set His people apart from the world. There should be a difference! Can others tell that you are different in your walk and talk?

1. Fully Sanctified Includes Our Body Being Set Apart! (1 Thess. 5:23) – “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

By the way, the word “sanctified” is ἁγιάζω (hag-ee-ad’-zo), which means to sanctify or to make holy. It can also mean to consecrate. But basically, it has to do with being set apart.

2. Fully Sanctified Includes Our Soul—Mind, Will, and Emotions! (1 Thess. 5:23) – “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

When Christ comes into the life of a believer, He changes it from the inside out! Starting in the mind, will, and even emotions, “the hidden life in Christ” is seen. It is an extraordinary life, which is impossible to live outside of the power of the Holy Spirit.

3. Fully Sanctified in Our Final State Will Take Place When Jesus Christ Comes Again! (1 Thess. 5:23) – “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Finally, the process will be finished. When Jesus comes for His children in the rapture, we will take on a brand-new body. That is, it will be a glorified body, not limited or restricted like this earthly body.

Conclusion: Can you say you are being “Fully Sanctified”? Do you look forward to the day when you will be finally and fully sanctified?

After being warned by Jesus that he would fail miserably by denying his Lord, Peter fell flat on his face in defeat. Oh, by the way, this was after caving in to peer pressure with tormenting fear—not once, but three times. Three strikes, and you’re OUT! Do you wonder if he thought he was done? Finished? A complete failure? Irreparable? Unreconcilable?

Because of feeling defeated and discouraged, Peter went back to his profession—fishing. After all, that was how he made a living. Perhaps he was hoping to catch a mess of fish to make him feel better. However, he came up empty-handed—without a nibble!

Get this: Jesus knows where the fish are biting, how to catch them, and He even cleans them!

Did you notice that our Lord told the professional fisherman, Peter, how and where to catch the fish—despite the fact that he had fished all night long?

An invitation from the MASTER should result in a positive affirmation.

There is a song that comes to mind that was sung in children’s church. It goes like this:
“Follow, follow, I will follow Jesus, anywhere, everywhere, I will follow Him!”