Friends, today We begin in 2 Thessalonians 3 and it exhorting (encouraging and urging) us to pray this Word of God, as the Word of the LORD, would have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with us. This is speaking of it being released from under the cover of the darkness brought on by the wicked men spoken of in the prior chapter. There Paul told us of these men first being already at work infesting the seats of power, and after the working of Satan, with all lying and deception, would hold us down until they are taken out of the way. We also know from our studies these men are opposing God, exalting themselves and their counsel over His, and the free course spoken of is the LORD touching (affecting) us into abundant life. The means of our liberation is His counsel breaking the darkness as a sun rise, and seen as His glory, as our Almighty and Omnipresent Redeemer.
2 Thessalonians 3 then goes on to warn us away from joining together with such wicked men, who aren’t with us in this faith and don’t’ follow the ways of truth. This harkens back to Isaiah 8 thru 10, which we discussed again in the prior post, and its coinciding account of those ruling over God’s people leading them into darkness by their by flawed teaching and erroneous counsel. We also saw it speak of the confederacy they form, opposing God and exalting itself above the LORD’s counsel, and our being told the words they speak will come to nothing.
We read in Isaiah 8 of this being initiated as God with us (Emmanuel), in the form of what we see as His counsel (Word) coming to us, and once it has touched (moved) us and has had its effect, it is said to be as light lighting upon us. We then read in Isaiah 9 of this as being as if a Son has been given to us, “and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. 8 The LORD sent a word into Jacob, and it has lighted upon Israel.”
Friends, a reminder of what to expect as the world responds; if people have awakened out of this world they will agree with us and will say it is God’s glory seen; if they are of the world they will disagree and will call us Beelzebub. (24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his LORD. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his LORD. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?) In this we see the truth we have been told of this corrupted world and time, having become without form, and void, all reality reversed and defined as the opposite of its true identity. We see this manifested in all the fake news media, the elites and the powerful, who love to wallow in their filthy mind’s delights, and in the delusional mire they stir against reality and all that is natural. (26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.)
Their end is found written in ending Isaiah 9 where we read of it coming as they devours each other in the confusion of the battle mentioned earlier in verse 5. We know when verse 4 speaks of this as being as in the days of Midian it is speaking of when Gideon, after having put the enemy (Midian) to flight in a state of total confusion, called God’s people to finish them. They came to the rock of Oreb where they closed on their oppressors as the waters crashed down on the Egyptians, who, as our enemies have now, chose to pursue us, even after we have been set free from under the darkness of their shadow of death.
Isaiah 9
1 Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.
2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them has the light shined.
3 You have multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before you according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
4 For you have broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.
5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
8 The LORD sent a word into Jacob, and it has lighted upon Israel.
9 And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart,
10 The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycamores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars.
11 Therefore the LORD shall set up the adversaries of Rezin against him, and join his enemies together;
12 The Syrians before, and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
13 For the people turns not unto him that smites them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts.
14 Therefore the LORD will cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush, in one day.
15 The ancient and honorable, he is the head; and the prophet that teaches lies, he is the tail.
16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.
17 Therefore the LORD shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
18 For wickedness burns as the fire: it shall devour the briers and thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the forest, and they shall mount up like the lifting up of smoke.
19 Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire: no man shall spare his brother.
20 And he shall snatch on the right hand, and be hungry; and he shall eat on the left hand, and they shall not be satisfied: they shall eat every man the flesh of his own arm:
21 Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: and they together shall be against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
2 Thessalonians 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 you 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 you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
7 For yourselves know how you ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for naught; but wrought with labor 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 you, 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.
Psalm 119
1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
4 You have commanded us to keep your precepts diligently.
5 O that my ways were directed to keep your statutes!
6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all your commandments.
7 I will praise you with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned your righteous judgments.
8 I will keep your statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to your word.
10 With my whole heart have I sought you: O let me not wander from your commandments.
11 Your word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against you.
12 Blessed are you, O LORD: teach me your statutes.
13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of your mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate in your precepts, and have respect unto your ways.
16 I will delight myself in your statutes: I will not forget your word.
17 Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live, and keep your word.
18 Open you mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.
19 I am a stranger in the earth: hide not your commandments from me.
20 My soul breaks for the longing that it has unto your judgments at all times.
21 You have rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from your commandments.
22 Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept your testimonies.
23 Princes also did sit and speak against me: but your servant did meditate in your statutes.
24 Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors.
25 My soul cleaves unto the dust: quicken you me according to your word.
26 I have declared my ways, and you heard me: teach me your statutes.
27 Make me to understand the way of your precepts: so shall I talk of your wondrous works.
28 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen you me according unto your word.
29 Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me your law graciously.
30 I have chosen the way of truth: your judgments have I laid before me.
31 I have stuck unto your testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.
32 I will run the way of your commandments, when you shall enlarge my heart.
33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
35 Make me to go in the path of your commandments; for therein do I delight.
36 Incline my heart unto your testimonies, and not to covetousness.
37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken you me in your way.
38 Stablish your word unto your servant, who is devoted to your fear.
39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: for your judgments are good.
40 Behold, I have longed after your precepts: quicken me in your righteousness.
41 Let your mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even your salvation, according to your word.
42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproaches me: for I trust in your word.
43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in your judgments.
44 So shall I keep your law continually for ever and ever.
45 And I will walk at liberty: for I seek your precepts.
46 I will speak of your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.
47 And I will delight myself in your commandments, which I have loved.
48 My hands also will I lift up unto your commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in your statutes.
49 Remember the word unto your servant, upon which you have caused me to hope.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for your word has quickened me.
51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from your law.
52 I remembered your judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.
53 Horror has taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake your law.
54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
55 I have remembered your name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept your law.
56 This I had, because I kept your precepts.
57 You are my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep your words.
58 I entreated your favor with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to your word.
59 I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto your testimonies.
60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep your commandments.
61 The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten your law.
62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto you because of your righteous judgments.
63 I am a companion of all them that fear you, and of them that keep your precepts.
64 The earth, O LORD, is full of your mercy: teach me your statutes.
65 You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according unto your word.
66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed your commandments.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept your word.
68 You are good, and do good; teach me your statutes.
69 The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep your precepts with my whole heart.
70 Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in your law.
71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
73 Your hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.
74 They that fear you will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in your word.
75 I know, O LORD, that your judgments are right, and that you in faithfulness have afflicted me.
76 Let, I pray you, your merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to your word unto your servant.
77 Let your tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for your law is my delight.
78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in your precepts.
79 Let those that fear you turn unto me, and those that have known your testimonies.
80 Let my heart be sound in your statutes; that I be not ashamed.
81 My soul faints for your salvation: but I hope in your word.
82 Mine eyes fail for your word, saying, When will you comfort me?
83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget your statutes.
84 How many are the days of your servant? when will you execute judgment on them that persecute me?
85 The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after your law.
86 All your commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help you me.
87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not your precepts.
88 Quicken me after your lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of your mouth.
89 For ever, O LORD, your word is settled in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness is unto all generations: you have established the earth, and it abides.
91 They continue this day according to your ordinances: for all are your servants.
92 Unless your law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts: for with them you have quickened me.
94 I am your, save me: for I have sought your precepts.
95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider your testimonies.
96 I have seen an end of all perfection: but your commandment is exceeding broad.
97 O how love I your law! it is my meditation all the day.
98 You through your commandments have made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for your testimonies are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep your precepts.
101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep your word.
102 I have not departed from your judgments: for you have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 Through your precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
105 Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep your righteous judgments.
107 I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto your word.
108 Accept, I beseech you, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me your judgments.
109 My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget your law.
110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from your precepts.
111 Your testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
112 I have inclined mine heart to perform your statutes always, even unto the end.
113 I hate vain thoughts: but your law do I love.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield: I hope in your word.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.
116 Uphold me according unto your word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
117 Hold you me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto your statutes continually.
118 You have trodden down all them that err from your statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.
119 You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love your testimonies.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you; and I am afraid of your judgments.
121 I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.
122 Be surety for your servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.
123 Mine eyes fail for your salvation, and for the word of your righteousness.
124 Deal with your servant according unto your mercy, and teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies.
126 It is time for you, LORD, to work: for they have made void your law.
127 Therefore I love your commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I esteem all your precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
129 Your testimonies are wonderful: therefore does my soul keep them.
130 The entrance of your words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
131 I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for your commandments.
132 Look you upon me, and be merciful unto me, as you usest to do unto those that love your name.
133 Order my steps in your word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
134 Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep your precepts.
135 Make your face to shine upon your servant; and teach me your statutes.
136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not your law.
137 Righteous are you, O LORD, and upright are your judgments.
138 Your testimonies that you have commanded are righteous and very faithful.
139 My zeal has consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten your words.
140 Your word is very pure: therefore your servant loves it.
141 I am small and despised: yet do not I forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your law is the truth.
143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet your commandments are my delights.
144 The righteousness of your testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.
145 I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep your statutes.
146 I cried unto you; save me, and I shall keep your testimonies.
147 I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in your word.
148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in your word.
149 Hear my voice according unto your lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to your judgment.
150 They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from your law.
151 You are near, O LORD; and all your commandments are truth.
152 Concerning your testimonies, I have known of old that you have founded them for ever.
153 Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget your law.
154 Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to your word.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not your statutes.
156 Great are your tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to your judgments.
157 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from your testimonies.
158 I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not your word.
159 Consider how I love your precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to your lovingkindness.
160 Your word is true from the beginning: and every one of your righteous judgments endures for ever.
161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart stands in awe of your word.
162 I rejoice at your word, as one that finds great spoil.
163 I hate and abhor lying: but your law do I love.
164 Seven times a day do I praise you because of your righteous judgments.
165 Great peace have they which love your law: and nothing shall offend them.
166 LORD, I have hoped for your salvation, and done your commandments.
167 My soul has kept your testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.
168 I have kept your precepts and your testimonies: for all my ways are before you.
169 Let my cry come near before you, O LORD: give me understanding according to your word.
170 Let my supplication come before you: deliver me according to your word.
171 My lips shall utter praise, when you have taught me your statutes.
172 My tongue shall speak of your word: for all your commandments are righteousness.
173 Let your hand help me; for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I have longed for your salvation, O LORD; and your law is my delight.
175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise you; and let your judgments help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant; for I do not forget your commandments.
