Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
4/11 Reading Portions: Leviticus 15; Psalm 18; Proverbs 29; 2 Thessalonians 3
2 Thessalonians 3:2
and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.
CAVILERS
Paul asked boldly and liberally for prayer from the churches he ministered unto. He asked for prayer on behalf of the gospel ministry— that the preaching of Christ may go forward and not be hindered. In this letter, Paul asked because, already, the gospel was opposed by “unreasonable and wicked men” (KJV). The Greek word translated unreasonable in the King James Version is a word that can be translated “absurd.” Paul says these cavilers of the gospel were absurd, wicked, and moreover, did not preach from faith. In other words, their religion was made up of external works which did not line up with God’s Word, and worse, did not spring forth from the truth of Christ’s cross. It is no different today, for not all have faith. There are men who are making a name for themselves, who neglect the cross, dismiss the cross, or reject the cross altogether. They find a weakness in the flesh and exploit it. Some of them emphasize good, moral works and promise one’s best life now in Jesus’ name, yet it is gospel-less. Others may extol the priority of one’s purpose and felt needs, yet it is idolatrous since it gives equal or greater place to church growth over Christ crucified, risen, ascended, and coming again. Still others may give prominence to the salvation of souls above the preeminence of Christ’s sacrifice, cheapening the glory of God since the Father receives the greatest glory in His Son and by Christ’s eternal sacrifice, regardless of a soul’s salvation, according to Paul’s letter to the Philippians (Phil 2:5-11). The religion of faith is pure and undefiled because it is centered in Christ, and Him crucified. Pray for true gospel ministers known to you so they have the freedom to preach without having to explain these faithless men; and God will establish you and keep you from evil. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Pure religion, and undefil’d,
It springs forth from Christ’s cross;
Boasts in works with the cross revil’d,
Are not of faith, but lost.