Word of God

Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God

Matthew 4:4

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians 2:4

Study notes by Doktor Riktor Von Zhades

4 But as we were allowed of God, that the Gospel should be committed unto us, so we speak, not as they that please men, but God, which approveth our hearts

Brethren:

There is much to be said about the above verse. In the Aramaic translation we read the following; “ as we have been examined by God”. Let that sink in friends. All of us have had our hearts examined by Him. He is indeed the One that knows all the thoughts of men. Knows their emotions, their passions, good or bad. Make note also friends that the Word has been committed unto them to be spread throughout the known world at that time. Now, Webster’s dictionary (Ed 1828), defines the word committed as; Delivered in trust; given in charge [of]. In other words God revealed to them, gave them charge to speak these words, and trusted in them to do the job with much assurance of success.

Now one may speculate, in particular secular scholars that this could be interpreted figuratively. That is to say, well all people are subject to basically the same emotions, and thought processes. It is at face value a reasonable argument. However, God, through His word examines each of us individually. It convicts us of sin, but there is good news, through this exam, the great Physician also heals us of it. There is no place so dark in the minds and hearts of men that the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ cannot penetrate and shine. We read in the old testament that our Creator has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but instead wishes all come to repentance. (Read Ezekiel 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9)

Moving forward we see that Paul and his companions are bold in their speech. They’re unconcerned with speaking to please men, but are indeed concerned with speaking that is pleasing God. They had studied to show themselves approved (Read Romans 14:17-19; 2 Timothy 2:15) and worthy of spreading, (which at that time was considered a radical doctrine), the Gospel.

In summation friends, let us henceforth go forward using these men as examples of courage and boldness. Speaking the Word of the Gospel in order that all men receive the light of it.

Word of God

Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God

Matthew 4:4

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians 1:6

Study notes by Doktor Riktor Von Zhades

6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, and received the word in much affliction, with joy of the holy Ghost

Brethren:

Herein the Apostle Paul writes that they became as he was, this to say a follower of Christ. Though they went through divers tribulations yet they counted all them as joy (Read James 1:2, 4:9), for their sufferings produced in them a stronger more resilient person. Capable of seeing past the troubles and trials know that such things would refine their faith as a metalsmith would refine gold; allowing the impurities to rise to the surface that the only the purity of it would be left. It is the Holy Spirit that defines and refines our faith, without it, there would be no way of holding steadfast to our belief in Christ as Redeemer.

Also friends make note, that this joy, was not of the flesh, as one might take joy in receiving praise from men, but of the Holy Spirit, that quickens (Read John 6:63) us with a joy that is incomprehensible to the outside world of carnality, vanity and of the flesh. For the flesh takes joy in earthly pleasures, but the spirit, of which our Creator has imbued us with, takes joy in all things from His kingdom.

Word of God

Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God

Matthew 4:4

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians 1:5

Study notes by John Gill

Edited/Prefaced by Doktor Riktor Von Zhades

5 For our Gospel was not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the holy Ghost, and in much assurance, as ye know after what manner we were among you for your sakes.

Brethren:

The next study will focus on Paul the Apostle’s two epistles to the church at Thessalonia. It his hoped that you will follow along with the same interest that you have in all previous studies.

In the above verse, we read that Paul (and his companions), had traveled to Thessalonia to preach the Gospel of Christ. He puts for the proposition that not only was it revealed to them by the word of mouth, but more importantly revealed to them by the Holy Spirit. That same Spirit is all powerful (Read Psalm 149:6; Hebrews 4:12), whose mere words can fulfill anything and all He desires to accomplish. Also take note friends, that Paul did not come to “peddle” (Read 2 Corinthians 2:17; 2 Peter 2:3) this Gospel as others may have done, for profit and fame. Nay, he came to bring them into the family of Christ. Living among them, working, and preaching. - Dr. R.V.Z

“The apostle calls the Gospel "our Gospel", not because he and his fellow ministers were the authors of it; for in this respect it is solely of God, being the produce of his wisdom and grace, and by the revelation of Jesus Christ, hence he calls it the Gospel of God not because they were the subject of it, for they preached not themselves, but a crucified Christ, and him only, though it was a stumbling block to some, and foolishness to others (Read Romans 14:13; 1 Corinthians 1:23), but because it was committed to their trust, and they were the preachers of it, and agreed in the ministration of it; and it is opposed to, and is distinct from, that which was preached by the false teachers; and here intends not barely the Gospel itself, but chiefly their preaching of it: and this came unto them being sent of God, for wherever the Gospel comes, it comes with a mission and commission from God; and being brought unto them by the apostles, who were bringers and publishers of the good tidings of good things, it came unthought of, unsought and unasked for by them; and that not only externally, which to have is a great blessing, but internally, (eiv umav) , "into you"; it came not barely into their ears vocally, and into their heads notionally; but into their hearts, and worked effectually there; it was mixed with faith, and was profitable; it became the ingrafted word, and dwelt richly in them: for it came to them not in word only; if it did come in word, it could not come without words, there is no interpreting of Scripture, no preaching of the Gospel, nor hearing of it without words, without articulate sounds; but not only with these, nor with wisdom of words, with enticing words of man's wisdom, with words which man's wisdom teacheth; as also not in the mere notion and letter of the Gospel, which when it comes in that manner is a dead letter, and the saviour of death unto death.

Not merely preached in a powerful way, or attended with miraculous operations, though doubtless both were true; for the apostle was a powerful preacher, and his ministry was confirmed by signs and wonders and mighty deeds; but from neither of these could he conclude the election of these people: but the preaching of the Gospel was accompanied with the powerful efficacy of the grace of God, working by it upon them; so that it became the power of God unto salvation(Read Romans 1:16; 1 Peter 1:5) to them; it came to them in the demonstration of the Spirit of God, and of power, quickening them who were dead in trespasses, and sin, enlightening their dark understandings, unstopping their deaf ears, softening their hard hearts, and delivering them from the slavery of sin and Satan; from whence it clearly appeared that they were the chosen of God, and precious: and in the Holy Ghost; the Gospel was not only preached under the influence, and by the assistance of the Holy Spirit, and attended with his extraordinary gifts for the confirmation of it, which it might be, and be no proof of the election of these persons to eternal life; but it came by the power of the Holy Spirit to their souls, working and implanting his graces in them, as faith, hope, and love, and every other; and he himself was received along with it, as a spirit of illumination and conviction, of regeneration, conversion, and sanctification, and of faith and adoption; all which gave full evidence of their election.” - John Gill Theologian

Word of God

Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God

Matthew 4:4

The Epistle of Jude 1:23

Study notes by John Gill

23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, and hate even that garment which is spotted by the flesh.

Brethren:

“And others save with fear;

Meaning false teachers, who lead others into errors, and such as give themselves over unto sin, whether teachers or hearers, and who are obstinate and irreclaimable; even such as these, means should be used to save, if possible, by sharp admonitions and severe language; by denouncing the awful judgments of God, which threaten them; by inflicting on them church censures in a terrible manner; by declaring the terrors of the Lord, and of hell, and of everlasting damnation.

Pulling them out of the fire;

of their soul destroying doctrines, and of their filthy and unnatural lusts, and as it were out of the fire of hell, of which they are in great danger.

Hating even the garment spotted, by the flesh;

By which may be meant the conversation of those men, even their filthy conversation, which is to be hated, though their persons are not; but all ways and means should be used to save them; and this is one way, by showing a dislike unto, and a resentment at their wicked way of living, excluding them from church communion for it, and shunning all conversation with them.”

John Gill - Theologian

Word of God

Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God

Matthew 4:4

The Epistle of Jude 1:20

Study notes by John Gill

Edited/Prefaced by Doktor Riktor Von Zhades

20 But, ye beloved, edify yourselves in your most holy faith, praying in the holy Ghost.

Brethren:

Webster’s Dictionary (Eds. 1828 & 1913) define the word edify as meaning To instruct and improve the mind in knowledge generally,and particularly in moral and religious knowledge, in faith and holiness. So herein we read the words of the Apostle James exhorting us to gain knowledge in the word and to lift ourselves upwards by seeking the things of the kingdom of God. However, it is thought here as well, that we should not only lift ourselves but is implied that we act collectively in order to lift each other; strengthening and building a solid foundation on the Gospel of Christ. This is to be done so that nothing thrown against us would be able to tear down what God has built within each of us. - Dr. R.V.Z

“Meaning the doctrine of faith in all its branches, which is holy, a most holy doctrine; which displays the holiness of God, and is a means of beginning and increasing internal holiness in the saints, and of encouraging and exciting them to external holiness of life and conversation: this phrase, ‘holy faith’, is in use with the Jews; and it becomes the saints to build up one another upon this; the doctrine of faith, is a foundation to build upon, particularly what regards the person, offices, and grace of Christ, and is itself of an edifying nature; and they should not content themselves with their present knowledge of it, but seek for an improvement in it; and though they were passive when first built on Christ and his doctrines, and though ministers are greatly instruments in building of them up more and more; yet they are capable of building up themselves, and one another, by attending on the ministry of the word, and by private conversation, with each other.”

[This is to be accomplished] by praying in the Holy Ghost; which is a special means of increase and establishment in the doctrine of faith; the Holy Ghost is the author of prayer, the inditer and an assister in it; without him saints cannot call God their Father, nor pray with faith and fervency, or with freedom and liberty.” - John Gill - Theologian

Post script - A side note if you will allow. The Aramaic translation has the latter part of this scripture reading as; “ through the Holy Spirit, by means of prayer”

Word of God

Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God

Matthew 4:4

The Epistle of Jude 1:16

Study notes by John Gill

Edited/Prefaced by Doktor Riktor Von Zhades

16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts: whose mouths speak proud things, having men’s persons in admiration, because of advantage.

Brethren:

That is, at others; secretly, inwardly, in a muttering way, grunting out their murmurs like swine; to which, for their filthiness and apostasy, false teachers may be filly compared: and their murmurs might be both against God and men; against God, against the being of God, denying, or at least wishing there was no God, and uneasy because there is one; against the perfections of God, particularly his sovereignty over all, his special goodness to some, his wisdom, justice, truth, and faithfulness; against his purposes and decrees, both with respect to things temporal, spiritual, and eternal; against the providence of God and his government of the world, and the unequal distribution of things in it; and especially against the doctrines of free grace, and the ordinances of the Gospel. Not only are they murmurers against God, and all divine things and persons, but also against men; particularly against civil magistrates, who restrain them, and are a terror (Read Romans 13:1; Titus 3:1) to them; and against the ministers of the Gospel, whose gifts and usefulness they envy; and indeed against all men, their neighbours, and what they enjoy, and at everything that goes besides themselves.

As such it follows that they are complainers; some join the above character and this together, and read, as the Vulgate Latin version, "complaining murmurers"; others, as the Syriac version, place not only a comma, but a copulative between them; and as the former may design secret and inward murmuring, this may intend outward complaining in words; not of their own sins and corruptions, nor of the sins of others, with any concern for the honour of religion; or of the decay of powerful godliness in themselves or others; or of the failure of the Gospel, and the decrease of the interest of Christ; but either of God, that he has not made them equal to others in the good things of life, as the Arabic version renders it, "complaining of their own lots"; or that he lays so much affliction upon them more than on others; or of men, that their salaries are not sufficient, and that they are not enough respected according to their merit; and indeed, as the Syriac version reads, "they complain of everything", and are never satisfied and easy: walking after their own lusts; which are carnal and worldly, (Read 2 Peter 3:3); and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words]; both against God and men; and this may point at their boast of knowledge, their great ostentation of learning, their vain and empty doctrines, their high flights, their rhetorical style, and bombast language.

Seeking out men of their own stamp for the advantage of the party; and giving flattering titles to men of wealth and riches, for the sake of their money: so the Ethiopic version, "they studied to please persons, to make gain of them"; they were respecters of persons

Post Script by Dr. R.V.Z.

Friends consider also today the following scripture in relation to our study;

Deuteronomy 10:17, 28:50; Job 34:19; Proverbs 18:15, Isaiah 9:15

Word of God

Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God

Matthew 4:4

The Epistle of Jude 1:14-15

Commentary by Doktor Riktor Von Zhades

14 And Enoch also the seventh from Adam, prophesied of such, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with thousands of his Saints, 15 To give judgment against all men, and to rebuke all the ungodly among them of all their wicked deeds, which they have ungodly committed, and of all their cruel speakings, which wicked sinners have spoken against him.

Brethren:

Of Enoch, we know very little other than what is mentioned in Genesis Chapter 5. But we do read that he had long ago prophesied the coming day of judgment. Also again we reference the Second Epistle of Peter who writes; “then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment” My friends give heed to and make note of the above scriptures. They are indeed a warning about all that are false and deceitful in their relationships with the believers and to Him that gave us life eternal. Carefully discern and ferret out these persons so they will not be able turn others away from the truth with lies, and with words carefully crafted to make the true appear false, and the false to appear true.

For the day of judgment, the day of the Lord will come. Although we know not when we are given hints as to what we need to watch for. Be prepared friends, for when the Lord returns He will judge ALL persons. The separation between those who cleave to Him and those that deny Him, the sheep from the goats, the righteous from the unrighteous, the godly from the ungodly.

Likewise in the above scriptures, and in other places God has defined all of those mentioned in the previous statement. Brethren, trust in your Redeemer and your salvation, yet never be so smug as to be too self-assured.