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 4:7-8

Study notes by John Gill

Edited/Prefaced by Doktor Riktor Von Zhades

7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 8 He therefore that despiseth these things, despiseth not man, but God who hath even given you his holy Spirit.

Brethren:

We are meant to be a holy people (Read 1 Peter 2:9), selected by the Creator to serve and worship Him. Henceforth, let us live that life as such. Not in hypocrisy, but instead under the righteous hand of our Good Shepherd. - Dr. R.V.Z

“This is another reason to enforce the above exhortations, and to caution them against the above unclean practices, taken from the end of the effectual calling by the efficacious grace of God, which is no unto uncleanness of any sort, as before specified. This they had lived in before their calling, and were now called from it into communion with Christ, who loves righteousness, and hates iniquity; and by the Gospel, which teaches to deny ungodliness, and worldly lusts, and to forsake all impurity, both of flesh and spirit.

This call is unto holiness of life and conversation in general, and to chastity in thought, look, word, and actions in particular; for God that calls is holy, and therefore those who are called ought to be so; the calling with which they are called is an holy calling, principles of grace and holiness are wrought in their souls, when they are called; and the end of their calling is to live soberly, righteously, and godly; and then, and then only, do they walk worthy of that calling wherewith they are called, and of God who has, by his grace, called them to his kingdom and glory.

These exhortations now delivered, the commandments given by the Lord Jesus Christ, and the will of God above declared; he that rejects these things with contempt, takes no notice of them, and acts not according to them.

Therefore the Apostle cautions them to despiseth not man; not men only, the apostles of Christ, and ministers of the Gospel; for, by despising these exhortations, they themselves were despised, though not alone: but God; Father, Son, and Spirit; God the Father, whose will was their sanctification, even to abstain from fornication, and every act of uncleanness, which, if not attended to, was a despising of him; and the Lord Jesus Christ, by whom, and for whose sake they were entreated and exhorted, and in whose name, and by whose authority the apostle gave them these commandments; wherefore to slight them, was to slight Jesus Christ himself; and, by the way, this is a proof of the true and proper deity of Christ. Moreover, such despisers also, in some sense, do despite unto the spirit of grace, by whom the apostles spake, or who spoke in them these things.

For God hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit; as he did to the prophets of the Old Testament, and therefore what they said was equally by divine inspiration of God; and hence despising them, was despising the Spirit of God that spake by them. The Syriac and Arabic versions read, "who hath given unto you his Holy Spirit"; and so all Stephens's copies; which furnishes out a fresh reason or argument, dissuading from uncleanness, since God had given them his "Spirit" to convince them of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment, so that they were not ignorant of the things warned against; and he had given them his Spirit as an "holy" Spirit, as a Spirit of sanctification, to begin and carry on that work in them, to which uncleanness was very opposite; and he had given his Spirit unto, or "into" them, to dwell in them, as in his temple, and therefore should be careful not to defile it; and to cause them to walk in his statutes, and to assist them to keep his judgments, and do them, and as an earnest of their inheritance, and a sealer of them up unto the day of redemption; wherefore it became them not to grieve him by an impure life; and they were laid under obligations to live in the Spirit, and to walk after him, and not after the flesh.” - 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 First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians 2:13

Study notes by John Gill

Edited/Prefaced by Doktor Riktor Von Zhades

13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, that when ye received the word of God, which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is indeed the word of God, which also worketh in you that believe.

Brethren:

“‘The word of hearing of God’, (Read Romans 10:13), as the Vulgate Latin version from the Greek text literally renders it; that is, the Gospel which was preached by the apostles, and was heard and received by these Thessalonians: and it is called the word of God, because God is the author of it; it comes from him, and is ministered by his authority, and is a part of that written word which is given by his inspiration; and because his grace in choosing, redeeming, justifying, pardoning, adopting, regenerating, and giving eternal life to men, and the declaration of his will concerning saving them by his Son Jesus Christ, are the subject matter of it; and because he owns and blesses it, for the conversion and comfort of his people: and it may be called the word of hearing of God, because coming from him, and containing his will, and preached by his order, and succeeded by his power, hearing comes by it; it is divinely breathed by him; he speaks in it by his ministers, and he is heard of in it by his people; as he was by these believers, who heard his word both externally and internally; and received it into their understandings, so as to know it spiritually and experimentally; into their minds, not merely notionally, and so as to assent to the truth of it, and give credit to it, but so as to believe in Christ revealed in it; and into their affections, in the love of it, and with joy in the Holy Ghost; they received it gladly, and with meekness and readiness, so that it became the ingrafted word, and brought forth fruit in them.

Ye received it not as the word of men: which is often fallacious and deceitful, at least dubious and uncertain, and not to be depended on; nor did they receive it as the words of wise men are received, and because it was clothed with the wisdom, eloquence, and oratory of men, for it was destitute of these; nor upon the credit and authority of men, no, not of the apostles themselves:

But as it is in truth the word of God it appearing to be agreeably to the perfections of his nature, and to the Scriptures of truth, and it bearing his impress and divine authority, they received it with much assurance and certainty, as infallible truth; and which was inviolably to be adhered to, without any alteration, without adding to it or taking from it; and to be had and retained in the greatest esteem and reverence, and never to be departed from: and that they received it in this manner, appears from its operation in 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 First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians 2:12

Study notes by John Gill

Edited/Prefaced by Doktor Riktor Von Zhades

12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

Brethren:

Last evening this writer read a statement on the social media that put forth the proposition that the Christian does his/her’s good works out of fear of eternal damnation. This foolish notion based on the wisdom of men, (and a lack of knowledge of God’s word), simply cannot, as they say hold water. Our works, and by extension our walk with God is based on our faith in Him, and His love for us. It is our desire, (along with our duty), to serve Him with joyful obedience in fulfilling of the second greatest of all commands; to love others. (Read Matthew 22:36-40). Those of the world cannot simply fathom the strength of our faith and belief. Nor can they experience or celebrate it.

Our walk, in order for it to be worthy, and pleasing to our Creator must be done with the goals of bringing others to the knowledge of Him and His grace and mercy in order that they may be redeemed, AND, to show His love towards them by our own actions. These two are our reasons for serving him. The above mentioned fear is reserved for those that do not believe, for we are under the grace of our God as we have accepted the sacrifice of our great Redeemer Christ Jesus. - Dr. R.V.Z

“In imitation of him; not of his perfections, which are inimitable, but of his works; and these not of his power and wisdom, but those of kindness and beneficence, and of righteousness and holiness; and in conformity to his revealed will, which is good, perfect, and acceptable; and agreeably to his Gospel, that that may be adorned, and not blasphemed; and particularly, in a manner worthy of the calling wherewith saints are called by him” - John Gill Theologian

Post script; consider also today in your reading Ephesians 4:1 and Colossians 1:10

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 2:5-6

Study notes by John Gill

Edited/Prefaced by Doktor Riktor Von Zhades

5 Neither yet did we ever use flattering words, as ye know, nor colored covetousness, God is record. 6 Neither sought we praise of men, neither of you, nor of others, when we might have been chargeable, as the Apostles of Christ.

Brethren:

Herein Paul states that their bringing of the Gospel was not used to gain advantage over them, nor as a cloak to seek out the praise of men. They in fact worked among them so as not to require any assistance from them in so far as provisions; food, shelter, clothing. The inference here also lends itself to the knowledge that God would provide either directly or through the means made necessary for those things to be cared for. (Read Matthew 6:31-32; Philippians 4:19). Now as is written in Scripture a workman is indeed worthy of his wages, yet Paul and his companions sought not wages and took nothing from those to whom they preached. Nay, instead they were quite satisfied to work, and preach, and bring into the fold those that would believe in the Gospel.

Dr. R.V.Z

“For neither at any time used we flattering words. Indeed they declared the reverse, they asserted the weakness and impotency of man, to anything that is spiritually good; and represented him as a weak and strengthless creature, and unable to do anything, even to think a good thought of himself; and ascribed all that a man is, or has, or does, that is good, to the grace and power of God, who works in him both to will and to do: nor did they plead for the sufficiency of man's righteousness to justify him before God, a doctrine very pleasing to human nature.

Additionally, they gave out that there was none righteous, no, not one of the sons of Adam, in and of themselves, or by virtue of any righteousness of their own; so far from it that they were full of all unrighteousness, and were not capable of working out a righteousness, or of attaining to the righteousness of the law; that what they did pretend to was not a justifying righteousness, and would give no right and title to eternal glory; and that the righteousness of Christ was the only righteousness, by which a man could be justified from all things, and in which he could be found safe. They did not blend and mix their doctrine to suit with the tastes of different men, but with all sincerity and plainness preached the truth, as it is in Jesus.” - 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 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