S – For we hear that there are some among you who are idle. They are not busy but busybodies

 2 Thessalonians 3:11 CSB

O – idle:  pĕriĕrgazŏmai: to work all around, i.e. bustle about (meddle)

    Busybodies – The apostles had heard more than once (this is the force of the pres. tense of hear,     akouomen) that some in the church were not working to support themselves. They were     busybodies instead of being busy. Instead of tending to their own business of earning a living  they were meddling in the business of others.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scripture

A – It is not good for a person to be idle.  They were busier “not working” and being involved in other people’s affairs than trying to provide for themselves.  This translates to personal growth and spiritual matters as well.  We can often be busy trying to “fix” others when we should start with ourselves first.

R – Lord, help me to do this today.

S – For this reason God sends them a strong delusion so that they will believe the lie, ¹² so that all will be condemned—those who did not believe the truth but delighted in unrighteousness. 

 2 Thessalonians 2:11–12 CSB

O – Because they rejected the truth in vs. 10, people will turn to a strong delusion.

strong delusion—Greek, “the powerful working of error,” answering to the energizing “working of Satan” (2 Th 2:9); the same expression as is applied to the Holy Ghost’s operation in believers: “powerful” or “effectual (energizing) working” (Eph 1:19).

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, 

A – They key is to know the Truth and accept His truth.  Also, interesting that the supernatural power. works both ways.  This is because God allows the enemies power to work, even the power of the Holy Spirit is superior.

R – Lord, help me to know and walk in your Truth and power of the Holy Spirit today.

S – “…so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified by you, and you by him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”  2 Thessalonians 1:12 CSB

O –

• Glorify – ĕndŏxŏs, in glory, i.e. splendid, (fig.) noble:— glorious, gorgeous [-ly], honourable

• In the Bible the name stands for the person named, his character, conduct, reputation, and everything else about him. In praying thus, Paul was asking that God would fully glorify Jesus Christ in these saints

            The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, 

A – How can I live today that makes the name, character, conduct and reputation of Christ splendidly honorable today?  I cannot add more to His volume of this but I can reflect it for others to see.  If I do that, God will reciprocate by adding more of Him in me.

R – Lord, help me to do this today.

S – Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you, ¹³ and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves

1 Thessalonians 5:12–13 CSB

O – Paul gave three exhortations to the church regarding their proper attitude toward their leaders.

1.  Respect them.  (eidenai) “to know,” appreciating and respecting them and their work.

2.  Esteem, value. Greek: hold them in the highest regard (hēgeisthai autous hyperekperissōs).  The highest respect is due these leaders, and it is to come from an attitude of affection (in love) for them, again, because of their work.

3. Live in peace with each other. This results from obeying the former instructions. The idea here is to maintain rather than to initiate peace. The command is imperative. Much dissension in modern churches is traceable to church members disobeying these commands

The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – This is not a free pass for ministers or church leaders.  This is God recognizing the “price tag” put on those who fulfill these roles.  Recognize the concepts – the person, the work and the fruit.  I must lead today in a way that starts with my personal relationship with God.  Then, my work must be done with a pure heart and excellence.  Finally, my role is to build relationships that bring peace to the body.

R – Lord, help me to do this today.

S – For God has not called us to impurity but to live in holiness. ⁸ Consequently, anyone who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit. 

1 Thessalonians 4:7–8 CSB

O – Some great Commentary:

To impurity:  Better, for uncleanness; ἐπὶ denoting aim or intention. The intention is viewed as the basis of the act

In holiness:  Note the change of preposition. Sanctification is the characteristic life-element of the Christian, in which he is to live. Comp. in peace, 1 Cor. 7:15; in hope, Eph. 4:4.

Word Studies in the New Testament

God Paul’s instructions about holiness are based not on human philosophy or tradition, but on God’s holy character as the standard for behavior (1 Pet 1:14–16 – “Be holy, because I am holy.”)

 Faithlife Study Bible 

A – In calling us to his character, God looks at our intentions as much as our actions.  Only God can see the heart.  Holiness is one of those characteristics (like hope and peace) in which God exists in us through the Holy Spirit.  Even though we are not perfect, we must move towards holiness and not our own human nature.

R – Lord, help me to do this today.

S – “For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord.”

1 Thessalonians 3:8 CSB

O – For Paul, his afflictions and toils of ministry were worth it to hear that the church of Thessalonica was remaining strong.   “Stand firm” in Greek:  stēkō, stay´-ko; to be stationary, i.e. (fig.) to persevere:— stand (fast)

A – I can relate to this as a minister and a believer.  We all face trials, temptations and just challenging life situations.  Jesus tells us there will be trouble in Matthew 6.  So what are you going to do?  You can choose to go forward with God or go it alone.  I choose “Steko.”  My life goes better when I choose God.  

     As a minister, I am challenged when someone chooses to go forward without God.  With God, you have unlimited love and resources going for you.  Without God, you have only yourself and your resources.  You have total control…but of what?  It hurts to see someone go their own way.  Yet, I have come to realize that only Jesus is their savior.  I can point them to Jesus but they must make a choice.

R – Lord, help me to do this today.

S – This is why we constantly thank God, because when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you welcomed it not as a human message, but as it truly is, the word of God, which also works effectively in you who believe.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 CSB

O – Commentary:

When the Thessalonians heard it they realized that it was not simply the words of man’s wisdom, but a message that had its source in God (cf. 1:5). Someone has said that the gospel is not the kind of message that man would invent if he could, nor is it a message that he could invent if he would…

 Paul credited the changes in the Thessalonians to this spoken Word of God. Not only had it effected changes in them in the past, but also it was continuing to change them since they continued to believe it. (The word believe is in the Gr. pres. tense, indicating continuing action.)

 The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – The word of God – spoken, written or through the Holy Spirit needs to change us continuously.  We need to have a heart that is available and open to receive His word and allow it to change us to be more like Him.

R – Lord, help me to do this.

S – For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, ⁵ because our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with full assurance. You know how we lived among you for your benefit

 1 Thessalonians  1:4–5 CSB

O – It is understood that the church of Thessalonians was made up of Gentiles who accepted Christ.  What a transition for Paul from a passionate Pharisee to a person who loves all men and calls them equals.  Love that the gospel came in words, not eloquence or talent. Also, in the power of conviction and message that is infused by the Holy Spirit in full confidence.

A – I want my words to have these qualities today.  I would love to bring my relationship with God in a tangible way that it shows these qualities.

R – Lord, help me to do this.

S – Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded

James 4:7–8 CSB 

O – Simple outline on a daily walk with God.

• Submit – Surrender or come under God’s authority.
• Resist – Take a stand against the Devil.
• He will flee – God’s nature in you repels the devil.
• Draw near to God – Through relationship, take on more of God’s character
• He will draw near to you – He is already there.

A – Simple outline does not equal a simple application.  We wrestle with ourselves and the devil daily.  Life circumstances also challenge us to draw near to God.  But when we overcome all the obstacles to take a step toward God, the result is fantastic.  We are in a relationship with an unlimited, all-knowing, all-powerful God who loves us and has a purpose for us.

R  – Lord, help me to do this today.