(1Ti 1:4)  “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.”  Unbelief is a wicked thing. It first denies that which is written on the individual heart, of God’s reality. Second, it denies the proof of the eyes which behold a complex and orderly universe. Third, it denies the most recorded event in all of history – the life and crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ. Fourth, it denies the truthfulness of God Himself. I say to you, that through an adult lifetime of study I find the Word of God ever true!  

(1Ti 1:3) “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,”  What doctrine is being referred unto? The Bible. The Bible you possess (KJV) is complete. We do not look to outside books or sources for the Word of God. It is not only “the” Word of God but also the “only” Word of God. Never put what someone says or thinks above that which God has said. Of course, that necessitates your knowing what God has said. Read it again and again and again all the days of your life.  New to the Bible? Start in the New Testament.

 (2Th 3:14)  “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.”  We have let non-spiritual people influence us into thinking it is not loving to treat someone rebelling against God differently. I say it is not loving to do otherwise. When we truly love someone we want the absolute best for them. To treat them as right with God when they are not, is to tell them it does not matter. It does matter to both our own soul and theirs. Remember: “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump”. God absolutely does chasten His children.

(2Th 3:14)“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.” The idea here is to bring a professing disobedient believer to the path of obedience to God’s Word. It is not just staying away from such a one; but lovingly admonishing their disobedience to God. To do so lovingly rather than indignantly, is to say we still love you but choose God rather than man. The loving attitude says we are ready always to bring them back into fellowship.

(2Th 3:13) “But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.”  We have only one true purpose in this life – the glorification of He Who saved us! We are to spend and be spent for Him. Will it cost you time? Yes. Will it cost you effort? Yes. In a “me” society these thoughts certainly go against our nature. But the Lord has plainly said in His Word: (1Co 6:20)“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” Growing weary? Today may be the last day you have to do well in His Name!

(2 Th 3:11c) “…..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.”  To obey is to work to change habits one has developed, maybe even natural tendencies. We each have such that we need to change in order to please the Lord. Is this easy? No. Is it possible? Yes, by depending upon the Spirit of God to help. The Lord is worth it! Remember, Lord means “right to rule over me”.

(2Th 3:11)“For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.”  There are those who seek to meddle in the affairs of others. Our pride makes us think we know the best way to do all things, that our taste is the only good taste, and we judge the world through those eyes. Doesn’t that thinking go against, “Esteem other better than yourselves” (Phil 2:3).The Lord calls such a practice, “disorderly”. God help us to recognize pride in ourselves and protect others from it!