October 2, 2010 – 2 Thessalonians 1-3

Chapter 2 v 15 – How does Sola Scriptura interpret this verse.  It says to hold the traditions taught be Paul, both oral and written.  How can that possibly mean that exact opposite, to follow only what is written. 

Chapter 3 v 10 – This is one that is used a lot when talking about our government and the well fair system that we have.  Some say the government should help everyone that is poor, the other extreme is that the government shouldn’t be there to help, people should help themselves.  This verse falls somewhere in the middle, which is where I fall.  The government does have a duty to help people that are not able to help themselves.  Those that are disabled, military veterans who have been injured, children that are abandoned.  But there must be a line drawn somewhere.  Our government is now in the business of shelling out money to everyone.  Unemployment benefits being extended, pretty much forever, welfare checks given out without any real enforcement, food stamps and other things like that, being used in ways that are not appropriate.  I am not saying these are not good programs, but the way they are abused, the system needs fixing.  There are many that use these appropriately and use them to get back on their feet and then move on.  But there are some that use this as a crutch and do not move on.  When people become reliant on the government, they lose motivation to do for themselves.  When people show that they are unwilling to work, they should not be given aid.  I believe our government is slipping too far into the realm of helping everyone, regardless of their motivation.  That is not good for the country as a whole. 

Chapter 3 v 15 – This is the verse we need to remember when their are disagreements about our beliefs.  Do not treat each other as enemies, but admonish as a brother.