The Italian Memorandum

The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan”

(2 Thessalonians 2:9)

Introduction: The second coming was misunderstood by a segment of the first-century church. This is Paul’s attempt to clarify and elaborate on this matter.

I. The Text (2:1-12)

2:1 The subject: _____________________________

2:2 The concern: _____________________________

2:3 Two conditions: _____________, ____________

2:4 Five characteristics of the man of lawlessness:

_____________, ____________, ____________

_____________, ____________

2:5 Interpretation: ___________________________

2:6-8 Interpretation: ___________________________

2:9-12 Interpretation: ___________________________

II. Applications for Today –

A. _______________________________________

B. _______________________________________

C. _______________________________________

Conclusion: The second coming of Jesus in history should figure prominently into your world view. This steady linear approach to history will give structure to your own individual progress in the kingdom of God.

Several times during this past month, I was asked why we do not use music at church. A Bible study that came as a result of this question allowed for the opportunity to explain why we do not use mechanical instruments in our Christian worship. The notes from that Bible study are reproduced here for your benefit:

A. Worship Is About God –

1. Genesis 4:1-5 – God orders worship, not man.

2. John 4:23-24 – True worship has two conditions.

3. Leviticus 10:1-2 (Rom. 15:4) – Unauthorized worship (v. 1) is unacceptable worship with God (v. 2).

4. 2 Samuel 6:1-8 – Obedience is preferred over the best-of- intentions.

B. Re: New Testament Worship –

1. It is to be distinguished from O.T. worship (2 Tim. 2:15; Heb.8:9;9:1;12:28).

2. “Christians” are told to sing (Eph. 5:19; James 5:13).

3. There is absolutely no evidence that that early church used instruments in worship. In fact, the early Church Fathers, after the manner of the Apostles, strictly opposed mechanical instruments in worship.

4. The kind of music which God desires today is clearly stated. The only acceptable music, under the new covenant, is identified as from the heart, not the harp (see Col. 3:16,17 for authority-“in the name of the Lord Jesus” [not Moses; not David; nor the traditions of men]

-Robert M. Housby

“Woe to those who are at ease in Zion…Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory and stretch themselves out on their couches, and eat lambs from the flock and calves from the midst of the stall, who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp and like David invent for themselves instruments of music, who drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the finest oils, but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph!”

(Amos 6:1,4-6)

We often assume that the faithful are the Lord’s people, while the faithless are not God’s people. However, throughout the pages of sacred history, we are reminded that even the Lord’s people are at times found not practicing the faith. The story of Amos 6 is such a sad chronicle in the history of the Lord’s people. Notice the characteristics that led to their downfall:

1. 6:1 They felt secure.

2. 6:1b They belonged to a first class nation.

3. 6:3 Personal disaster was a distant notion.

4. 6:4 They were very relaxed.

5. 6:4b They were eating well.

6. 6:5 They were creative and entertainment based.

7. 6:6 Their beverage of choice was abundant.

8. 6:8b Their economy allowed for the best.

Who would have thought that from this luxurious pinnacle they would have fallen (6:7-8)? Yet, they did fall. Think about your own faith. Are you practicing, or, are you at ease in Zion?

-Robert M. Housby

A Preview of the Coming Judgment)

“…in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do

not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel

of our Lord Jesus”

(2 Thessalonians 1:8)

Introduction: 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12 is a section of Scripture about “the righteous judgment of God” (1:5).

I. This Judgment is Righteous for 6 reasons –

A. 1:5 – ________________________

B. 1:6 – ________________________

C. 1:7 – ________________________

D. 1:8 – ________________________

E. 1:9 – ________________________

F. 1:10 – _______________________

II. “To this end…” (What you can do, you should do) –

A. 1:11 – “every __________ /every __________”

B. 1:12 – “glorified in ______ and you in ______”

Conclusion: In our times, what is righteous is often determined by a popular polling of the people. What is “fair” by today’s standards may suggest that this scripture is wrong and unfair. Nevertheless, when Jesus returns, there will be no polls taken; only the righteous judgment of God (2 Tim. 2:19). Those who have suffered for Christ will understand; for they alone are worthy of his calling, [by God and for God] (1:11).

“There is none like God, O Jeshurun, who rides through the heavens

to your help, through the skies in his majesty. The eternal God is

your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms”

(Deuteronomy 33:26-27)

Deuteronomy chapter 33 contains the final words of Moses, “the man of God,” to the Israelites, before his death. The chapter is set in a literary format of blessing (33:1). These blessings are pronounced upon Jeshurun (a poetic description of the Israelites, emphasizing their upright (yashar) status through Yahweh (see vv. 6; 7; 8; 12;13; 18; 20; 22; 23; 24). The blessing of Asher is given in 33:24-29. While this passage lends itself to numerous considerations, we shall point out several of the most theological of these.

1. 33:26 – The incomparable God.

2. 33:26 – Jeshurun (God’s people) are the true recipients of his speedy help.

3. 33:27 – God is here poetically depicted as a dwelling place.

4. 33:27 – Even more intimate are his arms as, safe places forever.

May the blessing of Asher commend itself to you today.

-Robert M. Housby

“We ought always to give thanks to God for you brothers, as

is right, because…”

(2 Thessalonians 1:3)

Introduction: This lesson will focus on 2 Thessalonians 1:3-7. The thanksgiving will define what’s right (operational definition).

I. Reasons for giving thanks to God

A. “as is right” (axion, v. 3) –

1. because…____________________________ v. 3

2. because…____________________________ v. 3

3. because…______________ and _________ v. 4

B. Note the two environmental descriptions in which the Thessalonians lived out their beliefs (v. 4)

1. “in” ____________________ ,and

2. “in” _______________________.

II. What is this “righteous judgment” (vv. 5-7)?

A. v. 5 – your part: _________________________

B. v. 6 – God’s part: ________________________

C. v. 7 – the Lord Jesus’ part: _________________

Conclusion: While the creeps creep on in our own world, rest assured, this will be dealt with one day. Our business, as was theirs, is to show steadfastness and faith. How are you doing?

“I have not come to bring peace, but a sword”

(Matthew 10:34)

“… I have come to do your will, O God…’ “

(Hebrews 10:7)

Matthew 10:34-39

We often assume that once a person receives the truth of the gospel, without added church creeds; catechisms; or extra-biblical non-sense, he or she will obey the gospel, become a New Testament Christian, and continue to live faithfully for the Lord and his church (Eph. 3:21).

But, this is not always the case. Therefore, when we speak of the need to go Back to the Bible (a restoration theology) which respects the word of God and reveres the person of God, we must teach personal discipleship (Matt. 10:34-39; 28:19).

1 Timothy 4:1ff./2 Timothy 4:1ff.

The primary reason for the need of a Restoration Movement is the Great Apostasy, spoken of in First and Second Timothy. Most modern churches and individuals just gloss over this fundamental New Testament doctrine.

2 Kings 18:1-7 (2 Chron. 29:1-6)

The reforms of Hezekiah point out the restoration principle as valid and the Lord’s chosen method for returning after a religious apostasy. Here, we learn, that you can’t do right without tearing down the wrong.

2 Kings 22:1-8

By the reforms of Josiah, we are reminded of the great role that the Bible must play, if there would be a restoration movement.

– Robert M. Housby