Read the Passage: Ecclesiastes 6
Lack of Satisfaction (6:1–6)
As we saw earlier, Eccl. 5:18–20 is one of five passages in the book of Ecclesiastes where Solomon gives a positive exhortation to enjoy the present world, including the fruit of one’s labors (cf. Eccl. 2:24; 3:11–13, 22; 8:15). Continue reading Vanishing Satisfaction – Ecclesiastes 6
Read the Passage: Ecclesiastes 5
Wise Speech (5:1–7)
As Solomon moves toward concluding the first part of his investigation into “all that is done under heaven” (Eccl. 1:13), he briefly detours from his general discussion of labor in Eccl. 2:18–6:9 to specifically address wise speech in Eccl. 5:1–7. Continue reading Speech, Riches, and Gifts – Ecclesiastes 5
Read the Passage: Ecclesiastes 4
Oppression and Envy (4:1–6)
In his investigation into labor in Eccl. 2:18–6:12, Solomon occasionally veers off into other related subjects. Eccl. 4:1–3 is one such occasion as here Solomon considers oppression. Continue reading Envy, Friendship, and Popularity – Ecclesiastes 4
Read the Passage: Ecclesiastes 3
Seasons and Tasks (3:1–8)
Recall Solomon’s dual teaching given throughout this book: (1) all is vanity—that is, the duration of life is short, the meaning of life is elusive, and the actions of life are repetitive; and (2) we must fear God and enjoy His good gifts in the present. Continue reading Time and Work – Ecclesiastes 3
Read the Passage: Ecclesiastes 2
Physical Pleasure (2:1–11)
While Solomon declared his intent to investigate the meaning of life in Eccl. 1:12–18, even revealing the conclusion of his search at Eccl. 1:14, it is not until Eccl. 2:1 that Solomon begins to give specific details about his vital quest. Continue reading Searching for Meaning – Ecclesiastes 2
Read the Passage: Ecclesiastes 1
Author and Date: The term “Ecclesiastes” means “preacher” or “one who calls an assembly.” This title is derived from the author’s description of himself in Eccl. 1:1–2. Note that while the author refers to himself as “the preacher” Continue reading Ecclesiastes: Introduction – Ecclesiastes 1
Read the Passage: 2 Thessalonians 3
Request for Prayer (3:1–5)
In his two letters to the Thessalonian believers Paul mentions prayer six times, as he notes his prayers for the church three times (cf. 1 Thess. 1:2; 3:10; 2 Thess. 1:11), he commands prayer once (cf. 1 Thess. 5:17), and he asks for prayer twice (cf. 1 Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 3:1). Continue reading Prayer, Idleness, and Exhortation – 2 Thessalonians 3
Read the Passage: 2 Thessalonians 2
Day of the Lord (2:1–12)
Recall that in 2 Thess. 1:7–10 Paul had briefly addressed Jesus’ return as he taught about the judgment of unbelievers. In a similar manner, back in 1 Thess. 4:13–5:11 Paul wrote about the return of Christ. Continue reading The Return of Jesus – 2 Thessalonians 2
Read the Passage: 2 Thessalonians 1
Greetings and Grace (1:1–2)
As was the case with Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonian church, so his second epistle is pastoral in nature, as here Paul comforts the church and addresses their concerns about Jesus’ return. Continue reading Greetings and Glory – 2 Thessalonians 1
Read the Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5
Readiness (5:1–11)
Just as Paul had reminded the Thessalonians earlier, “You received from us how you ought to walk” (1 Thess. 4:1), so in 1 Thess. 5:1 Paul again notes, “You have no need that I should write to you.” Continue reading The Day of the Lord – 1 Thessalonians 5
The Redeemed Mind 
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