1 Thessalonians Chapter 2
By Pastor Neil
Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15
Stand Firm
You know, it’s not always easy to “stand firm” in this world. This world is a hard, sometimes unforgiving place where things don’t always turn out just like we hope they will. People fail us and when we trust in people instead of You, Lord, things are a mess. People let us down or simply fail to live up to our expectations. It is a hard world. Paul knew all about this and he wanted these people in Thessalonica to know that he understood their trials the difficulties and, for their sake, wanted them to “hang in there” and know that trusting God was the best thing for them to do.
Paul assures his readers that God had set things up, spiritually, so that the combination of the sanctifying work of the Spirit and their belief in the truth they would be saved. This great mystery of the gospel was the very heart of God’s plan of salvation. What a wonderful plan this is. Have you experienced what happens when you believe in the truth about Christ our Redeemer? Have you had the joy of discovering that when you believed the Spirit of God would work his cleansing work in your life? This plan is an expression of God toward us, of His love of us. It is not God’s plan to express His love for us by giving us the world’s “stuff ‘n things” but rather to give Himself in sanctifying, cleansing power.
Paul reminds the Thessalonians in chapter 2: 14 that the calling of God through the gospel is to actually share the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. What a privilege it is for us to know Christ in such a personal, fulfilling way. Take joy today in knowing the love of Christ in this way. And remember, Paul says, to “stand firm” and hold to the teachings that come to you from the Word of God. Don’t go chasing new and novel ways that are cheap imitations of the gospel. “Stand firm” in what you know the truth to be. Trust the Spirit of God within and those entrusted with the gospel and especially trust the Word of God. And so, today, enjoy what God is building in you through His Holy Spirit. Enjoy!
