2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
“Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle,” 2 Thessalonians 2:15.
The church in Thessalonica dealt with a lot. Much like other new churches that we see in the New Testament, the members were facing incredible challenges. They were threatened, persecuted and bombarded with false teaching. They knew what persecution was. They were experiencing the tremendous pressure to just quit. There were probably moments that these early believers wondered if it was all worth it.
In 2 Thessalonians 2:15, they are encouraged to “stand fast.” This is a plea to stand firm and stay strong, to persevere in spite of the difficulties they were facing. Why should they choose to keep at it? What could motivate them to continue their pursuit of Christlikeness in light of all that it could cost them? It is the truth of the gospel that we see in 2 Thessalonians 2:12-14 that gave them the reason to stand firm.
The gospel that saved us has to be our motivation to hold to the teachings of Christ. When we understand how deeply He loves us and what a sacrifice it took to redeem us, it should motivate us to want to serve Him. Our desire should be for His glory and not ours. This level of love and grace should drive us to stand firm.
JUST A THOUGHT
When you find it difficult to continue standing firm for God, just remind yourself of the gospel and the price Jesus paid for our salvation.
Nathan Rogers
In Spirit and In Truth The Word 