Skip to main content

Stand Firm

Stand Firm
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17.

Reminded of Paul's encouragement in the passage:

13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit ... 14 ...that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you... 16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us...17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

...an encouragement to stand firm:
  • Remember you are loved by God. v13, 16. His love for us is eternal. We are chosen by God, sanctified by the Spirit, united in Christ. 1 John 3:1 - identity first, WE ARE LOVED. Rom 8:39. John 15:13, 17:22.
  • Hold on to the Word of God. v15. Our spiritual sword and food. Eph 6:17, Matt 4:4, Acts 20:32.
  • Continue in good deeds. v17. Which ultimately brings God glory. Matt 5:16, Rom 12:9-21.

Reflect & Pray
What challenges are you facing today? How can making time for God's word help you to stand firm?
Thank you, Father, that you greatly love us, so we can stand firm in your love. Guide us to be ever ready to share your love. Amen.

God bless you exceedingly,
Sam.

Popular posts from this blog

Disciples are Blessed

Matthew 5:1-12 NIV. [Series on: The Blessed] How would you describe a blessed and happy life? One of my friends believes there’s only one happy person each week, the lottery winner, and the rest of us just have make-believe happiness. Maybe you share my friend's view or have your own picture of happiness. The Bible also has its own picture, and in this short series on the Blessed we'll see who are the blessed of Scripture. In today's passage, Jesus gathers His disciples to the mountainside, away from the crowd and teaches them what a truly blessed and happy life—beatitude—looks like. Jesus shows that a blessed life is the life of a disciple, those who are: Poor in spirit (v3, Psalm 42:1; 63:1): who depend on God in everything. Mourning (v4, Isaiah 61:2-3): who seek God’s rescue/forgiveness by repentance. Meek (v5, Psalm 37:9-11): who humbly wait for the Lord amidst life’s ...

Accompanied by unfailing love

Ruth 1:1-22 NIV. I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas break. Happy New Year! The Book of Ruth has been called the most beautiful short story ever written because of its simple narrative. A narrative that shows how God’s provision for our needs or challenges is often woven into the simple acts of human kindness. Chapter 1 shows the kindness of a daughter-in-law, Ruth, to her mother-in-law, Naomi (v8, 16, 22), and we’ll see God at work through that. But first, the passage sets the context by introducing us to Naomi’s loss… Naomi lost her family… When Naomi (which means pleasant) is first introduced, we are told of her loss. A woman in a foreign land who lost her family (v1-5). She feels bitter, empty and afflicted by the Lord (v21). Why so? …Because Naomi knows Israel’s God to be the Almighty—Sovereign. He can bring famine to a disobedient Israel (v1) a...

In trials, Remain in the fold!

1 Peter 5:1-14 NIV. Despite its fleeting nature, the allure of worldliness can be powerful. The world presents a supposedly better way of life accompanied by trendy hashtags like #yolo, #choplife, and #softlife. How appealing such worldly invitations would have been for Peter's audience in the face of stern trials, the thought that switching sides to the worldly alternative could relieve their trials. As Peter ends this first letter, he encourages believers to remain in the fold—in the family of God, in Christ's sheepfold—because those who are in the fold will share in Christ's glory (vv 1, 4, 10-11). So, remain in the family of God by continuing to... Be shepherds (v1-4). If entrusted as a shepherd or leader, faithfully serve those under your care with exemplary living as one accountable to God (1-3). This is how you will receive a crown of glory from the Chief Shepherd (4). So,...