2 Thessalonians 2:15 – So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.
In this section of his letter to the new Christians in the church at Thessalonica, Paul is encouraging them to “stand firm” with “steadfastness” and not give in to all the criticism and temptation (especially sexual) that surrounded them.
Their day was just like ours; it was easy to be an unbeliever or an apostate who said they believed in God but did not live for God, and it was difficult and costly to be a true Christian who was unwavering in their beliefs or behavior.
Since believers get so much criticism and discouragement, Paul’s example of praising and encouraging is important. He says, “we…thank God for you…beloved by the Lord…” (2 Thessalonians 2:13) He goes on to encourage them that they were undergoing “sanctification by the Spirit” (2 Thessalonians 2:13).
What this means is that God was using the worst hardships of their life to shape the best parts of their character. Because of their steadfastness, they were becoming more like Jesus, which explains why the world hated them more and more.
The same is true for you if you are a Christian. To be sure, sometimes we sin and make a mess of our own life. Other times, we are suffering not because of anything we’d done wrong, but precisely for doing what is right.
What are the beliefs God is calling you to “stand firm” in and not waver?
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