"Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work." 2 Thessalonians 2:15-17
As my pastor has said many times, "if you see an therefore, find out what it's there for." Verse 15 starts off with a therefore so lets take a look back and see what it is indeed there for.
Yesterday we looked at verses 13-14 and read Paul's encouragement to the church. He is reminding them of God's choosing them for salvation and that they will share in the glory of Christ Jesus because of this great salvation.
So...with this in mind we continue into verse 15.
"Therefore (because of God's saving you), stand fast and hold the traditions you were taught, whether by word or our epistle."
Paul is telling us that because of our salvation through Christ we are to stand fast in the teachings that have been given to us. While this letter was written to a church in Thessolanica, the principle still applies. After all, we are in the midst of a world that continues to downplay the word of God. Even churches are using other books to bring purpose or their best life rather than reading through God's word.
We live in a time when "Christians" in the church are Bible illiterate. They do not have an understanding of what God's word really says and so they are swayed by whatever teaching or book comes out. There is no discernment and therefore the enemy can lead people into heresy with a shiny cover and some evangelical lingo and no one is the wiser.
There are many reasons we need to be in God's word daily. And not only that but we need to heed the word and obey what it says otherwise we are like the man in James who looks at himself in a mirror and then forgets what he looks like. Here are some scriptures to remind us of the importance of God's word and why we need to be vigilant.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16
After instructing the church be stand fast in doctrine the chapter closes out with Paul encouraging the church. As with anything we do as Christians, whether in word or deed, we need to be mindful of the grace that has been shown to us. If it were not for the grace of God then we all would be lost and destined for hell. None of us is worthy of anything but God's wrath, but He is merciful and extends grace to all that will humble themselves before Him. That not only should comfort our hearts, but it should also spur us on to proclaim the gospel and minister to others.
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