STAND FIRM

Passage: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

Key verse: 15

NIV

Stand Firm

13 But we ought always to thank God for you,(A) brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits[a](B) to be saved(C) through the sanctifying work of the Spirit(D) and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you(E) to this through our gospel,(F) that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm(G) and hold fast to the teachings[b] we passed on to you,(H) whether by word of mouth or by letter.

16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,(I) who loved us(J) and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage(K) your hearts and strengthen(L) you in every good deed and word.

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Footnotes
  1. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Some manuscripts because from the beginning God chose you
  2. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Or traditions
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

Stand Firm

13 But (A)we ought always to give thanks to God for you, (B)brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you (C)as the firstfruits[a] (D)to be saved, (E)through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 14 To this he called you through (F)our gospel, (G)so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers, (H)stand firm and hold to (I)the traditions that you were taught by us, either (J)by our spoken word or by (K)our letter.

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, (L)who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good (M)hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and (N)establish them in every good work and word.

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Footnotes
  1. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Some manuscripts chose you from the beginning
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. Called through the gospel (13-15)

God called us because he loved us. Our salvation does not rest on our feeble faith or faithfulness. It rests on the love and power and grace of God who called us through his gospel. When we believe the gospel, which is the truth, God's Spirit works in us to purify us from sin. God calls us through his gospel so that we might share in the glory of Jesus Christ.

2. Strengthened to do good deeds (16-17)

We must hold fast to this gospel--the gospel which Paul teaches--and stand firm in our faith. God's grace is an undeserved gift. But he did not save us to become useless; he saved us to do good works. God himself gives us his word and his work to do. We cannot do anything good without his direction. Jesus himself and God the Father will encourage us and strengthen us to do his work.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for calling me through your gospel. Strengthen me by your word and Spirit to do your work.

One Word: Stand firm in God's truth