But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
Believe the Truth (v. 13)
Paul calls the church at Thessalonica to a posture of gratitude—a continual action of giving thanks to the Lord. This thanksgiving is in response to how God rescued, restored, and united our brothers and sisters in Christ. The church consists of people who were dead in their sin but were rescued and have become children of God. God provided a way for us to come back into relationship with Him through salvation in Jesus. It is only through the free gift of God, not something we can earn. We can hear and understand the gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit. We can see our sin, separation from God, and need for a Savior only through the power of the Holy Spirit. All we do is repent and believe, and the power of God within us continually transforms us into the likeness of Jesus. But we are not left alone in this broken world. Believers are a family—brothers and sisters—united in Christ. God intended for us not to be alone but to live together for hope and help.
Stand Firm in the Truth (v. 14-15)
What begins with grace always leads to glory. So, this glory is within us in salvation, but we are waiting for Christ’s return when our glory will be revealed. What are we to do with the promise of what is to come for us as believers? Stand firm. Hold to tradition. Tradition here refers to that handed down from one person to another. We’re not talking about rituals and practices here but about God’s gospel message and truths transferred to us through the Word and the people of God. Maybe your parents taught you well, or perhaps it has been the church. You are to stand firm to what you know to be truth so that you will continue to believe that which is true, and so you will walk in it.
Walk in the Truth (v. 16-17)
God has prepared good work for you to walk in—we see that in the Great Commission. He has also given you the great command—to love others as Christ has loved you. He provides the comfort, strength, and help for you to walk in those things. He’s provided salvation in Jesus, He’s provided the power, presence, and guidance of the Holy Spirit within you, and he’s placed you into a family of brothers and sisters united in faith and mission. We are all rescued from sin, we are all recipients of grace, and we are all called to continue the work of Jesus. Not in isolation. Not without help. But, together. In partnership with another.
Let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25
To encourage is to offer help to one another. While Jesus and the Holy Spirit are given to us as Helpers, the church, when functioning properly, can offer help in the same way. This verse is not about what you receive; it is calling you to show up and contribute. The people of the Church need encouragement from you. They need you not to abandon them but to show up for them in love and good deeds to encourage their love and good deeds.
Here’s your takeaway: Thank God for your brothers and sisters in Christ, and do not neglect them. Commitment to the church will enable you and them to believe the truth, stand firm in the truth, and walk in the truth.
Hymn by Samuel J. Stone
The church’s one foundation
Is Jesus Christ her Lord;
She is his new creation
By water and the word.
From heaven, he came and sought her
To be his holy bride;
With his own blood he bought her,
And for her life he died.
Elect from every nation,
Yet one o’er all the earth;
Her charter of salvation,
One Lord, one faith, one birth;
One holy name she blesses,
Partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses,
With every grace endured.
Brittany K. Miller 