Sometime after writing to this fledgling church in Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul hears they are being thrown into confusion by fake news that the day of the Lord has already happened. After addressing the issue and reminding them of the doctrinal details, he concludes with this general exhortation to stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching they had received from him. We can benefit from these instructions too.
- Paul is concerned about the stability of this fledgling church (1 Thess 3:2, 5, 8; 4:1-2)
- Paul is concerned about them following his teaching (2 Thess 3:6; 1 Cor 11:2; 15:3)
- Paul is not worried about them losing their salvation by false doctrine (More impossible ways to lose your salvation)
So then (R.V.), as in 1 Thessalonians 5:6 (see note): the practical conclusion in which the Apostle gathers up all he has been saying in this letter. “Since the Lord’s return is delayed and its time uncertain, and in prospect of the coming of Antichrist, whose deceptive influence is already secretly at work,—inasmuch as God by our means has made you heirs of His glorious kingdom—Stand Fast.” Comp. 1 Corinthians 15:58; Colossians 1:23,—where, as in this place, hope is the incentive to steadfastness. –Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Don’t let this delay discourage us to let sin creep into our lives, which will separate ourselves from fellowship with God
Don’t let this happen. Instead, “Stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching.” And, when you do fall, confess your sins to God because he is faithful and just to forgive those sins and cleanse you from all wickedness by the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1 John 1:7-9 If we confess our sins … purify us from all unrighteousness
- Titus 2:14 He gave himself to redeem us and to purify … zealous for good deeds
- 1 Cor 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified
- Eph 5:26 Christ gave up himself to sanctify those who had been cleansed [2511. katharizó] by the word
- Col 3:2 Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature
- 2 Cor 7:1 we should cleanse [2511. katharizó] ourselves from every defilement
- Acts 15:9 no distinction … both cleansed [2511. Katharizó] by faith
- Heb 9:14 blood of Christ purify [2511. Katharizó] our conscience from dead works
- Heb 10:22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.
Jesus Christ has given us everything we need to stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 MSG)
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Ephesians 6:13)
Featured image of Finstertalspeicher, Silz, Austria by Paul Gilmore on Unsplash