“Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.” (2 Thess 2:15)

One of my favorite preachers, Doug Sager, who is with Jesus now, used to say “When you are reading the Bible and see “therefore” ask what it’s there for.” I can still hear his jovial, but powerful, voice saying those words.

So now, when I see that word, I tend to slow down, back up and ask that question.

In Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, just before he says “therefore”, he reminds believers that, “God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thess 2:13-14)

God chose you for salvation and called you through the gospel to give glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Make this personal— God chose you (your name) for salvation, called you (your name) through the gospel, for you (your name) to give glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.

So, therefore….. (your name) stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle“ (2 Thess 2:15).

Yes, crazy, scary, hard things may be happening all around us,….people are falling away that you may have thought would never walk away from biblical truth…but remember what has been done for you (salvation) and that your calling is to give glory to the Lord.

THIS does not change regardless, of the circumstances we may find ourselves in or what others, in our world are doing or saying.

God will give you just what you need, when you need it, to do what you need, to do to give Him glory.

Your job is to stay connected to the source of your strength. BUT it takes an active role on your part to do so—

1. Daily wash your thoughts with the truth of His Word (Matt 4:4, 2 Cor 10:5) Test everything and hold on to the good things that go along with Scripture. (1 Thess 5:21)
2. Give everything to Him in prayer (Phil 4:6)
3. In all your ways, acknowledge Him so He can make your path straight (Prov 3:5-6)
4. Continue to meet with other believers so you can encourage each other, and all the more, as you see the Day of His return approaching (Heb 10:25.

THIS is how we STAND FAST.

This is how others will see Jesus in us. This is how we recognize false teachers. This is how we choose the better way for ourselves and our families. This is how we give glory to the One to whom all praise is due!

Oh friend, we can trust our Lord more than we trust ourselves, think about what He has done for you…therefore, stand fast!