In addition, we need to stand firm or stand steadfast. Let’s notice again verse 15 of this text: “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” This “steadfastness” should not just be because of your stubbornness or close-mindedness. No. Rather, it should be holding fast to the apostolic traditions and teachings, which Paul talks about here. “Tradition” simply means “that which is passed on from one to another.” And it’s certainly true that traditions can sometimes be bad, and sometimes they can be good. But the apostolic tradition, what Paul is talking about here, what they passed on to the Thessalonians by mouth and by letter, is simply the manner of interpreting all Scripture in light of Jesus Christ. [In other words, “tradition” here (“the teachings we passed on to you”) is simply a passing of the Truth of Jesus Christ—the Gospel, from one to another without change. Jesus taught the apostles the Truth through His Own teaching (which were the teachings His Father gave to Him to pass on to us), and then through His teaching as revealed by the Holy Spirit as the apostles and others were inspired to write what would later become the Bible. The apostles then taught the Truth of Jesus Christ to the Thessalonians. The Thessalonians then taught, or passed on, this same Truth to others, who then passed it on to others, and so on. Now, the written Word of the Gospel of Christ—the Bible—is the tradition of Truth for ALL people to read, believe and obey—and to share and pass on to other people.]

A third result of our answering God’s call and being a part of God’s plan and purpose is that God will give strength and encouragement TO us. Notice verses 16 and 17: “May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, Who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” He will encourage and strengthen because His purpose involves the present time, as well as the past and the future. What comfort! what strength! is found for us in this knowledge!! The same God Who chose and called us is present with us now to encourage and strengthen us until that day when He glorifies us together with His Son Jesus Christ! [See John 17:20-23.]

In conclusion, we as Christians, have stability and assurance because of our relationship to God through Jesus Christ, His Son. Because we’ve responded to—believed AND obeyed—the Gospel call, we know that we are chosen, therefore, we are invited. As we believe the Truth, and continue in faith, we are sanctified, that is, “set apart for holy use” by the Spirit. Because our faith joins us to God’s purpose—God’s, we look forward to being glorified. For the present, we are grateful for our fellow believers. We hold fast to the apostolic traditions, and lean wholeheartedly on God for constant encouragement and strength. GOD IS OUR BASIS FOR CONFIDENCE!

Where is your confidence, your assurance tonight? If you have a need that we can assist you with in either strengthening the confidence that you already have in God, or in discovering that confidence that we can have in God, we invite you to come as we stand together and sing.