Living in the Light, Waiting for the Hope

Elected by God (2:13-14)

What does it mean?

2 Thessalonians 2:13–14 ESV

But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Loved by God

Our salvation is ground in God’s love through Christ on the cross

Not because of our works, but because God first loved us, and in His mercy decided to save us

Firstfruits

We are just the beginning of the harvest

Called by God to partake in His salvation plan for the world (sharing the gospel)

Work of the Spirit and our Belief

It is the Holy Spirit that helps us believe the gospel and sanctifies us

Hand-in-hand with our response to the gospel

So that you may obtain the glory of Christ

Primary thrust is the resurrection of the body at the return of Christ. We have begun the process and are already growing in glory but await the consummation of our glory at Christ’s second coming.

Philippians 3:20–21 ESV

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Standing Firm for Christ (2:15-17)

Context: Tradition & Theology

“The word ‘tradition’ simply means “that which is handed down from one person to another”. The truth of the gospel began as an oral message proclaimed by Christ and the apostles.” - Wiersbe

Remember that there was no Bible at that time. People relied on the traditions that were passed down from the apostles, which shaped their faith.

This process took place over hundreds of years until the Councils were developed to determine our Bible and our creed.

Our youth ministry recently invited Revd Jeremy-Joe Tan to share about our Anglican traditions, the 39 articles and Nicene Creed. (Get people to recite)

Consider what happens that we move away from tradition (Show IG clip of new creed)