Stand Firm

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

2 Thessalonians 2:13–17 (NIV84)

13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

2 Thessalonians 2:13–17 NLT

As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.

References:

Life Applications:

As a child, you may feel uneasy about sharing your faith when friends or classmates make fun of Christian beliefs. Consider creating a 'courage jar'! Write down instances when you're proud of standing up for your faith or opportunities you seize to share God’s love, big or small. Watch this jar fill up over time and encourage your friends to join. This not only strengthens your faith but also serves as a reminder that you are not alone in your public witness.

Social media is a platform where faith can often feel marginalized or mocked. As a teen, consider your own online presence: what message are you sharing? Intentionalize your feed by posting scripture, testimonies, or positive content that reflects your beliefs. Engage in discussions online that are rooted in love and truth, and don’t shy away from sharing your faith when asked. This active approach helps you stand firm by not only reinforcing your identity in Christ but influences others positively too.

Background Research:

2 Thessalonians addresses the same concerns as the first letter to the Thessalonian church1, but with greater urgency since some believers had not responded to Paul’s initial correspondence1. The two letters share such similar circumstances that most scholars believe 2 Thessalonians was written within six months of 1 Thessalonians1, likely from Corinth after Silas and Timothy reported recent developments in Thessalonica1.

The historical situation centered on three interconnected problems. Persecution of the church had intensified since the first letter1, prompting Paul to offer encouragement and comfort1. More troubling was theological confusion: some believers had developed an “overrealized” eschatology, believing that Christ’s second coming had already occurred in some spiritual manner2. Paul also addresses confusion stemming from a forged letter using his name but distorting his teachings1. Finally, certain church members were using their spiritual beliefs as justification for refusing to work1.

Paul’s response was multifaceted. He identifies two signs that must precede Christ’s return—the great apostasy and the appearance of “the man of lawlessness”—establishing that the end has not yet arrived2. He exhorts readers to continue working because the final resurrection and consummated new creation remain future2. While some scholars in the nineteenth century questioned Pauline authorship based on vocabulary differences and distinctive eschatological content, most scholars today accept Paul as the author, viewing the similarities between the letters as outweighing the differences1.

1Mark Strauss, Galatians Thru Philemon, Layman’s Bible Commentary (Barbour Publishing, 2008), 11:141–142.

2G. K. Beale, 1–2 Thessalonians, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003), 29–30.

The opening contrast established by δὲ (“but”) shifts from Paul’s discussion of the Antichrist to the gracious work of God among the Thessalonians.1 The verb ὀφείλομεν conveys an ongoing obligation, reinforced by the emphatic adverb πάντοτε (“at all times”), emphasizing the continuous nature of thanksgiving.1

The pronoun ἡμεῖς adds weight to the authors’ sense of indebtedness—they feel compelled to give thanks even though the favor was extended to the readers rather than to themselves.1 The phrase περὶ ὑμῶν (“concerning you”) indicates Paul, Silas, and Timothy are reflecting on God’s gifts to the Thessalonians, yet they identify so closely with their readers that they join them in gratitude.1

The address ἀδελφοὶ (“brothers”) reinforces the familial bond uniting the authors and readers as members of God’s household.1 The participial phrase ἠγαπημένοι ὑπὸ κυρίου (“beloved by the Lord”) describes an essential characteristic of the Thessalonians—their status as objects of the Lord’s love.1 This love stems not from merit but from divine choice, a concept reinforced by using “Lord” rather than “God,” evoking the notion of a gracious, merciful sovereign.1 The perfect tense of ἠγαπημένοι indicates completed action with ongoing effects—the Lord’s love established in the past continues to shape the Thessalonians’ present reality.1

The term ἁγιασμός (“sanctification”) in verse 13 emphasizes the initial consecration to holiness at conversion, with the expectation that this dedication will sustain a life of continued holiness.2

1David P. Kuske, A Commentary on 1 & 2 Thessalonians (Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House, 2019), 282–284.

2Charles R. Swindoll, Insights on 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Swindoll’s Living Insights New Testament Commentary (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2016), 10:125.

Theme:

What if the key to stepping confidently into a new year isn’t predicting what’s coming, but remembering what God has already done? As we close out 2025, we will look at 2 Thessalonians 2:13–17 (NLT) and hear Paul’s powerful call to a church under pressure: stand firm. This final message of the year will remind us where our hope is anchored and how God strengthens His people to remain faithful in every season.

Object Lesson:

Songs:

Illustrations:

A young boy loved telling everyone about his favorite superhero. He never missed a chance to share stories about their great adventures. One day he learned that sharing about Jesus is even more exciting! He realized that Jesus is the best superhero of all, saving us and helping us every day, and he couldn’t wait to tell his friends about it!

In a small class, a student brought cookies to school. He excitedly offered them to all his classmates. 'I want everyone to enjoy these as much as I do!' he said. This is just like sharing our faith; we have a sweet and amazing story about Jesus that’s meant to be shared, bringing happiness to everyone around us!

One sunny day, a little girl decided to plant flower seeds in her backyard. As they grew, she decided to share the flowers with her neighbors, saying, 'Look how beautiful they are!' Just as flowers brighten the world, our faith in Jesus can bring joy and light into people's lives when we share it with them!

In the Book of Acts, the early church shared everything they had and spread the gospel everywhere they went. This shows us that sharing our faith isn't just about words; it's also about our actions. When we show kindness and love to our friends, we are sharing God's love with them, just as the early Christians did by supporting each other and helping their neighbors.

Think about how Paul shared his faith boldly, even while he was imprisoned. His examples remind us that no matter our circumstances, we can always share the love of Jesus. Just like the way Paul wrote letters to encourage the early church, we too can write notes or messages to let our friends know about God’s love, no matter where we are.

Outline:

Stand Firm in the Truth!

Bible Passage: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

Summary: In this passage, Paul encourages the Thessalonian church to hold on to their faith in the truth of the Gospel and to remain steadfast amidst challenges, emphasizing God's choice of them and the importance of perseverance through his grace.

Application: This sermon can guide children in understanding the importance of faith and how they can stand firm in their beliefs, even when faced with difficulties or peer pressure. By instilling a sense of security in God's love and truth, they can cultivate resilience and courage in their daily lives.

Teaching: The sermon teaches children that they are chosen by God and that he provides them with the strength needed to remain faithful. It highlights the significance of understanding and accepting the truth of the Gospel, and the power of community in supporting one another.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, Christ represents the ultimate truth and hope for believers. The assurance that God chooses His people and preserves them through faith ties directly to the promise of salvation found in Christ, which is evident throughout Scripture.

Big Idea: Children are chosen and loved by God, and they can stand firm in their faith knowing that He provides strength and support through His truth and community around them.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider diving into the historical context of 2 Thessalonians to better explain why Paul emphasizes truth and perseverance. Exploring lexical meanings of key terms in Logos can enrich your understanding of how 'truth' and 'solidarity' are developed in early Christian communities.

1. Chosen by God's Love

2 Thessalonians 2:13

You could introduce the idea that God chose the Thessalonians as His people because He loves them dearly. This choice is not just for them but for each one of us. Emphasize that God picking us gives us confidence to stand firm. It’s much like being chosen for a special team; we are picked first by God, and that should make us feel secure and special. Highlight how this point connects to the big idea of being loved and chosen by God.

2. Called to Jesus' Glory

2 Thessalonians 2:14

Perhaps you could illustrate that God called the Thessalonians to share in the glory of Jesus, just as He calls us. This means that we are part of something bigger, sharing in Jesus' victory and goodness. Children can relate this to being part of a winning team or a group that achieves something great. This connection to Jesus strengthens our faith and our ability to stand firm amidst any challenge.

3. Cling to the Teachings

2 Thessalonians 2:15

You might emphasize the importance of standing firm and holding onto the teachings of Jesus. Paul reminds the Thessalonians to cling to these truths. Perhaps relate it to holding onto a rope during a tug-of-war; the teachings are the rope we hold tight to stay steady. For children, it shows the power of truth in providing strength when facing doubts or peer pressure.

4. Comfort from Christ's Strength

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Maybe focus on how God and Christ provide comfort and strength for our hearts that help us to continue doing good. Paul reassures the Thessalonians that God provides everlasting consolation and hope, which creates a comforting picture for children, knowing that they are never alone in their struggles and weaknesses. This passage wraps up the big idea that God’s strength is our support system.

Questions:

What is the main reason Paul gives thanks to God for the Thessalonians?

According to the passage, how did God choose the Thessalonians for salvation?

What are the two important things mentioned that help us to be saved?

What should the Thessalonians do with the teachings they received?

How can God comfort and strengthen us, according to Paul?

Sermon:

Do you ever worry about stuff? Things like what if they don’t like me? Will I be good enough to make the team? What if no one picks me, how embarrassing will that be? Will I ever understand this math in order to pass the class?

WORRY, WORRY, WORRY! Many early Christians worried as well. Mostly that worried about when Jesus would come back. Some of them were so convinced that Christ would come back in their life time that they just stop living their lives. They sold all they owned and move to the hills and just waited for Christ to come again. These people worried about ever little event because such things were like an alarm going off. Stand on the mountain quickly Jesus is come.

The problem with worry is that it often takes the place of living. For all these people thought about was that moment when Christ would take them away from their problems. They stopped every thing, including telling others the good news of Jesus.

They had been chosen to be part of the winning team, yet they lived as if they were defeated.

Paul calls them to remember who called the and what they were called to do. The team needs you, Jesus needs you to tell others about Him.

The Pick...

2 Thessalonians 2:13

2 Thessalonians 2:13 NLT

As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth.

Thank God - You were Chosen

God Chose you to be saved

God Chose you to be Holy

The Winning Team

2 Thessalonians 2:14 NLT

He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Living in the Gospel

We Are Part of the Plan

Sharing in the Gospel

Share the Victory

Share the Goodness

Share the Hope

Share the Faith

The Call to Stand

2 Thessalonians 2:15–17 NLT

With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.

Stand Firm

Paul was an example of standing firm

When we stand firm nothing will change our minds about Jesus

The Strength of the Sequoia Tree

Keep the Teachings

What are the Teaching s of the Gospel?

How are we to keep these teachings

Comfort Each other

The team lifts each other

The team cheers for their team mates

The team cares for the other players