"A Time to Stand Firm" (2 Thessalonians 2:13-17)

2 Thessalonians 2:13–17 NIV

13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits 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 and sisters, stand firm and hold fast 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.

Thanksgiving: Loved, Chosen, and Called

2 Thessalonians 2:13–14 NIV

13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits 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.

Exhortation: Stand Firm and Hold Tightly

2 Thessalonians 2:15 NIV

15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

Prayer: Encouragement and Strength

2 Thessalonians 2:16–17 NIV

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.

Main Idea: Because of God's loving election and call, we may stand firm and hold tightly to the gospel, confident in the encouragement and strength God provides that will guide us home to glory.