The Firm Believer

I’m not that! - Reggie dancing last night at Allie’s wedding

This is how Paul concludes this section of the book, he brings it full circle to state who the people are not and who they are.

We need this type of reminder often because we get caught up in the lies of the devil, the guilt of our sin, and the hopelessness of our world. So though today’s text wasn’t written to us it is for us, so let’s dive in.

The first thing we see is that Christians are,

1. Converted for Righteousness. (vs. 13-14)

But! - You aren’t those people and I thank God for that.

You are:

Loved by Jesus - Cross - Christ Alone

Chosen by the Father - Grace Alone

Made Holy by the Spirit - Faith Alone

Conversion is a work of the Trinity in you and for you.

You were called to this status by the means of the Gospel

GOSPEL

So you would be made righteous or look like Jesus!

Heaven is the bonus, not the point.

Is this the end or is there more?

2. Conviction of Belief. (vs. 15)

So Then...

stand firm - stand or fall based on the masters standards

hold - maintaining a military post

to what?

Apostolic teaching - The Bible - Scripture Alone

The impact of Luther’s 95 theses was dramatic and word spread of Luther’s stand. Soon after he was charged with heresy and in 1520 a papal bull (a formal communication) was issued against him by the pope. Luther publicly burned the papal bull. Finally, in 1521 Luther was summoned to defend his position at an assembly gathered at the city of Worms, Germany. Formal deliberative assemblies were called “Diets.” Thus, this important meeting was called “the Diet of Worms.” Luther refused to recant his views. His response to the Emperor, Charles V was powerful. “Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason (for I do not trust either in the pope or in councils alone, since it is well known that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not retract anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience” (Noll, 154). This was Luther’s “Here I stand, I can do nothing else” moment.

This type of commitment is what Paul is writing about and the type of commitment we should strive for.

The Thessalonians knew this would come with a price and we know it too, but Paul ends this section of reminding us of a beautiful truth.

3. Comfort in Action. (vs. 16-17)

God gave

Comfort

Hope through grace

God give

Comfort

Establish their hearts

work

word

God give them what they need to live a life for your glory alone - Soli Deo Gloria

Salvation is not granted to us to do nothing with it. It is granted to us to orient our lives around and thus be people who are identified with our Savior in belief, action, and speech.

So Paul says - You’re not that in verse 13 and then says what they are in the following verses.

You are this, so...

Belief - reject beliefs and ideologies of this world

Action - do something! - tangible action this week?

Speech - seasoned with salt - tangible conversation this week?