Take Your Positions

Take Your Positions

Text: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 (NIV)

13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose youa 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 teachingsb 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.

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I.        Introduction:

II.      Rejoice In the Special Position of Deliverance

A.      The Credit For Deliverance

B.      The Choice of Deliverance

C.      The Character of Deliverance

D.      The Call to Deliverance

III.   Retain the Sound Position of Doctrine

A.      Through A Defensive Posture

B.      Through A Doctrinal Position

C.      Through A Delivery Process

IV.    Rely on the Strong Position of Dependence

A.      Depending on the Source

1.       Jesus our Master

2.       God our Father

a)       A Loving Father

b)       A Giving Father

(1)     The Avenue of God’s  Grace

(2)     The Act of Eternal Encouragement

(3)     The Attitude of Good Hope

B.      Depending on Support

1.       Strength for the Heart

2.       Strength for the Work

a)       Strength to Do

b)       Strength to Speak

V.      Conclusion:

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a Some manuscripts because God chose you as his firstfruits

b Or traditions

[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996, c1984.