“But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word” 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17.

The previous verses in 2 Thessalonians 2 are sobering as they mention the dazzling and deceiving appearance of an antichrist figure onto the world scene. Those not discerning of truth will be swept along with a “deluding influence” (verse 11) so that they will believe what is false.

Paul was thankful for the Thessalonians believers, chosen for salvation, sanctified through the Spirit, and firm in belief of the truth. As such, Paul called upon them to stand firm and hold on to the tradition of truth Paul had carefully taught them.

This also applies to us, and especially so in light of the soon appearance of the very individual Paul warned the Thessalonian believers concerning. Decency and truth are rapidly eroding and compromised in our times such that the restrainer of lawlessness (verse 7) appears to be soon taken away. This gives free reign for the coming man of lawlessness, with his convincing satanic bag of tricks, to carry out his evil agenda.

Vigilance is ever needed in that deception comes in many forms. Personal and group familiarity with truth is essential in avoiding last-day deception. There is never a good time to be lax in study and application of the word of God in that the enemy ever waits to exploit our weakness. Standing firm and always holding on are the watchwords for the people of God. Given the resources of truth and the Spirit of God, we have the essential weapons, but they must ever be appropriated into our lives, individually and as the church.

Reflecting on Paul’s words, I too am thankful for you. Those who stand strong are my encouragement and joy. I consider it the greatest of privileges to stand alongside those of you who are faithful warriors. As Paul desired, may Christ our Lord, and God our Father, “comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.” Keep on and press on, dear friend.

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