ANCHOR DEVOTIONS (JUNE 8, 2012)

Stand Firm

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17


"So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter."
(2 THESSALONIANS 2:15)

Looking back over the years, I've been reminded of the thrill of being taught and challenged by faithful men of God. There was a time in high school that several of us guys would meet with a "Nav" from the Navigator Home in Oakland, CA. He gave us the freedom to be ourselves, laugh, joke, and then would challenge us with study and memorization of Scripture. I still have my "memory pack" of cards with verses I worked on memorizing then. They formed a solid foundation for my faith and a protection against evil attack.

The Apostle Paul is reminding the believers in Thessalonica of how they have been chosen for salvation from eternity past. Knowing this, there was no point in being stirred up or agitated by the false teaching of the day. What is important, however, is that they hold on to the solid teaching that had been passed on to them. It's relevant for us also. Cling to the precious promises and truths you know from the Bible, and be ready to share them with a world that needs Jesus. Stand firm!


INSIGHT
WE CAN ACTUALLY BE A PART OF ACCOMPLISHING THE LORD'S MISSION OF POINTING OTHERS TO SALVATION AND HIS KINGDOM.

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
2 Chronicles 25-26
Psalm 20
Matthew 27

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
Stand Firm
13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you[a] 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[b] 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.
Footnotes:
a. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Some manuscripts because God chose you as his firstfruits
b. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Or traditions

JESUS IN THE PSALMS

Jesus is always present. He's with us in big and small details of life. And even though he is never mentioned by name, this truth is powerfully evident in the book of Psalms.