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Reading a chapter of Scripture, my mind sometimes wanders by the end, and I find myself losing focus on the final verses. This is a well-known phenomenon called “lazy reading,” developed as a theory by the OG (Old Guy, that’s me!).
One of the “end-of-chapter” passages that I’ve recently re-focused on is 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17. Let’s overcome our tardiness and understand what the Apostle Paul is saying in these verses…
So then, brothers [and sisters], stand firm and hold on to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us (2 Thessalonians 2:15, NASB, emphasis added).
Verse 15 is key to understanding this passage. In chapter 1 of 2 Thessalonians, Paul writes about persecution and God’s upcoming judgment; then, at the beginning of 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, he reveals the coming of the man of lawlessness who deceives through false teaching accompanied by real signs and wonders.
This is the context of Paul’s message to “stand firm” in the traditions (apostolic doctrines) given to them in the spoken and written word. These teachings are summarized at the end of 2 Thessalonians 2 in four principles that we must remember about ourselves during difficult times…
- Loved by God
- Chosen by God
- Coached by the Spirit
- Called by God
Loved by God
But we should always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord (2 Thessalonians 2:13a).
It’s difficult to believe that God loves us during trials, illnesses, and betrayals — yet all will be tested, and the question becomes, “Will we still praise God?”
Chosen by God
Imagine standing on the playing field of all humanity throughout history, and of all these saints and scoundrels, the gaze of God narrows upon you and then He says, “I have something for you to do.” Incredible! Read carefully…
Because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation (2 Thessalonians 2:13b).
Yes, we are chosen from the beginning of time for a purpose, a special and specific assignment. Not only are we loved by God, but we are chosen for His team.
Coached by the Spirit
Through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:13c).
The Greek word “sanctification” implies a process of becoming like God through the strength and leading of the Spirit. We are loved and chosen by God, but we also have a personal coach in the Spirit to help us become more like Jesus. All of this for one purpose…
Called by God
It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:14).
There’s something specific God wants each of us to do.
We are loved, sanctified, and coached for God’s will. Too often, we live years as Christians with no clue as to our calling, resulting in a lackluster life of little empowerment or fulfillment. But when we walk in the process of being loved, chosen, Spirit-filled, and knowing our calling, Paul writes this promise for 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 2:16-17).
Amen! No lazy reading for us today in 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17.
Amen!