(The following is the September 22 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 2 Thessalonians 2 and pay close attention to verses 13-15.)
God has always called his people to stand firm in their faith. In the Old Testament, such calls came through Moses, David, and Isaiah. In the New Testament, they continued through Peter and Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Thessalonians.* Paul encouraged the Thessalonians: “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold to the traditions you were taught, whether by what we said or what we wrote” (v. 15). Paul wasn’t referring to habitual outward religious practices, but the authoritative practical and doctrinal matters taught through apostolic preaching and letters.
Paul’s encouragement to stand firm follows the phrase, “So, then,” indicating the instruction has a basis in what Paul wrote before that transition. What was that? Paul reminded them, “from the beginning God has chosen you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, so that you might obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (vv. 13-14). The Thessalonians could stand firm in their faith, knowing God first chose them and called them to faith through the gospel of Christ. They didn’t initiate reconciliation with God; God chose and called them.
The knowledge that God knew us before the foundations of the world, loved us, and called us to himself should intensify our love for him and our resolve to stand firm for him.
Next Step:
How has being chosen in the past by other people increased your love and devotion to them (e.g., in work, sports, relationships, honors, etc.)? How meaningful is it that God has chosen you?
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* See Exodus 14:13; Psalm 20:8; Isaiah 7:9; 1 Peter 5:12; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Corinthians 1:24; Galatians 5:1; Ephesians 6:13-14; Philippians 1:27, 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:15.
