Stand Firm

2 Thessalonians 2:15-17New International Version (NIV)

15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings[a] 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.

-          Stand firm, be anchored, don’t move and like a romans soldier who will not give up the territory he has been assigned too.  Talk about building that collapsed into the ground in YK.

-          Hold on, do not let go, let a man holding on for dear life.  Never let go.  They are a treasured possession.

-          To the teachings[we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.  The method of promotion and education in Paul’s day was oral or written means.  The word of God we should study it for all we are worth.  That is what Paul said to Timothy in 2 Tim 2:15. 

-          May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us.  This is such a truth.  God loves you and likes you.  His is agape without strings attached type of love.  Story of Hosea is a great illustration.

-           By his grace gave us eternal encouragement.  Grace is God’s riches as Christ’s expense.  Grace is favor, goodwill and loving kindness.  It is bestowed freely, received with thanksgiving, and continues as long as the reliever wishes it.

-          God gives us eternal encouragement.  Encouragement means to inspire, stimulate and to promote.  God is on your side.  He is not just the eternal cheer leader but he has given you a person to come along side, the power to succeed and tools, training and help to finish the job.

It is like having Mike Holmes helping you build your house.

-          Good hope, hope is you believe in the future.  Jeremiah 29:11New International Version (NIV)

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  What a great verse.  Check out Revelation 2-3 and see what God has in store for us.

-          Encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.  God will encourage you and strengthen you.  That is divine energy and help.  You are connected to the source.  Talk about when I was kid and got electrocuted. 

God has a plan to encourage and strengthen you because He wishes you to do good deeds and words.  They glorify Him.  James says we show our faith by what we do.  It is a combination of the spiritual and national.  You show your faith by what you say and do.  Talk about Peter and the lame man.  Close with William Booth and Salvation Army