STAND FIRM AND HOLD ON

Proclamation:

"... From the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.  He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.  May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."  2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 (NIV)

Explanation:

These word were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the believers in Thessaloniki.  Paul was encouraging them by reminding them that God chose them to be saved.  He also told them to "... stand firm and hold to ..." what they have been taught.  Then he prays that God will encourage them, and strengthen them, and allow them to do more good work.

Application:

We each were created and saved by God for a purpose.  Our good works here are a part of kingdom building here on earth.  All that we do should be done for the glory of God.  Temptation is all around us and our human nature is basically sinful.  Our trials, storms, and tribulations seem to keep pulling us down.  We need to "… stand strong and hold …" on to our Bible teachings and our faith in God.  Whatever it is that we are going through, may God encourage our hearts and strengthen us, and allow us to do more good deeds in the future.