Verse: So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold to the traditions you were taught, whether by what we said or what we wrote. 2 Thess 2:15
Background: Paul wrote his first letter to the Thessalonian church from the city of Corinth around AD 51, just a few months after having preached in Thessalonica on his second missionary journey. Upon leaving Thessalonica under duress, Paul, Silas, and Timothy traveled to Athens by way of Berea. But after a short time in Athens, Paul felt the need to receive a report from the newborn church in Thessalonica, so he sent Timothy back to serve and minister to the new believers there. Paul wanted to check on the state of the Thessalonians’ faith, for fear that false teachers might have infiltrated their number. However, Timothy soon returned with a good report, prompting Paul to pen 1 Thessalonians as a letter of encouragement to the new believers.
Lesson: What is Paul trying to teach about traditions to church from 2 Thess 2:15- In this verse, “tradition” refers to the instruction in the gospel and the ethical practices that result from it. Paul encourages his readers to hold firm to these traditions and to avoid those who do not follow them – What were the apostle traditions to be followed? Paul taught those in detail in the letter, with few references
Traditions
- Approval Of God: but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not intending to please people, but to please God, who examines our hearts. 1 Thess 2:4 – To live a life according to the gospel to be approved of God.
- Example Lived: You are witnesses, and so is God, of how devoutly and rightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; 1 Thess 2:10 – A true witness is a devout and blameless person in private and public life
- Walk Worthy: So that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. 1 Thess 2:12 – We represent Jesus so we ought to live a life worthy of God
- No Disturbed: so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. 1 Thess 3:3 – Tough times and pain, peace of the Lord rules our heart and we will not be disturbed
- Cautious of tempter: For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be for nothing. 1 Thess 3:5 – Do not live a careless life, but resist the devil and be cautious of the devil’s schemes.
- Stand Firm: for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord. 1 Thess 3:8
- Earnest Prayer: as we keep praying most earnestly night and day that we may see your faces, and may complete what is lacking in your faith? 1 Thess 3:10 – Lifestyle of earnest prayers
- Established at heart: so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. 1 Thess 3:13 – Ministry and fellowship the primary goal is for His people to be blameless in holiness
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