Stand Fast

God’s timeless Word is relevant in every age. The two letters Paul wrote to the Thessalonians speak to us because they reveal the times we are living in today. Concerned for the church he established in that city, Paul lovingly advises the believers to “not be quickly shaken in mind or troubled.”
 
With so many contradictory reports bombarding us through the media, many don’t know what to think or how to feel. Who do we believe? What do we believe? It may come as a surprise to some but the Bible accurately predicted this craziness.
 
The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be save  (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10).
 
God the Father doesn’t leave us helpless in the midst of the chronos times we are living in and the kairos signs we are witnessing. Paul goes on to remind believers in this same chapter that the presence of the Spirit within and belief in the truth—God’s Word—sustains us. But on one condition.
 
Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle (2 Thess. 2:15).
 
Paul isn’t talking about manmade traditions or religious practices. The Greek word for traditions here simply means something handed down. In this case, the Gospel teachings. Paul is referring to what he preached to them when he was with them and the teachings in his letters.  In short, the Word of God we now have in written form.
 
How do we stand fast and hold onto the truths of God’s Word? By hearing it. By setting our mind on it. By keeping it before us in whatever form works for us.

​In order to stand fast we have to be more consumed with God’s Word than with the media. We’re not saying that we shouldn’t listen to the news in order to be informed. We’re saying don’t let it consume you—your time, thoughts, or emotions. Feed your spirit instead.

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