2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 ~ All You Need to Stand Firm

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 provides a "toolbox for comfort" for Christians to stand firm. Verses 13-14 give us the four main "tools" in this "toolbox":

1. The love and election of God: God chose us as the firstfruits to be saved as we are beloved by the Lord
2. Sanctification by the Holy Spirit: Jesus' blood washes us of our sins; we are set apart from the unbelievers (in terms of relationships, attitudes and responses); we are bound together with other believers for an exclusive relationship with God
3. Belief in the truth: where God is behind it all
4. Sharing in the glory of Jesus: as we are called through the gospel

Given such invaluable "tools", it is no wonder Paul urged the Thessalonians (and us!) to stand firm in verse 15 and hold fast to the gospel preached by the apostles. This second chapter is beautifully concluded on a note of prayer for comfort, hope and action as Paul prayed that the readers may be established in every good work and word (verse 17), just as how this section is joyfully opened with a word of thanks to God (verse 13) that we may not forget to be grateful for what God has done and provided us with...