Monday, June 8, 2009

By Prayer and the Holy Spirit - Stand Firm

The Apostle Paul wrote: "So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us." 2 Thessalonians 2:15
This was an exhortation from Paul to the Thessalonians to not be weak in their faith. He urges them to Stand Firm, and to keep a tight grip on the 'Truth' they had been taught. Paul's mention of 'Tradition' was not talking about extra-biblical traditions that were ecclesiastical (priestly or religious). But, they were to stand firm and hold fast to what God had said, and to the written Scriptures, and stand firm in what Paul had said and taught by his teachings and writings. The Greek word translation for 'Traditions' literally means 'things handed down' and refers to divine revelation.
Remember also what Jesus said in John 15:7,8 "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples." God's Word and prayer working together does produces fruitful lives for Christ and proves we belong to Him.

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11:2 "Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you."
He warns believers in 2 Thess 3:6 "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us."
More instruction from the bible that tell us to hold fast and stand firm in the faith:
1 Timothy 6:20-21 "O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoid worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called "knowledge" which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith."

2 Timothy 1:13,14 "Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you."
So, to Stand Firm in the Faith, is not something done of yourself. We are empowered to stand firm by the Holy Spirit by holding fast to sound words, (those found in Scripture) standing firm on the revealed truths in God's Word. We are also 'warned' to guard, through the Holy Spirit this treasure which has been entrusted to us.
Further on in the passages in 2 Thessalonians we are instructed to pray, because we can not obey what Paul is saying in our own strength. We need to be dependent on God's power to stand firm. It is only by God's mighty power that we are able to stand firm in the faith. It is by the Holy Spirit that we are empowered to stand strong. So hold firmly your spiritual ground. Know God's truth from His word. And pray always.
Colossians 1:29 "For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me."
As we wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to return, we must stay strong and Stand Firm, not be weak. Do not be weakened by this world. We must draw our strength from Him. We must Stand Firm and guard the truths He has entrusted to us by the power of the Holy Spirit and in prayer. We must be alert and watchful in our walk (our lives) and stand firm in the faith (what we believe) so we are not distracted and deceived by false teachings.
Be watchful that we do not become unbelieving, unfaithful, and insecure about our faith. Pray always. God is true to His promises. Our salvation is in Him. God loves us and has redeemed us. We must continue to stand firm and be courageous in our troubles and in our lack, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus in anticipation of His return. Be strong,.... Stand firm in the faith.
Remember daily Titus 2:11-14 "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds."
Titus 2:15 "These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you."
Be Strong, Stand Firm in the Faith.