November 22, 2019

BIBLE READING: 2 Thessalonians 2:14-15

[14] Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. [15] Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

We talked yesterday about Thanksgiving, and how we wanted to spend a couple of days reflecting on some things we should be thankful for. Verse 14 tells us that God invited us by the drawing of the Holy Spirit to have relationship with Him. If we can’t be thankful for that I give up. A portion of this chapter deals with the eternal punishment God has in store for the wicked, and it’s not a pretty picture. Thankfully if you’re a child of God you don’t have to worry about this. I’m so thankful for the conviction of sin and the invitation for salvation. I’m also thankful God didn’t stop inviting, because I rejected Him so many times. I’m thankful for God’s patience with me.
Verse 15 goes on to give us instruction for Christian living after salvation. It tells us to stand fast (to stand firm, to persist) and hold the traditions (to take hold of, to seize) traditions are just simply teachings. Whether we get that teaching by preaching or reading God’s Word it’s our responsibility to apply it to our lives. Today we can all be thankful for the invitation of salvation, but better than just saying we are thankful let’s live like it too.

Frank Newsome