So what is our response to all this to be? First we need to
be thankful because of the place God has given us in His plans. We are beloved
by the Lord, we should mediate on this fact frequently. He has chosen us to be
the firstfruits to be saved. How are we saved? By believing the truth and by
the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is never "just
about believing" in the sense that people often talk about it. Faith does
not come alone, but it's accompanied by real changes in our lives.
We were called to this through the gospel. The gospel is not
" come to Jesus and be let off your sins", rather it is come to
Jesus, be forgiven, be transformed.
So the Thessalonians are urged to hold to what they were
taught, this would include teaching on how they should live. This teaching was
given both orally and in letters.
Paul close this section with a short prayer. God has given
us eternal comfort and hope. His comfort is not fleeting, but everlasting, we
need to have an eternal mindset. Note the recognition that we need to be
encouraged in our hearts, and this comfort comes from God. It also produces
Good works.
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