2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 - Stand firm and hold fast to the teachings

2:15

So it is God who strengthens us and sanctifies us, but that does not mean we are passive. If we read the New Testament letters there is no concept of a passive believer to be found! We are to hold fast and stand firm to the teachings of the gospel. And Paul is drawing attention to his own teachings. He passed these on to the Thessalonians while he was with them, and through his letter (1 Thessalonians). We should note that a significant amount of the teaching in the New Testament letters concerned false teachings. This wasn’t all they taught about, but the believers were equipped to recognise and stand against false teachings.

2:16,17

Paul ends this section with a prayer, calling on Christ and God the Father to encourage the Thessalonians in their hearts, and to strengthen them in every good deed and word. God has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and hope. And He encourages us in our hearts and strengthens us in what we do. We receive help direct from God Himself!