Scripture:
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
Fri, 14 October 2022

Stand Firm and Hold Fast

Observation:

What does it mean to “stand firm and hold fast to the traditions”?

Deeper Reflection
IN OUR DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY, WE ARE TO EXPECT THE inevitable and inescapable ideological or circumstantial “rain…floods… wind…that beat against” us to come, where our foundation in life is tested: Is it built on rock or on sand (Matt 7:24-27)? It all has to do with the Word of God: Are we living by the Word or not?In the crucible of affliction and the combat against deception, the Thessalonians are exhorted by Paul to “stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught” (v.15). The “traditions” were the apostolic traditions – the apostles’ original teachings, which consist of the truth they received from the Lord through revelation. “Tradition” (paradosis) means “truth which, having been received, must be faithfully handed down”17. The apostolic traditions are “the foundation of Christian faith and life”18 (cf. Eph 2:20), taught in the early church by “spoken word or letter”, which are now preserved in the New Testament.To “stand firm” is to be steadfast and continue in a certain state.19 We need to “stand firm” when we are being greatly shaken, be it physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually. To “hold fast” is “to retain in the hand”20 and “keep a strong grip on the teaching” (NLT). To “hold fast” is to not let ourselves be pulled away forcefully or subtly. Facing storms that may rage for a long time, we are to keep standing our ground, planting our feet firmly on it, and keep clinging on “to something solid and secure, clutching hold of it for dear life”21. That “something solid and secure” is “the traditions” – the Word of God.
17 John R. W. Stott, 178 18 John R. W. Stott, 178 19 Johannes P. Louw & Eugene A. Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains, Second Edition, Volume 1 (UBS, 1988, 1989), 13.30 20 Johannes P. Louw & Eugene A. Nida, 18.6 21 John R. W. Stott, 178
Application:

How will I be able to stand firm and hold fast to the truth?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for SGI leaders: To stand firm and hold fast to the truth
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Sun, 31 December 2023

Sunday Journal

Past Week’s Review
  • What was my high point and my low point for the week?
  • What gave me life and what drained me?
  • How was the Spirit of God at work?
Reflect

What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond

What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?
Commit in prayer.

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