Reading: II Thessalonians 2:15-17, 15So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. 16May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
As if from a scene from a movie, imagine all of us gathered together on a hillside, swords drawn in one hand and shield in the other. We see the enemy on the horizon approaching. The numbers seem overwhelming on the side of the enemy as they continue to march toward us. Then, the first wave of soldiers on the front lines of the enemy begin to run at us. Jesus is on His horse and is out in front of us with His massive sword drawn. Adrenaline is at its highest and your muscles tighten out of anticipation of the clash that is just seconds away. It is then that Paul, a Captain, shouts to us, “stand firm, men, and hold fast!!!!” You feel the confidence rise in your heart and soul and you feel your strength surge as you look up and see Jesus as His horse rears back and He thrusts His sword forward to fight and attack.
This should be our vision today. Men, no matter what happens in your day. Every single day is a battle. Every single day has attacks. We should be watching for the enemy. We should be preparing our self to stand firm and hold fast to the Word of God. One of the enemies of standing fast is the element of surprise, not anticipating the attack.
What are some things that may keep you from standing firm and holding fast to the Word of God today?
Challenge: 1) Identify potential struggles to standing firm. 2) Stand firm and hold fast to the Word of God and what you know to be true and right. 3) Be encouraged by seeing Jesus, who has already won the battle, riding on His horse with Sword drawn prepared to fight alongside you today.
REVIEW
Were you able to anticipate areas that you may struggle standing firm today?
What were those areas and were you able to stand firm and hold fast to what you know to be true and right?
How did this impact you today?
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