Introduction

In a world of changing institutions, traditions and standards, the Christian needs a basis for confidence and a reason for assurance. Is his religion (and therefore his hope) simply an accident of historical flux? What sign does he have that his life is important, that his salvation is of greater consequence than mere personal ambition and grounded in more than individual strength and power?

Paul warned the Thessalonians that many would be misled by Satan, that some would turn from the truth to strong delusions and lies (II Thessalonians 2:8-12). "Signs" and "wonders" are not therefore sufficient assurances of salvation or bases of confidence, for Satan offers these to delude. On the other band, Paul affirms that there is strong reason for confidence, and that the Christian can find his eternal identity by understanding and appreciating that reason. Simply stated, it is that the believer is part of God's eternal purpose, and, because God is involved, that one's own fate is not subject to every changing whim of human circumstance and activity.

Body

I. A CONTRAST IS INTRODUCED (2:12-13).

Some will believe a lie and be damned. "But," Paul says, this does not have reference to the faithful. "But" in verse 13 introduces the other side of the coin. Do not depend on powers and wonders - these mislead at times. "But" you may depend on this! Some will perish through unrighteousness. "But" you need not be in that number. The true believer has reason for confidence and assurance, and that reason is far greater than himself. He is part of God's eternal purpose and plan.

II. GOD'S PURPOSE IS EXPOUNDED (2:13-14).

   A. God chose you (2:13).

        1. As one saved in Christ, the Christian has been part of God's purpose and intention "from the begining."

        2. He is "selected" or "chosen" by the eternal God, for salvation.

        3. This is a reason for joy and confidence (see also I Thessalonians 1:4; 5:9-10).

        4. The means are expressed as well.

            a. Sanctification of the Spirit.

                (1). The believer was set apart for God's service and separated from sin when he first responded to the gospel and turned to God in Christ (I Thessalonians 1:9-10).

                (2). He is sanctified or made holy throughout his Christian life by the power of the Spirit of God (I Thessalonians 4:1-8; 5:19).

            b. Belief of the truth.

                Because the Christian believed the truth preached concerning Christ (I Thessalonians 2:13), he has confidence for his own salvation when Christ returns (II Thessalonians 1:10).

   B. God called you (2:14).

        1. Having chosen the Christian for salvation, God called or invited him to the obtaining of the glory of Christ. God acted on His plans.

        2. This call came through the good news preached about Jesus Christ.

        3. The believer knows of God's election (choosing) because of the call he received; this gives him much assurance in reflection (I Thessalonians 1:4-5).

        4. Because the gospel is God's invitation to man, the minister of the gospel must not obscure or obstruct it by deceit, craft or personal ambition (I Thessalonians 2:4-8).

        5. In the divine arrangement, men are called by the gospel. Those who respond are then given to know that they were chosen of God, as evidenced by their response to His call. The election of God is not declared first as a divine fatalism that discourages the faint-hearted. It is always viewed in retrospect, simply giving assurance to the one who does truly believe in Christ that his belief and response to the gospel are signs that he was chosen. Man is still and always a free moral agent; but he is not alone!

   C. God will glorify you (2:14).

        1. The believer was called to God's kingdom and glory. This is an incentive for right living (I Thessalonians 2:12).

        2. He will be glorified when Christ returns, as surely as he believes the gospel now (II Thessalonians 1:9-10). This is assuming, of course, that he continues in belief. Yet how much is heard today concerning the possibility of his falling, and how little regarding his blessed assurance and hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. (In other circles this ratio is reversed. The two should be balanced.)

III. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE SET FORTH (2:13,15-17).

   A. Other believers give thanks (2:13).

        1. Paul was thankful for the Thessalonians because they were part of God's purpose.

        2. Christians ought to be thankful for each other today; not because of human attachment or achievement, but because of God's purpose and working.

   B. Christians should stand fast (2:15).

        1. Steadfastness is required.

            a. Because of persecution and affliction (II Thessalonians 1:4-5).

            b. Because of troubling rumors in the world (II Thessalonians 2:1-3).

            c. Because of the work of Satan (II Thessalonians 2: 7-12).

        2. Steadfastness is specified.

            a. Not mere stubbornness or close-mindedness.

            b. But a holding fast to apostolic traditions. "Tradition" means simply "that passed from one person to another." It may be either good or bad. The apostolic tradition was the manner of interpreting all Scripture in the light of Jesus Christ, and calling on men to think and live in view of His past atonement, present Lordship and coming judgment.

   C. God will comfort and stablish the believer (2:16-17').

        1. Because of what He has already done for us.

            a. Loved us.

            b. Given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace.

        2. He will encourage ("comfort") and strengthen ("stablish") because His purpose involves the present as well as the past and future (see also I Thessalonians 3:12-13; 5: 21-24; 11 Thessalonians 1:11-12; 3:3-5).

        3. What comfort and strength is found in this knowledge! The same God who chose and called us is present to encourage and stabilize us until the day He glorifies us.

Conclusion

The Christian has stability and assurance because of His relationship to God through Jesus Christ. Because he responded to the gospel call, he knows he was chosen (therefore invited). As he believes the truth and continues in faith he is sanctified by the Spirit. Because his faith joins him to God's purpose he looks forward to being glorified. For the present, he is grateful for fellow-believers, he holds fast himself to the apostolic traditions, and leans wholeheartedly on God for constant encouragement and strength.

Some will refuse the call of God and be damned. Some will not continue in belief. But the steadfast believer has assurance and confidence. By the grace of God he is on the way to glory!

Back to Chapter 13 Forward to Chapter 15