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Peter Barnes: 2 Thessalonians 2:15-17
(6 May 2018)
SERMON NOTES: STAND FIRM AND BE COMFORTED (2 Thessalonians 2:15-17)
The context here is still the unsettlement over false teaching concerning the Second Coming – 2:1-2. In verses 13-14 Paul goes over the sweep of the gospel. Now in verses 15-17 he aims to establish them and comfort them in mind and soul that they would be both stabilised and energised for their Christian walk.
1 Stand firm in Paul’s teaching.
– 2:15. It is all logical, which is why he begins with ‘So then’ or ‘Therefore’.
– 1 Cor.16:13; Gal.5:1; 1 Thess.3:8. ‘Traditions’ can be used in an heretical sense as in Matt.15:2-3. Paul is saying what he said in his last letter – 2 Tim.1:13-14.
‘Tradition’ refers to ‘what is passed on’ – 1 Cor.11:23; 15:3; 2 Thess.3:6.
2. Prayer for God’s comfort.
– 2:16-17a. What we already have, if we are Christians, we need more of.
– Paul has a plural subject – God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ – and yet uses singular verbs. He did this back in 1 Thessalonians 3:11. Note John 10:30.
3. Be comforted and established in every work and word.
– 2:17. The word ‘comfort’ (ESV; NKJV) can also mean ‘encourage’ (NIV). Either will make good sense.
– the emphasis is on every good work and word – which is an unusual word order. Some of the Thessalonian Christians were unruly (2 Thess.3). Strive to stand firm! (see Heb.4:11)
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay (Edward Mote).