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STAND FIRM AND KEEP A STRONG GRIP

Writer's picture: Olufunmilayo AdekusibeOlufunmilayo Adekusibe

 

Today’s Readings:

Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45

1Samuel 3:1-9

2Thessalonians 2:13-3:5

“But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which he called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

 

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it was with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men, for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you. Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.” (2Thessalonians 2:13-3:5)

 


The Thessalonian believers were said to be constantly loved personally by God as they were chosen for salvation through sanctification (setting apart) by the Spirit and their belief in the truth (v.13). Paul identified sanctification as part of the salvation process. All believers are loved by the Lord, we are chosen for salvation before the foundations of the earth (Rev. 13:8; 17:8), we have been sanctified - set apart from sin and the world by the Holy Spirit. And have been called to eternity to share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. But we clearly have a responsibility to stand firm in our faith and keep ourselves from straying from the truth because of circumstances of life (v. 15). In place of anxiety that comes from opposition, oppression and persecution, we should be strengthened and stand firm and faithfully stick to the truth. We are to stand fast and hold on to the truth of the Word of God. In our world of confusion, darkness and diverse false teachings we should stand firm in the truth and be able to guide the new converts in the right path.


Our Christian life is all about who God is, what He does for us, how He transforms us, and what He does all around us. Paul confirmed to the Thessalonians that God is faithful. Yes, faithfulness is one of His attributes! This means that God is dependable. He accomplished all His good works. He guarded the Thessalonians and delivered all those who believed in Him from all evil (Phil. 2:13). (In Him there is no shadow of turning back). The heroes of our faith did not put their confidence in man nor in false gods (Ps. 115:5-8). God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Ps. 46:1). We are to trust God with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding; we are to seek His will, He will show us the path to tread and take care of us (Prov. 3:5; Matt. 6:33).


As we continuously read, study, meditate on the Scriptures and obey God’s commands, we will be able to stand firm in our faith and keep a strong grip on the word of God so that we will not be blown, and tossed like grass in the field by all manner of doctrines and teachings from the pit of hell. We are to be very prayerful, in fact be a prayer addict praying all manner of prayer, praying in the Holy Ghost and interceding for others in faith and those not in faith (Eph. 6:18-19). In the midst of opposition, oppression, and persecution, the Gospel of truth must be preached to the ends of the world until the Lord returns, in Jesus name.

OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE


 

Prayer:

  1. Sing aloud unto God our strength; make a joyful noise unto God our maker.

  2. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy name.

  3. Father, in my daily walk with you, open my eyes to clearly see You, love You more dearly, and follow You more nearly, in Jesus name.

  4. Father keep me from the deceit of the enemy, in Jesus name.

  5. O Lord daily refresh my prayer altar, refuel it and rekindle it, in Jesus name.

  6. O Lord strengthen me in my inner-man above my foes and adversaries, in Jesus name.

  7. Father, we commit our children, teenagers, youths and young-adults to Your fatherly care, teach them by Yourself and guide them in Your path of righteousness, in Jesus name.

  8. O Lord keep Your ministers and all on the mission field safe from the wickedness of men and from evil, in Jesus name.

  9. O Lord empower the body of Christ to proclaim the Gospel in love, with boldness and let the Gospel spread speedily. Back our message with Your zeal so that it will be received with honour, in Jesus name.

  10. Father, in Your mercy and Your power, walk the length and breadth of our nation; save us, deliver us, heal us and heal our land, in Jesus name Amen.

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