Church of Christ Sermons
Bobby Stafford	Importance of the Gospel II Thessalonians 2:13-17		Thessalonians Gospel

The Importance of the Gospel

 The first twelve verses of Chapter Two inform us of the importance of knowing the difference between truth and error.  Those who do not love the truth (the gospel) will not be saved; but rather they will be condemned.  (Verses 10-12)  In our text, Paul expresses thanks for the Thessalonian Christians because they were not being deceived nor led into error.  They were holding fast to the truth of the gospel and because of that, God was blessing them. 

Text:  II Thessalonians 2:13-17 

 I. God Calls and Chooses Through the Gospel (Verses 13-14) 

Paul begins by saying he was morally obligated to express thanks for them.  The brethren were loved by the Lord.  He was genuinely grateful for these faithful followers of Christ.  Reason?  God chose them for salvation!  Note:  Ephesians 1:4-5.  He chose them for salvation in Christ, where all spiritual blessings are.  Notice that Verse 13 of our text informs us there are two parts to this. 

1. “Sanctification by the Spirit”

We are set apart.  This is done through the power of God’s Word.  This is God’s part.  (John 17:17) 

 2. “Belief in the truth”  This is man’s part.  (I Peter 1:22-23)  Notice that one cannot be saved by believing and obeying religious error! 

Verse 14 “Called by gospel”  God calls to humanity through the gospel,  His invitation.  This is the only one He makes.  When someone is taught the gospel and learns it; that is God calling him.  That’s how He does it.  (John 6:44-45)  When that person responds in faith to that teaching, he is freed from sin.  He is saved.  (Romans 6:17-18, I Peter 3:21) 

II. Must Hold Fast to the Traditions (Verse 15) 

“Stand Fast”  The Corinthians were told to stand fast in the faith.  (I Corinthians 16:13) Note also how standing fast in the gospel is directly associated with salvation in I Corinthians 15:1-2. 

“Hold the traditions”  Note similar instructions in I Corinthians 11:2.  “. . . Keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you.”  What were these traditions?  God’s inspired teachings were handed down through the inspired men in the first century.  (I Thessalonians 4:1-2)  They were authoritative for all time.  It is similar that we must “hold the traditions” as noted in Colossians 1:21-23.  Gospel=the faith=the truth=the traditions  Note:  For some people, the truth of God’s Word isn’t enough.  They are not content with it.  They want something new and different!  A new message may be fun and exciting, but it has no power.  Only the gospel has power to save.  Nothing else does!  The gospel plus anything else can’t save.  The gospel minus any part; can’t save, either. 

III. God Uses Truth to Bless Us (Verses 16-17) 

“Loved us”  God sent His Son to die for us on the cross. He left us the gospel, the good news about His Son. 

“Everlasting consolation”  We have eternal encouragement – consolation.  (Romans 8:28)  Note:  Romans 15:4 The Word of His grace consoles us and gives us hope of eternal life in heaven.  It gives us assurance and confidence that if we continue faithful until death, God will give us a crown of life.  (Revelation2:10)  The truth helps us withstand the storms of life.  It lights up our path so we can see clearly.  (Psalms 119:105)  “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” The Word is a beacon that keeps us from hitting the rocks. 

Verse 17 Paul desires that God will comfort their hearts and strengthen them in every good word and work.  We are established, made firm, when we heed the Word and abound in the work.  Note:  James 1:25.  God will bless us in many ways and finally bless us in heaven. 

Closing:

God continues to call mankind through the gospel.  The invitation is open as long as you live.  But once death comes, that door is forever closed.  We are given only so much time.  Use it wisely! 

Bobby Stafford

September 25, 2011