June 16, 2014
HOW DEEP ARE YOUR ROOTS?
2 Thessalonians 2
Tara Fenton
Central Truth
As believers, we deepen our roots to stand firm in our faith.
Key Verse | 2 Thessalonians 2:15
So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
2 Thessalonians 2
The Man of Lawlessness
1 Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, 1 2:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 13, 15 2 not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness 2 2:3 Some manuscripts sin is revealed, the son of destruction, 3 2:3 Greek the son of perdition (a Hebrew idiom) 4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, 12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
Stand Firm
13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits 4 2:13 Some manuscripts chose you from the beginning to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.
Dive Deeper | 2 Thessalonians 2
Everyone has an opinion on money, politics, and religion. We are surrounded by them. But before making a decision concerning these topics, it's wise to look into the matter by asking trustworthy people for counsel and advice.
For example, I am planning for retirement and recently met with a financial professional to set up a 403(b) account. He has his own opinions about money, and so do I. If I had gone to that meeting unprepared, that is without having looked into the matter, I might have agreed to things that I don't need. Worse yet, I might have charted a plan that dishonored my Lord. A simple internet search beforehand and asking for advice from trusted advisers (thanks, Dad!), helped me walk in wisdom and avoid pitfalls. Our walk with Christ is similar.
If we don't know God's Word, how can we make right decisions? Colossians 2:6-7 (NASB) instructs us to "walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude." Being firmly rooted means knowing our Father, reading His Word daily, and spending time in prayer. This is not just so that we can make wise decisions. This helps protect our minds.
Ephesians 4:14 (NLT) reads, "Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth." Have you ever met people who seemed believable at first, only to find out later they lied to you? Don't be tricked. Know the truth!
To deepen your roots in Christ, start by reading His Word. You can follow Join The Journey, read one chapter from the book of Proverbs each day, or simply read through one book of the Bible. I recommend Philippians. There are many Bible studies to help you deepen roots in Christ. You can also learn and grow by word of mouth -- like listening to sermons or asking questions of your community group. However you choose, make sure you are learning so that you can stand firm and hold to your faith.
Discussion Questions
1. If you were asked about your faith in Christ, are you be prepared to give an answer? Read 1 Peter 3:15.
2. What sort of things are you already doing daily to deepen your roots in Christ?
3. As you study and grow, who else could you study with? Who could encourage you to keep going? Who could keep you accountable?