Articles
Stand Fast
Paul’s second letter to the church at Thessalonica identified some issues that were troubling the church. They were being persecuted (1:4). False doctrines were being taught among them (2:2). There were those who were walking disorderly (3:6).
Though the intensity and nature of these challenges have changed over time, the issues pretty much stay the same. Forms of persecution still exist today, the world constantly invents and promotes false doctrines, and sin still manifests itself at times among us in disorderly living.
In the area of false doctrine, Christians must be on guard to recognize when subtle changes, though seemingly innocent, may eventually lead to outright corruption of sound doctrine. But today, many influences of the world have abandoned subtlety. Depraved concepts and lascivious lifestyles that are contrary even to common sense and everyday observation rule the day. Who would have thought even a few short years ago that social powers would set out to eliminate the recognition of gender? That parents should not treat their boys like boys and girls like girls? Or that school boards and teachers own the molding of your children? The days are gone where we could say with Paul that such things were not so much as named among the Gentiles (1 Cor 5:1). Today’s Gentiles espouse the vilest of Godless doctrines and demand that all accept it.
At the present time we can hope the church will never compromise with such mind-bending philosophies. But we can be assured that we or our children or grandchildren can be swayed, even if just a little bit. And once we sway, the process of apostasy has begun.
It is comforting to know that whether the issues are those of the first century, those of today or those of the future, the Christian position is the same as Paul taught the Thessalonians:
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
We can defeat the dismay and distress produced by worldliness and we can stand immovable in the faith when we resolve to always do just as the apostle said:
Stand Fast! – By holding to the traditions we have been taught.
Ron
