The Path of PerseveranceSample

“…then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming” 2 Thessalonians 2:8

“Therefore, stand fast…”

In chapter two of 2 Thessalonians, Paul continues in the vein of the day of the Lord, and that this day will not come until there is a falling away first — the falling away is promised. He stresses that though there will be wickedness in the earth amongst God’s people, the Lord will return, and “with the brightness of His coming,” He will consume and destroy the works of the evil one. What a hope that the Son of Man will return and make all wrong things right! The role of the believer now is to “stand fast, holding to the traditions that you were taught.” At the point of salvation, God chose to begin the work of sanctification in you. May that work come to completion in us through trial, suffering, and persecution, and may the God of all comfort “establish us in every good word and work.”

1. What could Paul mean by "a falling away" must occur before the Day of the Lord, and how might this be relevant to believers today? How is this relevant to me?
2. How can I "stand fast" and hold onto the traditions I’ve been taught, especially in the face of increasing wickedness in the world?
3. In what ways can I actively participate in God's work of sanctification in my life, specifically through trials, suffering, and persecution?