Apostle Paul writes his second letter to the Thessalonians with the purpose of assuring them regarding the day of Christ. False teachers spread wrong doctrines in their midst, but Paul tells them that he had not changed his doctrines and reminded them of his previous teachings about the day of Christ (Vs.1-3 &5). He patiently explains to them regarding the rapture of the church first and then the revealing of the antichrist –“...the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth .”(V.8) Further Apostle Paul urged them to stand firm in the truth!(Vs.15-17)

As we read this portion and understand the scenario, we can find similar things happening around us— wrong doctrines, unnecessary arguments and claims, the list goes on! The tactics of the evil one is almost similar in any age which we can discern through the word of God. To stand firm we need to be anchored strongly in Christ through the word of God and the Holy Spirit. In our reading there are two references related to the letter/ media (V.2 & 15) –In the first, he warns: “… not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. Let no man deceive you by any means…” (V 1-3) The second is in our key verse. A close look into them:

1. Not to be shaken in mind:  A believer’s mind can be shaken due to confusions, or not having a firm foundation. First, understand the word of God and the basic doctrines in the light of the Holy Spirit; then be unyielding in it, like the person who built the house on the Rock- Christ (Matt.7:24-25)
    

2. Not to be troubled: Those who are not rooted and not confident about the promises of HIS word, only are troubled; because Jesus is coming back for the saints who are eagerly waiting for Him! (Heb.9:28)
    

3. Either by spirit or by word or by letter: The deceiving spirit and its power is visible throughout the ages and still tries to mislead people. If anyone says that His return will happen on any specific date – we are not to believe! - because Jesus said - "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father…” (Matt.24:36 Acts 1:7). 
    

4. Stand firm and hold fast to the teachings: If we need to stand firm and hold fast we need to listen, and learn the word of God; in other words we need to be His disciple! Only a disciple can follow the path of his master- that which his master has shown forth. Such a one will recheck what he hears, like the Bereans (Acts 17:11). God wants us to be like His Son. (Eph.4:14) and one day we will!

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The availability of the written Word of God is one great blessing of this era. But in our daily lives, instead of the Word, different kinds of Media have become a very influential factor, having dramatically grown within no time. Be careful! –In the Media, even a small action can make a wrong influence in an individual or society. What does the Bible say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim…” (Rom.10:8). Everything else will perish but the word of God will remain!! (Matt.24:35, 1.Pet.1:25). Let us stand firm and hold fast to the word of God!

Thought for the Day:

“Blessed is the man.. ….

his delight is in the law of the LORD,

And in His law he meditates day and night.”

(Psalm.1:1-2)