“Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle“
Therefore,
The “therefore” draws an inference from Paul’s arguments for stability throughout this chapter (2:2). This is the punch line–”stand fast and hold the traditions.” Both of these terms relate to stability. The doctrines of future things do not cause Christians to become inert in their Christian lives, far from it. Prophecy always leads to practical incentives for Christian living.
The word “therefore” is very strong in Greek, drawn from two Greek words. There is both inference and exhortation implied in this word. Although the Thessalonians are not in the Day of the Lord, they are nonetheless living under the possibility of satanic deception. The only thing that gives us stability against supernatural deception is the Word of God.
brethren,
Paul once again uses the term “brethren.” He wants to remind them of their common heritage in Christ because they tend to move to instability. If they stick with their commonality in the Word, they will maintain their stability.
stand fast
The idea of “stand fast” is to take a firm stand on something (1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Thessalonians 3:8), to be steadfast. Here it is to take a firm stand on the Word of God. Without spiritual stability, Christians will sink into the quicksand of the prevailing human philosophy.
Paul argued from verse 2 the importance of spiritual stability. He shows them how not to be “shaken in mind or troubled.”
“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1 ).
Principle:
Christians are to take their stand on the Bible so they will not yield to the prevailing philosophies around them.
Application:
Christians today live in a very unstable environment. In Christian circles, people pass off their ideas as God’s thoughts. This is satanic deception. Thousands of true believers have bought into satanic lies. Many pseudo pressures lead them into these ideas. Just because many other Christians fall for this, why should you?
“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8).
