LIVING WHAT WE LEARN

“So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” 2 Thessalonians 2:15

Paul is writing a letter to the members of the church at Thessalonica. In this second letter he has a reminder for them when it comes to the study of the Bible. They need to LEARN it and then LIVE it. Bible teaching has a purpose. It is not an end unto itself. It is the map of life. It points the way that we should go as we follow God’s plan for life. We are to live out the teachings of holy Scripture before others so that we can make a difference for Jesus’ sake.

In 2 Thessalonians 2:15 we are admonished to do two things with the teachings we receive from the Bible. We are told to “stand firm.” This phrase comes from one word in the Greek language. It is the word “stekete.” This word means to be unmoveable. God’s Word can give us a faith and confidence in Him that cannot be shaken! No life circumstance can match the faith we have in God. It is because of this faith that we build our value system and strengthen our convictions.

We are also told to “hold fast” to the teachings we receive from the Bible. This phrase is translated from the Greek word “krateite.” It means to have a tight grip on something. We are to tightly grip the teachings we receive from the Bible. The enemy has a variety of ways to attempt to loosen our grip on the teachings of God’s Word. The denial of Biblical inerrancy will bring into question the authority and validity of the teachings. False teachers will sound logical in their
(mis)interpretation of Scripture. Unless you are tightly holding to the truth you will fall for false teachings! Get a tight grip on the truth that comes from the Word. As David said: “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

Studying the Bible and learning from it is important but how do we live it? Since it is a lamp and a light then it is meant to be followed. Ancient man froze while sitting on tons of coal. If he had only known how to get it out of the ground. People are suffering spiritually because they have heard the Bible preached and taught but they do not make it an essential part of life. How can you apply God’s Word to everyday living?

1. Put Bible verses in places where you will see it everyday. Write verses on sticky notes and put them on mirrors,refrigerator, and anywhere in your house where you can see it.

2. Pray God’s Word. Take a Bible verse or verses and pray it back to God. For example you can take Psalm 23:1 (“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”) and pray it back to God like this: “Lord, I thank you for being my shepherd. Thank you for watching over me and caring for me as a shepherd does for the sheep. Thank you for meeting my daily needs such as food and shelter.”

3. Listen to Bible apps. As you get ready for work or school or as you travel down the road then you have an excellent time to listen to the Bible being read. You can also listen to Bible teaching. An excellent resource is One Place Ministries. Google it and you will find access to many excellent Bible teaching programs.

The more you saturate your mind and heart with God’s Word the stronger will be your faith. The more of God’s Word that is planted in your heart the better will be your defense against temptation and despair.

Dr. Gregg Thomas
November 29, 2023