Footnotes: Stand Firm and Hold to the Faith – 2 Thessalonians 2:15 “So then” (Ἄρα οὖν) is a common Pauline way of drawing a logical conclusion to a section. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 English Standard Version (ESV) Stand Firm 13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits [ a ] to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. In view of this bright prospect, Paul appeals to his readers to stand firm and adhere to the truths they had been taught. To stand firm and not fall away during trials, keep God’s perspective with regard to eternity.

Lesson 5: Standing Firm in Trials (2 Thessalonians 2:13-17) 1. Since his readers have been chosen by God as the first to share in the Gospel, they will be glorified at the time of Christ’s return (2:14).
2 Thessalonians 2:15, NASB: "So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us." “Ought” this words means to act of doing something presently. Hold Fast and Stand Firm in Gospel. Read verse in New International Version Introduction.

First let us look at verses 13-14, there are some key words to look at and to observe. 14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul distinguishes his readers in the church at Thessalonica from the unbelievers who reject the truth, to whom he referred in the previous passage, and urges them to stand firm in the traditions taught by the apostles, praying that God will comfort and establish them. 2. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 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. 13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits[a]to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. a. STAND FIRM AND HOLD ON. 13 But we, brethren beloved by the Lord, ought and are obligated [as those who are in debt] to give thanks always to God for you, because God chose you from the beginning 1 as His firstfruits (first converts) for salvation through the sanctifying work of the [Holy] Spirit and [your] belief in (adherence to, trust in, and reliance on) the Truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. The need during trials and times of spiritual deception is to stand firm and hold to the apostolic teachings. 2 Thessalonians 2.
2 Thessalonians 3. Read 1 Thessalonians 3:1-9. (2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 RSV) These words follow the apostle's description of the terrible conditions which will befall the world under the antichrist at the end of the age. 2 Thessalonians 2:15, NLT: "With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter." 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5 New King James Version (NKJV) Stand Fast 13 But we are [ a ] bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through [ b ] sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. He prays that Jesus and the Father would encourage the Thessalonians and strengthen them in every good deed and word (2 Thessalonians 2:13–17). Discuss his heartfelt concern. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter. For understanding these verses, refer back to Acts 17:13-16 and 18:5. Paul was both excited and grateful for the good news which relieved his deep concern for them. I. On Sunday, December 22, 2019, Mr. Harry Monroe expounds Paul's encouragement to the Thessalonians from 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17. Then he told them to be careful in what and who they believed. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17. II. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 New International Version (NIV) Stand Firm 13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits [ a ] to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. Keep Busy Encouraging each other; don’t be idle.