S – So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. 

2 Thessalonians 2:15 ESV

O – Commentary:

They were to stand firm (stēkete; cf. 1 Cor. 16:13; 1 Thes. 3:8). Christians are in constant danger of being swept downstream by the currents of ungodly culture. They are also prone to let the truths they know and the relationship they enjoy with God grow cold. They need to vigorously hold to what they have been taught by God’s servants. The Thessalonians were in danger of loosening their grip on the apostles’ teachings which they had received (cf. 2 Thes. 3:6) in person from the missionaries and from their letters. They were in danger of slipping backward in their Christian experience because of the pressures of their trials and the daily negative influences of the world, the flesh, and the devil.

 Thomas L. Constable, “2 Thessalonians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 721.

A – The challenge the Thessalonians faced is true with us today.  We are pulled in many directions as believers.  We must resolve in ourselves that we will stand firm, fight the enemy’s pull and distractions and make choices that solidify our choice in Christ.  We can do this!

R – Heavenly Father, you unchanging and the same yesterday, today and in the future.  Empower us with the resolve and tenacity to follow you.  You have given us so much and we do not want to take a step that will cause us to stumble.