Stand Firm, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

Almost every believer will struggle with doubt at some point in their life. Very often, Satan uses moments of spiritual failure or weakness to sow the seeds of doubt. Because of the pressures of persecution and the confusion of false teaching, the Thessalonian Christians were struggling with doubt. They wondered and worried if they were truly saved. They wondered and worried if they were worthy of God’s grace. They wondered and worried that if they experienced a moment of failure or weak faith, could this have forfeited the promises of the gospel?

Having corrected the lies of the false prophets and teachers, Paul now turns his attention to assuring these saints of their salvation and encouraging them to stand firm in their faith. To stand firm in the faith is to remain steadfast and faithful to God and obedient to His word. To do this, Paul does not begin with a list of demands for the church to meet but rather with an affirmation of the true gospel that enables the saints to stand firm in their faith.

Confident hope in the assurance of salvation empowers believers to stand firm in their faith and hold fast to the testimony of the gospel. Failure to stand firm is sometimes the result of being lured away by worldly novelties and distractions. Other times, the pressures, difficulties, and hardships of this world press down so hard that it seems impossible to endure in your strength.

In response to the deceptions of false prophets and the hardships of persecution that the Thessalonian Christians were enduring, Paul encouraged the church in 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 to stand firm in the faith in three ways.

1. Stand firm in the faith by affirming the true gospel. (13-14)

2. Stand firm in the faith through faithful confidence. (15)

3. Stand firm in the faith by enjoying the comfort of peace. (16-17)

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Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.

This sermon was originally preached on 6/8/2025 at Central Baptist Church of Waycross, GA.

Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at www.BenSmithSr.org.

For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit www.cbcwaycross.org.

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Stand Firm, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 - Pulpit notes and outline handouts (PDF)

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Pastor Ben Smith’s expositional sermon pulpit notes for preaching 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17. The PDF file contains sermon notes, illustrations, and sermon outline handouts.

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