The believers must remain stable: (2:13-17):
Stability is a coveted quality in every sphere of human life. Governments talk about stabilizing the economy, builders endeavour to construct stable houses and carpenters stable furniture. Aircrafts and ships have stabilizers to counteract turbulence and ocean winds and we admire people who have a stable personality, character and convictions. Paul speaks of 3-factors which are trying to make us unstable viz, Persecution, false teaching and temptations. We can overcome them through the Word of God. Study the Word and ask God to give strength to face these weaknesses in our lives.
As the end of the age draws near, it will be more and more difficult to live for Christ and serve Him. This is the time that we hold on to the Word of God! Don’t listen to the lies of the devil, the teachings of the cults, the sugar-coated promises of false teachers. Hold on to the Word of God!
The Day of the Lord applies to both the unbelievers and the Jews, but not to the church. It is a day of wrath. The Church would have been Raptured by that time and will not be there to see the day of the Lord. (1 Thess.1:10; 5:9). The purpose of the Tribulation is the punishment for the un-believers and the purification of the Jewish nation. Antichrist cannot have full powers until the Church is Raptured. The simple difference is that the Church has been saved by believing the Gospel and the worldly people will be doomed by believing Anti-Christ and his lies. What a contrast between the church and the followers of Antichrist!
Paul clearly speaks to stand fast! Don’t be moved by world convulsions, political upheavals, or religious apostasy. All these things must take place, but God is still on the throne. We must keep on working for Christ. As we win others to Christ, we are building up the body. When the body is complete, Christ will come to take His church and we will be caught up in heaven. Since the church is in the world, Satan’s program of wickedness is held back temporarily by Holy Spirit, but once the church is gone, Satan will have more freedom. He will seek to destroy Israel and ruin mankind.
There are great and challenging days ahead. Let’s be faithful and face the Lord Jesus Christ without shame when He comes to take His Church.