2 Thessalonians 2:13–17 (NKJV)
13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through 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. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.
II Thessalonians 2:13-17
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.
Paul again praises the Thessalonians, suggesting that he and his companions have no choice but to give thanks for them. They are family, beloved by God and saved through the work of the Holy Spirit. They have believed in the truth, and are chosen by God for a purpose. This predestination language signifies that God, through His foreknowledge, called and purposed the Thessalonians for specific works of ministry. He then instructs them to stand fast in their faith and hold strongly to their traditions, taught by Paul through word or epistle. Do not follow every new doctrine or way of living that shows up on the internet or Christian television. Let the word of God be your measuring rod.
Paul then offers them a blessing: that the Lord Jesus Christ and the Father would comfort them and establish them in the work to which He had called them. God will perform this through His love, hope, consolation, and grace. These Godly gifts will enable and strengthen the Thessalonians as they serve God and perform the work of the ministry.
How does this affect Christians today? Too often, Christians do not identify their purpose in life. They wander aimlessly through church experiences and find no real purpose. Rick Warren was wildly successful with his Purpose Driven Life book and curriculum. He found a simple path to discovering one’s purpose in God. This was a good plan, and we even used it in our church for a time. However, the lack of purpose, or at the least the lack of understanding of what that purpose may be, stifles many Christians from the joy and fulfillment of service. Seek God and those over you in the Lord in order to find a place of service and purpose for your life. God will give you the wisdom to find the right path through the Holy Spirit. Hear Him and succeed. Hear Him and be blessed. Hear Him and serve Him.
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Devoted To You 
