The Grace Station

I love this passage of scripture.  Check it out.  First in the KJV and then in the NLT. 15. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 16. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17. Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. 15. 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. 16. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, 17. comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. First, Paul reminds them to focus on the teaching that they had received, both in person and in writing, from him.  It is extremely for the believer that we take the time to receive sound teaching – and that we retain what we have been taught.  This takes discipline and practice, but the rewards are manifold!  The word “traditions” in verse 15 has the idea of “that which we gave to you, with purpose, through our teaching, because it mattered”.  Awesome stuff. Second, Paul, as he always seems to do, reminds them of the eternal goodness of God’s grace – and the hope that all believers have.  He knew that his readers would face days, weeks, months, even years – waiting upon God, learning of him, and dealing with life’s realities and struggles.  He reminds them – God is with you.  He loves you.  He has grace for you.  He is your Father.  Jesus is your Lord.  You possess comfort and hope because of His authority and His grace. Finally, Paul teaches that God will comfort (come along with us) – and empower us for every good thing we are to say or do.  Notice the progression, in verse 17.  First, these good things are in our hearts, and then in our words, and then in our works.  We must believe and trust Him – and then go about speaking and doing the things that are beneficial (intrinsically so) for our families, friends, and others. Focusing on sound teaching (doctrine) will lead us to be stable – and will promote good thoughts, good words, and good deeds.  We are His workmanship, created for such!