Of all the questions in the world, there is one that is more important than any other? It is not "Did the Tigers win last night?" It is not "What are we having for dinner?" It is not "When is he going to stop preaching this morning?" The most important question is "Are you ready for the judgment day?"
Paul is very concerned for the Thessalonian church because they had been duped by a false teaching that Jesus had already returned. He warns that as they have been fooled there will be much deception near the end. False gods, counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders will fill the headlines in those days.
As I have contended, the information about the end times in the Bible is more about preparation than prediction. Many people want to know the day and the hour. Many others explain when and where. Others use the end to manipulate people today. Some talk so much about the end that they forget to live now.
Paul's message to the Thessalonians is simple-"stand firm and hold to the teachings" (v. 15 NIV). Stand firm in your faith and hold on to what they had learned from Paul. He gave them insight into the end, but most of all he gave them instructions on how to get through the day.
In light of the earlier question, are you ready? Paul tells this church to keep holding on. Are you holding on or have you fallen away? Either way the solution for end time preparedness is the same. Jesus is your answer. Stand firm in your faith and hold onto His word.
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