HCC Weekly - October 6th, 2025

Pastor Ken

II Thessalonians 2:13-14 (NIV)

But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here, in II Thessalonians 2, Paul is setting out to encourage some disheartened Christians who are contemplating abandoning their faith. Perhaps that’s you. If so, then note what Paul says to counteract discouragement.

You are loved by the Lord! God’s motivation for saving you was not simply to rescue you from your sin, but because of His great love for you.

He chose you to be the first-fruits! In other words, from the beginning, you have not done one thing to alter God’s love for you or the good things He wants for you.

He’s doing a sanctifying work in you! In other words, God, motivated by His great love for you, is not only committed to saving you from sin, but giving you victory over sin.

He’s chosen that you might share in the glory of Christ! In other words, God, motivated by His great love for you, desires to share with you the same father-son intimacy He shares with Christ.

Therefore, Paul gives this word of exhortation…

II Thessalonians 2:15

So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you…

Allow the encouragement and love from God’s Word to be the stabilizing force in your life and in your faith. Hold fast to Him…He will not abandon you.

Have a great Monday.