Stand Firm

¹³ But we ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because from the beginning^[a] God has chosen^(A) you for salvation through sanctification^(B) by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. ¹⁴ He called you to this through our gospel, so that you might obtain the glory^(C) of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁵ So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm^(D) and hold to the traditions you were taught,^(E) whether by what we said or what we wrote.

¹⁶ May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved^(F) us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, ¹⁷ encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word.

Pray for Us

3 In addition, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you,^{(G) 2} and that we may be delivered^(H) from wicked and evil people, for not all have faith.^{[b] 3} But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.^{(I) 4} We have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. ⁵ May the Lord direct your hearts to God’s love and Christ’s endurance.^(J)

Conclusion

⁶ Humble^(A) yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand^(B) of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, ⁷ casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.^{(C) 8} Be sober-minded,^(D) be alert.^(E) Your adversary the devil^(F) is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. ⁹ Resist him,^(G) firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.

¹⁰ The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory^(H) in Christ,^[a] will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while.^{[b] 11} To him be dominion^[c] forever.^[d] Amen.