For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.
Truth to Learn
Christians must learn to stand firm in the midst of battle.
Behind the Words
The word translated “now” is nun, meaning “the present time.”
“Live” is from the Greek verb dzaō, meaning “to live” or “to have life.” By implication, it means “to live and prosper,” “to be blessed,” or “feel satisfied.”
There are three classes of conditional clauses (if clauses) expressed in New Testament Greek. The first class condition assumes the “if statement” to be true. The “if” is sometimes expressed as “since” in a first class conditional statement. The second class condition assumes the “if statement” to be false. The third class condition is a true conditional statement, making no assumption about the “if statement.” “If you stand fast” is expressed here as a third class conditional clause.
“Stand fast” is translated from the Greek verb stēkō, meaning “to stand.” Figuratively, it means “to stand firm in the faith.” It is a picture of an army that refuses to retreat even though it is being attacked by the enemy.
Meaning Explained
After some length of time, the Apostle Paul had not heard word about how the Christians in Thessalonica were doing in their walk with the Lord. Finally, he sent Timothy there to help them get further grounding in the basics of Christianity and to coach them in their walk. In the previous two verses we learned that Timothy had returned, bringing good news about the welfare and spiritual growth of the Thessalonians. This news was a great comfort to Paul, who had been concerned that the persecution that he and his fellow workers had been experiencing might have weakened the faith of his spiritual children.
Now, having learned that their faith remained solid, Paul expresses a further word of encouragement and challenge to them. The encouragement is that Paul and his helpers feel good about the news they heard. The expression, “now we live” does not mean that life and death depend on the condition of the Thessalonian Christians; rather, it means that the quality of their sense of living is improved. This is similar to an expression that we use when we feel particularly good. We say, “I feel really alive today.” It means that we have a really good sense of well-being as a result of good circumstances.
Paul’s challenge to them is that he and his co-workers will continue to feel good as long as these new Christians continue to stand firm in their faith. Paul knows that all Christians are engaged in a battle against our own sin nature and against the forces of evil. The Christian life is not an easy one, especially when the enemy is on the attack. When that happens, however, we need to stand firm against our attackers so as not to let them get the upper hand. As God’s soldiers and ambassadors, we are not to run from the battles, but to “stand fast,” using the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17) to battle effectively.
Application
One of the problems we face when we are under attack for our Christian witness is that we feel alone and deserted. Be encouraged, my friend, for God will never leave you nor forsake you. Also remember that your brothers and sisters in Christ are experiencing the same challenges. We must stand firm and support one another at times like this.
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved