Be Steadfast

INTRODUCTION

The Christian race requires a lot of perseverance. To run successfully will therefore entail fortitude and steadfastness, as we keep our gaze on the Lord Jesus to avoid distractions and encumbrances on the way. Our focus is to know that the road to eternity is narrow and we need to stand firm to the end so that, like Paul, we can say, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith...

(2 Timothy 4:7–8).

OUTLINE

1. The Narrow Path

2. Stand Firm

THE NARROW PATH

The salvation experience is a wonderful one, but the road to eternal life is narrow. This way is so thin that Jesus says only a few find it (Matthew 7:13–14). No wonder Jesus challenged anyone who wanted to come after Him to deny self and take up their cross daily and follow Him (Matthew 16:24–25).

Self-denial is a major prerequisite for the journey on the narrow path (Luke 9:23). Following Jesus is living a life of complete obedience to God's word (John 10:27). It is about crucifying the flesh and living in the Spirit (Galatians 5:24–25).

The cares of this world, lust, etc., are baits that easily take people off the narrow way (Mark 4:19). Demas swerved from the narrow way because of his love for this present world (2 Timothy 4:10). Judas detoured from the narrow path because of his inordinate love for money (John 12:4–6; Luke 22:3–6). We must avoid every pitfall that wants to make us stumble on this narrow way (Psalm 119:133; Colossians 2:5–6).

STAND FIRM

Christian pilgrims must stand firm in the faith without shifting grounds (Ephesians 6:10–11). We must be confident and steadfast till the end of our race (1 Corinthians 15:58). This will also require hope that only Jesus is the anchor of our soul (Hebrews 6:19–20) and there is no need to try any other way because Christ remains the only way to salvation (John 14:6).

The devil is our adversary and we must steadfastly resist (1 Peter 5:8–9) all his antics to shift our focus from Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). It is expedient to stay away from sin and unbelief (Job 11:14–15; Hebrews 3:12–13). Like Paul, we must boldly declare who we believe and cling on to Him (2 Timothy 1:12).

Avoid being blown off balance by any kind of strange doctrine (Ephesians 4:14). Holding on to our faith to the end will necessitate an unwavering walk with the Lord (Colossians 2:5–6). We must come to that unswerving resolve that to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21). Jesus all the way.

CONCLUSION

Be resolute in your faith in Christ Jesus because there is no other way.

QUESTIONS

1. What do you understand by the narrow path?

2. What should believers do to stand firm?

FURTHER READINGS

SUN: Hebrews 10:23

MON: 1 Corinthians 15:58

TUE: James 1:12

WED: Psalm 51:10

THUR: Galatians 6:9

FRI: Hebrews 3:14

SAT: 2 Peter 3:17

ASSIGNMENT

Read Daniel 1:8–20. Identify five (5) qualities Daniel displayed that helped him to remain steadfast in a foreign nation.

(2×5 = 10 marks)