Hold Fast

INTRODUCTION

The Bible predicts of the coming out of the many from the faith. I am afraid to think that that time is fast coming. Our duty as body of believers is how to prevent some of our brethren from falling away from the faith?

I. BE LOYAL TO THE FAITH, 13-14 (Biblical Doctrine)

A. Keep yourself in the Sound Teaching, 13

-Study your Bible

-Study and learn Biblical Doctrines (Basic Theology)

Model:

We must keep the attitude and enthusiasm of the Jerusalem believers in Acts 2:42, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…”

B. Guard it with the Holy Spirit, 14

-Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance, illumination, and conviction (1 Corinthians 2:10-14)

Truth to consider:

-Natural Man does not seek God and the things of God (Romans 3; “No one seeks God.”).

-Natural Man’s mind is blinded by the god of this age (2 Corinthians 4:4)

-JOHN 17:3, “NOW THIS IS ETERNAL LIFE: THAT THEY MAY KNOW YOU, THE ONLY TRUE GOD, AND JESUS CHRIST WHOM YOU SENT.”

This is our duty as Christians, to know God and know Him fully.

-Spiritual Man is alive because the Spirit of God is in him (Galatians 4:6; 1 Cor. 6;19; Ephesians 1:13; Romans 8:16; John 1:32).

-The Spirit of God searches the things of God/THEOLOGY (1 Cor. 2:10)

-A true Christian will devote all his life in the faith.

II. BE LOYAL TO THE FAITHFUL, 15-18

A. Do not abandon fellow servants, 15

Model:

We must keep the attitude and enthusiasm of the Jerusalem believers in Acts 2:42, “… and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer”

-In the gospels those that stay with the brethren at all times tasted for themselves the actual teaching of the theology of resurrection except for Thomas, the Doubter. We don’t know where he went or what is that appointment that is more important than to be with the brethren. The truth is, he’s absent and for that moment he is disloyal to them, at least for that fellowship and prayer day.

B. Do not be ashamed of the gospel, 16

-The gospel is the only reason why you and other believers are saved.

C. Do not give the devil any reason, 17 (Don’t be idle—especially when you are away from the fellowship.)

D. Do not seek for any reason to rest, 18 (Find ways to minister)

CONCLUSION

Idleness is a big temptation to quit. Study your Bible. Know God intimately. Share your faith actively. Being idle or indifferent is almost the same as quitting. Remember this, if you quit, you loose. DON’T BE IDLE. HOLD FAST and SERVE GOD. WIN FOR JESUS. LIVE FOR JESUS!