Young People's Group

THE CHALLENGE TO CONTINUE IN THE FAITH

by Pastor Mitch
January 09, 2005

“If Indeed…”

Continuity is an important concept that we must practise with regards to our faith. This was emphasised by Paul when he used a conditional statement in one of his verses when he wrote to the Colossian Church.

“To present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight – If indeed you continue” 
Colossians 1:22-23

Paul was making a statement “as a matter of fact”. The Lord will present us holy and blameless in His sight if we truly continue in the faith. There is the assurance of the reality of being above reproach in the eyes of the Lord even as we fulfil the condition of abiding. Our challenge indeed is to respond by remaining in the faith.

“You Continue In The Faith…”

It is a vital challenge for us to continue in the faith.

“If indeed you continue in the faith…” 
Colossians 1:23

The word “continue” in the Greek is known as a compound word. There is a compounded meaning to it. The idea being brought across is that we are to strongly determine to continue to remain in the faith. We are to remain faithful and true within the realm of faith. Young people, do we know our faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ well enough? We have a body of truth concerning our faith that we must be familiar with. When we remain faithful to our faith, we will display continuity.

“Grounded And Steadfast…”

Continuity is also about being grounded and steadfast in the faith (Colossians 1:23) The word “grounded” has a construction imagery. Christians were meant to be grounded in the foundation of faith. When we are grounded with reference to the foundational truths of faith, it should affect the way we live. We will definitely continue in faith. We will also be steadfast in our faith. Just like a house that is built on a solid foundation, so we must be steadfast and immovable in this faith. No matter what storms we may face, we will remain firm in our beliefs.

“Not Moved Away From The Hope Of The Gospel”

Last but not least, we must also not move away from the hope of the gospel.

“And are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard” 
Colossians 1:23

Many of us have heard the gospel. We have learned from the gospel about how God has delivered us from the power of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Lord Jesus. We have a definite hope in heaven. Let’s never move away from the hope that we have in the gospel. Young people, let’s be challenged to practise the concept of continuity. Let’s determine that we will remain faithful to the faith. Let’s never move away from the precious faith that the Lord has given to us.

Back to Article Listing