Hold Fast
Introduction: We each live within an evil and wickedness in this cold, cold old world.
If perchance you need proof, look at our war of terror, it is Islam against the world. This war is resulting in deaths of many innocent people.
We are a nation more likely to accept pedophiles, pornographers, and homosexuals into our community than we would accept a Christian based organization. Who needs those Bible thumpers?
Our society is moving away from our faith. Christians who “Believe” are being cast as “militant” Christians. People who believe there is only one way are now militant.
Just to let you know I see a lot of “Christians” who are not living the life as Christ says we ought to. Yet, I do make judgments as to what sins I understand they are involved in. However, I might make that judgment in my mind, but folks I do not always denigrate then to the woodshed.
They know, I know, and it isn’t me they need to fear, let them make the realization that it is God they need to fear.
When I start talking about “Holding fast” or remaining “Stedfast” I am not only talking to you, but, I am reminding myself where I ought to be.
Reminding me that it is “The foolishness of preaching” is what I am here for, the rest is inconsequential. It happens and will be taken care of regardless.
We, you and I, we must hold fast and remain stedfast to the sound Word of our faith. Then praise God you are worthy. We must believe and reflect that belief to the world.
I read an illustration given by C. H. Spurgeon in the Introduction to a book titled “Becoming A Twenty-First Century Church” by Clarence Sexton.
“An infidel [Non-Believer] once met a Christian. “Because” said the other, “for years you have passed me on my way to my house of business. You believe, do you not, there is a hell, into which men’s spirits are cast?” “Yes I do,” said the Christian. “And you believe that unless I believe in Christ I must be sent there?” “Yes.” “You do not, I am sure, because if you did you must be the most inhuman wretch to pass me, day by day, and never tell me about it or warn me of it.”
We must remain stedfast and hold fast to the principles God and His Son Jesus has given us each. If to warn is being militant, then pick up your sword.
Be aware as we hold fast, we are also susceptible to false doctrine.
We must be careful, “hold fast” and remain “stedfast” to our faith. If you see your secular thinking conflicts with your Christian beliefs, then YOU, and only YOU, must decide where you really stand, Do you really believe?
I. HOLD FAST TO SOUND WORDS (v 8)
A. The Words Of The Gospel
1. The words of salvation
John 3:15 - 16 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
B. Stand Fast With These Words
1. Brethren / Brothers
i. Be ye stedfast
ii. Be ye unmovable
iii. Be ye always abounding
a. In the work of the Lord
b. With zeal / enthusiasm
II. HOLD FAST TO THE TRUST GOD HAS GIVEN YOU(v 12)
A. God Trusts Us To Do What He Has Instructed
1. The Holy Spirit to direct us in
2. You, and me, we must follow that lead
i. In faith and with trust.
B. Go Home With The One Who Brung You
III. HOLD FAST BY NOT TURNING AWAY (v 15)
A. Paul On Trial For Insurrection
1. It was dangerous to be associated with Paul
i. We know of two who deserted him
2. They turned away
i. Lost the faith
ii. Maybe they never had the faith
a. They just wanted to be close to an important person
b. The heat just got to hot.
3. Eventually they all left Jesus
B. Many Remained Fast To Christ and Paul
CONCLUSION: Onesiphorus held fast, we are told in (v 16) one held fast. One remained faithful.
Onesiphorus sought out Paul, to help him. He just didn’t send money, he went to help out.
You see he was a militant for Christ. His means of helping was to be a blessing to God’s man Paul.
Where is our zeal, what are we as individuals doing to Glorify God? Is your hand out to that lost soul down the street, what about that co-worker or the lady you talk to down at the MALL?
Is some one you know, are acquainted with ever going to ask you “Why didn’t you ask me?”
The “watchman” in this verse is not just the preacher, it includes all Christians.
His blood, him being in hell, is on your hands. Not the preachers, not your neighbors, YOURS.
Yes, you in your faith must be a militant, regardless. Now I do know God doesn’t want us to cloister ourselves and become hermitlike omitting ourselves from the world. Folks He wants you out there with you sword in hand, nothing less.
“Bring them in” the song states; just who is the song talking to.
We are not looking for immediate results, we are not threatening, coercing anyone, just asking “If you died today would heaven be your home.” Folks without doubt, no “I hope so,” an “I know for certain where I will go, Heaven.”
It is our job, this churches job (as a church) to invite, teach and lead people to Christ. Without your help, look at you hands, whose blood is there?
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