Stable and Steadfast

Minister Joaquin

 Colossians 1:21-23

21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. 

reconcile The Greek word used here, apokatallassō, refers to the act of restoring a relationship to harmony. The purpose of Christ’s death on the cross was to bring all things created by Christ and for Christ (Col 1:16) into harmonious relationship.

Continue in the faith 

1:23 if indeed you remain in the faith Paul seems to be acknowledging that the Colossians are at a crossroads. He charges them to continue trusting in Christ and living out the gospel message. However, they must refuse to observe the rules and traditions of false teachings, which threaten to lead them in a different direction. They must remember that faith in Christ is not simply a way of entering God’s kingdom—it is the way of life withinthe kingdom (Hab 2:4; Rom 1:17).

Present us as holy and blameless and above reproach

Stable and steadfast

Stable

This trait influences our ability to cope with stress, resist our impulses, and adapt to change. People score high on emotional stability tend to be calm, composed, and stress resistant. They’re also generally confident and not easily provoked or disheartened by setbacks. 

Synonyms:

Firm, solid, steady, secure, fixed, strong, stout, safe, anchored, immovable, well built

Steadfast

If someone is steadfast in something that they are doing, they are convinced that what they are doing is right and they refuse to change it or to give up. 

Steadfast references

Ex 34:6 The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness

Nu 14:18 ‘The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and fourth generation.’

Ps 57:7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody!

1 Cor 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Ps 17:7 Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.

Heb 6:19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,

Applications

1.     Set your sights on holy things Pureflix over Netflix

2.     Listen to only uplifting music that will produce good values and character

3.     Commit time to developing Godly character

Artists: Paint images of bible scenes and characters seeing God

Musicians: play more worship music, write your own song

Athletes: volunteer to teach Christian athletes, speak at FCA

Ask for a book to read to develop your faith.

Study a book together with a small group 

Find more time to serve and be around people who are trying to serve and love

4.     Journal how much time you spend on each thing for the day. Do this for a whole week and see how much time you spent on everything else over God? Reflect on the time spend on Godly things and if it is enough to help you stay stable and steadfast.

5.     Identify your bad habits and make plan to stop them. Develop a plan to build your self-control and willpower. 

Questions:

1.        How stable would you say you are from 1-10 in your character and faith?

2.        What are you most steadfast in pursuing in your life right now?

3.        Why do we put so little effort into our faith and expect God to reward that?

Steadfast characters

Joseph

Daniel

Hosea – Movie amazing love (Married a prostitute based on God’s orders)

Mary (Mother of Jesus)

Luke 1:37-38

37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. 

Missionary book Lives Given not Taken

Corrie Ten Boom- Book The Hiding Place and Tramp for the Lord