“If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31–32 (NASB 2020)
We do not live our lives in a vacuum. When Jesus tells us “Continue in My word,” it is with the understanding that there will be opposition. The resistance comes from within, and from without.
In Ephesians 4, Paul tells us that God gave gifts to the church to build us up and fortify us in our faith. The goal of this instruction is maturity in Christ. The result: Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Ephesians 4:14 (NLT)
To continue in His Word results in a life that is stable and steadfast. The storms and the earthquakes will still come, but our faith will be grounded on the Solid Rock. Continuing in God’s word is essential for discipleship. We must rid ourselves of any notion that discipleship is optional.
In Colossians 1, Paul reminds us that we were once alienated and hostile in our minds toward the things of God. But we have been reconciled through Christ’s death so that we may be presented as holy, faultless, and blameless before him, but there is a condition: But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. Colossians 1:23 (NLT)
Someone once said, “Accept No Substitutes.” There are no alternatives to continuing in His Word.
It Won’t Be Easy
They strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, “We must enter the kingdom of God through many persecutions.” Acts 14:22 (NET)
It should be spiritual and pastoral malpractice to intimate that becoming a Christ-follower will result in the life that is a bed of roses. It is an insult to the grace of God to misrepresent what a disciple can expect in this life.
Was famed explorer Ernest Shackleton more truthful than many preachers? He allegedly took out an ad: “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, bitter cold, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in event of success.”
Paul and Barnabas were direct and to the point, declaring that there would be many persecutions for those desiring to enter the kingdom of God. Elsewhere Paul declared: Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:3 (CSB)
What does it reveal about our own thoughts and desires when we stop short of full disclosure about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? Jesus was never afraid of losing followers by declaring all of the implications of being the disciple (John 6:60-69).
Jesus declared: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV). It is our job to prepare people to be ready in the face of any kind of trouble that we may eventually face. This is why James warned us: Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. James 3:1 (NLT)
Hold on!
Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 (CSB)
To me, one of the saddest verses in the Bible is: Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life… 2 Timothy 4:10 (NLT). It would be difficult to doubt the salvation experience of this companion of the apostle Paul. Undoubtedly, Demas witnessed the power of God working through signs and wonders.
He heard the word of God preached with boldness, and he was a trusted associate of the apostle. In spite of all this, he did not hold on. We do not know what captured his attention or imagination. Nor do we know if he ever came back to the faith.
The battle and the struggle are real. Jesus speaking of the last days said: And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:11–13 (NLT)
The Greek word for endures is a strengthened form of the word for abide, or continue. It suggests perseverance in the face of great adversity. It is the word that the writer of Hebrews used to describe Jesus facing the cross and hostility from sinners (Hebrews 12:2, 3).
The only way to hold on in the face of pressure and adversity is to have our eyes fixed on Jesus. He begins and perfects our faith.
Continue Together
So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (CEB)
Continuing in Christ, and in His Word will always be a challenge because the forces of the world, the flesh, and the devil, are aligned against us. We really do need one another. Alone, we are weak and vulnerable. Satan uses discouragement and deception to draw us away from each other. We must not let our guard down for a moment.
You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. Hebrews 3:13–14 (NLT)
Christ has given us many great and precious promises. Continuing in his word, abiding in the vine, and not neglecting to gather together with God’s people is the way that leads to life. There is no other way to be a disciple of Christ.
Steve Ekeroth