Hold Fast

 Timothy 1:13-18  Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.  (14)  That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.  (15)  This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.  (16)  The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:  (17)  But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.  (18)  The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

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.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV) Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

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.

Matthew 28:19 - 20  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  ²⁰Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

              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?

John 20:31   But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

I.            HOLD FAST TO SOUND WORDS                                         (v 8)

              A.           The Words Of The Gospel

Romans 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 

                        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 Corinthians 15:58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

                        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)

1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 

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.

1 Peter 4:10  As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 

            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.

Matthew 26:56  But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

                        3.           Eventually they all left Jesus

            B.           Many Remained Fast To Christ and Paul

Job 16:20  My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God. 

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?”

Ezekiel 33:6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand. 

              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?