Steadfast

Richard Thetford

The child of God is encouraged by the apostle Paul to “be steadfast.” He writes: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor 15:58). To be steadfast carries with it the meaning of being “firm” or presenting a “solid front.” Therefore, Paul is saying that we should be “firm,” presenting a “solid front” in the work of the Lord. The word of God is also referred to as being steadfast in Hebrews 2:2-4. The Hebrew writer says; “For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?” It is refreshing to the Christian to know that God’s Word is a “firm,” or “solid” word. The Christian has every right to expect the word to be steadfast so that we can have an unwavering confidence in knowing exactly what our Father wants us to become. But let us remember that just as we fully expect steadfastness in the word of God, God fully expects steadfastness in us as we labor daily in His kingdom.

Why Should We Be Steadfast?

Paul’s admonition to the Christian is by way of command in 1 Corinthians 15:58. Therefore, we are commanded to be steadfast. In order for us to be approved of by God we must show steadfastness in our life. When we do, then joy is produced as a result. Paul writes: “For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ” (Col 2:5). It is so good to have others say of us that we “are steadfast in our faith and service to the Lord.” When we are proving our steadfastness in our life by being obedient to Christ, then we will be able to resist anything the devil throws our way. It is that “steadfast faith” that helps us endure the evil one. Peter writes: “Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1 Pet 4:9). Trials and tribulation will certainly come our way. But we can grow and become stronger in our daily service to God when we overcome tribulations. God’s word says: “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Rom 5:3-4). May we all continue to be steadfast in our service to God so that we may enter into Heaven’s eternity. “For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end” (Heb 3:14).