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"Be Ye Steadfast"
In Galatians 1:13 Paul would remind us of his past of who he was. It was a past that he was not proud of and a past that he never went back to. "For you have heard of my former manner of life … how I used to…" where the words “Former” and “Used To” are words which imply that a change took place. So, what took place that changed Paul's life? Why did he stay “Steadfast” after his change and why did he forget the past and press on?
Who Changed Paul?
In Galatians 1:4 Paul identifies who changed him and why. It is Jesus who GAVE HIMSELF for our sins “so that He might rescue us from this present evil age.” The one who purchased and rescued Paul from his sin stained soul and set him free from the chains that shackled him as a prisoner of his past failures, past mistakes and past sins is the same One who purchased us and sets us free from our past. A past that we must never go back to and a commitment to press on to the most important victory in life - the victory of the eternal soul. In 1 Corinthians 15:58 Paul begins with the word “therefore,” referencing that since you have this victory in Jesus, “Be Steadfast, unmovable always abounding in the work of the Lord forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain.”
What is Steadfastness?
Steadfastness is a faithful obedience. It is an obedience that is loyal, enduring, consistent, firm and unwavering. We must be steadfast in the word of God because Jesus is steadfast. In all His ways He is perfect. His truth endures unto all generations. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is the Living Hope. He is the Great I AM. He is the Redeemer of mankind. He is God in human flesh. He is the sacrificial lamb of God. He is Jesus the Christ the Son of the Living God.
Why Must You Remain Steadfast?
In order to be steadfast, we must know what the word of the Lord is. 2 Timothy 3:17 reminds us that “all scripture is inspired by the word of God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness so that the man of God may be adequately equipped for every good work.” 2 Peter 3:17 reminds us “to be on guard at all times so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness.”
Who You Were and Who You Became
When you were baptized, you buried the old self and arose from the watery grave of baptism as a new creature with a new hope, a new purpose and a new love. Paul never looked back after learning of Jesus. He remained focused and endured a lifelong process of living in Christ, for Christ and with Christ. Being steadfast is putting on the love of Christ and no longer living for self but living for Him who died and arose on our behalf. It is living in godliness. It is setting your mind on things above and doing His will. It is walking in the Light. It is suffering for the cause of Christ. Hebrews 10:23 reminds us “To hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
Victory - Only In Jesus
Hebrews 6:19 “This is the hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast…” Paul's final testimony after he had faced countless trials of his commitment to the Lord is found in 2 Timothy 4:6-8. “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Hebrews 3:13-14 “But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end…”
Don't let the tests and trials of life draw you off course. Don't let the deceitfulness of sin cause you to doubt God's power. Don't let the glitters of this world distract you from your purpose and don't let disappointment in people hinder your spiritual journey. Take hold of the Word of God, your sure guide. Hold on to Jesus, your sure foundation. God has promised you victory through Jesus Christ therefore be ye steadfast, unmovable always abounding in the work of the lord knowing that your labor is not in vain.
