A Command and a Challenge

Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

1 Cor 15:58

Early Christians Had Trouble With It

• Ephesian church left first love; they did not do the deeds that they did at first Rev 2:4-5

• Church at Sardis died, they fell asleep; they did not complete the deeds that they started Rev 3:1-2

• Laodicean church cooled to lukewarm; their deeds told a different story than they did Rev 3:15-17

Remaining Constant

Paul’s Exhortations to Timothy

Remaining Constant:Paul’s Exhortations to Timothy

• Give Attention, Pay Close Attention 1 Tim 4:13, 16

devote thought and effort to

apply yourself to occupy yourself with

Why? Heb 2:1

Remaining Constant:Paul’s Exhortations to Timothy

• Do Not Neglect 1 Tim 4:14

not to care to be unconcerned

How will we escape? Heb 2:3

Remaining Constant:Paul’s Exhortations to Timothy

• Rekindle When Necessary 2 Tim 1:6

keep in full flame

inflame one’s mind, strength, zeal

Remaining Constant:Paul’s Exhortations to Timothy

• Take Pains 1 Tim 4:15

• practice

• be diligent

• cultivate

How else can we become God’s approved workman?2 Tim 2:15

Remaining Constant:Paul’s Exhortations to Timothy

• Be Absorbed 1 Tim 4:15• lit. “to be in” them; our idiom, “into it” • focused• not distracted• Is our progress evident to all?

Do we see ourselves as a soldier on active duty? 2 Tim 2:4

Remaining Constant:Paul’s Exhortations to Timothy

• Persevere 1 Tim 4:16

• continue long

• stay with it

• persist

Are we putting out the sustained effort that willensure salvation for ourselves and others?

Remaining Constant:Paul’s Exhortations to Timothy

• Pay Close Attention

• Do Not Neglect

• Rekindle

• Take Pains

• Be Absorbed

• Persevere