HOLD FAST TILL I COME
Revelation 2:25,26; 3:7-13
Beginning the Christian faith is one thing, and firmly holding on in the face of opposition, persecution, affliction and suffering to the end is another.
As the life of Christ, the early disciples, and other believers in contemporary times demonstrate; there is a price to pay for standing up to your faith and convictions.
It is only those who are willing to pay the price who will win the precious prize.
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (James 1:12).
P1. The Price for Holding Fast To the End
Ruth 1:8-18; Luke 9:23,57-62; 2 Timothy 3:10-14
Following Christ truly comes with a price tag:
- It is not enough to profess your love for Christ, you must be willing to pay the price
- Remember the emblem of Christianity is not a bed of roses, but a cross and everything it represents
- Christ is our Perfect Example – He paid the price for our redemption
“Often, we endure trials seeking God’s deliverance from them….While our instinct is to flee trials, remember that even in the midst of suffering, God’s will is being done” – Paul Chappell.
P2. The Prize for Holding Fast to the End
Matthew 1:1,5-6; Isaiah 33:14-17; Rev. 2:25-29; Heb. 12:1-4
God has a prize for those who faithfully pay the price:
- Those who focus on the price easily get weary and faint
- Believers who focus on the prize instead of the price are able to endure to the end
- The precious prize God has for the faithful who hold fast to the end, makes whatever price they need to pay now, worthwhile
“Cast not away your confidence because God defers his performances. That which does not come in your time, will be hastened in His time, which is always the more convenient season. God will work when he pleases, how he pleases, and by what means he pleases. He is not bound to keep our time, but he will perform his word, honour our faith, and reward them that diligently seek him”.– Matthew Henry