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
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