The Steadfast Man Series

The Steadfast Man

series:Developing the Character of a Man of God

Scripture Reading: 1Cor 15:51-58

51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Phrase: Therefore my beloved brethren be ye stedfast

Stedfast = also spelled steadfast, sometimes translated stand fast

Meaning:

1. fixed in direction; steadily directed: a steadfast gaze. (as Christians focused, not distracted)

2. firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment, etc., as a person: a steadfast friend. (our purpose is to glorify God, in all that we are and do)

3. unwavering, as resolution, faith, adherence, etc.

4. firmly established,

5. firmly fixed in place or position.

1) God’s Call to Steadfastness

a) 1Cor 15:58 our initial text be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord

b) Gal 5:1 tells us we are to “Stand fast in the liberty”

c) Jb 11:14-15 “If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles. 15 For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear:”

2) Great Need of Steadfastness

a) This is a character trait

i) Needed in every area of life

(1) Relationships

(2) Education

(3) Careers

(4) Faith

ii) Without it we will come short everytime

iii) How many have struggle to succeed only to have given up because of discouragement, fatique, or distraction; when if they had just held on they would have overcome and won the prize

iv) Developing a character of steadfastness pays dividends in every sphere of our life

v) Perhaps there is no greater need for steadfastness than in the arena of faith – for faith is dealing often with the unseen and requires a greater discipline in this area of character

3) Biblical Examples of Steadfastness

a) The Man of God Refusing a Reward 1King 13:8

i) And the man of God said unto the king, If thou wilt give me half thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place:

b) Josiah consistent in his duties as King 2King 22:2

i) Jehoash did what was right in the sight of the LORD all the days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him.

c) Job walked in obedience Jb 23:1

i) My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.

d) Three Hebrew Captives Stand for God Dan 3:18

i) But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

e) Peter & John Stand for what is right Acts 4:19

i) But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye

f) Paul in Finishing the course Acts 20:24

i) But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

4) Requirements of Steadfastness

a) Endures Hardship

i) Of Persecution Matt 10:22

(1) And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

ii) Of Temptation Ja 1:12

(1) 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.

iii) Of Suffering Wrongfully 1 Pe. 2:19

(1) 19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.