Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

STEADFAST: AN IMPORTANT BIBLE “BE”

The pattern is set for the churches of the Lord Jesus Christ by the status and actions of the first one. It is interesting and comforting to note that in Acts 2:42, “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” They were steadfast in doctrine, in fellowship, in breaking of bread, and in prayers! Here then is a ready-made sermon outline, and a magnificent example for church folk throughout the age. Think with me about steadfastness, an important Bible “BE” of discipleship.

The idea of steadfastness is underscored in warning. Hebrews 2:1-3 states, “Therefore

we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;”

The warning continues in personal introspection as the apostle Peter writes in 2 Peter 3:17, “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.” The warning is emphasized due to the cunning craftiness of the devil himself. Thus he also said, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”

Perhaps the bottom line of encouragement in steadfastness is spoken by Paul in I Cor, 15:58, “ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

Folks who claim to be Christian, but do not attend their church worship services except now and then; who are too lazy or too carnal to read the Bible and pray are not being steadfast. The time will definitely come when that will cost them much more than they can now imagine.

How much better it is for God’s people both now and hereafter that they should learn from the Bible pattern. In that first church, “They continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Steadfast! It is an important Bible “Be” of discipleship.

FOR THOUGHT: Temptations are multiplied, and they call repeatedly to everyone. Do you find it easy to yield to temptations not so much to overtly sin as to seek material and social status in a quest that demands all of your time and attention, leaving the Bible and church matters behind? How does that square with the idea of Christian Steadfastness?