Redemption Ministries Bible Study -Steadfastness And Faithfulness To The End (Complete Study Manual)
Redemption Ministries
CHURCH OF THE FIRSTBORN
WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY
JUNE 16, 2020
TOPIC: STEADFASTNESS AND FAITHFULNESS TO THE END (1)
TEXT: PHIL. 1:3-10; COL. 2:1-8; I THESS. 2:17; I TIM. 6:14; 2 PET. 3:17; HEB. 3:12-13; REV. 2:5.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Tim. 4:7
Every biography tries to hide, cover, conceal and leave undisturbed the true character of the man when he lived, how he lived and sometimes how he died. This selective presentation that gives a perfect picture of the departed with the intention to present him in good light to the general public cannot and can never arm twist God’s eminent judgment. Heb 9:27.
The woman out there that is expensively dressed spending most of her time in Dubai, US, UK, most be told the truth. No woman is too descent for a message that reproves her of her sins and dubious ways. Herodias knew that the only way to silence John the Baptist and his “disturbing” message against their sin and give her a firm position in her new home with Herod was to demand for his head as a birthday Gift.
No man is above the gospel. At death we all have to face the consequences of the life we lived despite the earth shaking burial rites and unparalleled reception accorded him by undertakers and well-wishers.
When Jesus died, the Bible bears record that without a spokesman, onlookers and passers-by merely looking at him had overwhelming conviction that He was the Son of God indeed. Matt. 27:54. Are you still standing on what you first believed?
Two words are critical to this study.
1. STEADFASTNESS (sometimes spelt stedfast) means an unwavering, loyal and painstaking commitment to a course in life. It involves your readiness and willingness to stake all for a course you believe in. It involves your sacrifice and whatever it takes to meet up with the demands of the course. Not easily moved nor negatively influenced by adverse conditions. “not being fair weather Christians” etc. Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:3 “thou therefore ENDURE HARDNESS as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” The attempt to redefine Christianity to satisfy our worldly lust is contrary to what we received when we got born again. There is an old path we must not tamper with.
2. FAITHFULNESS this means true, devoted, constant dependable and steadfast fidelity to whatever one is bound to by a pledge, duty or obligation. At the point of conversion, we actually engage in a solemn pledge to be faithful, loyal and obedient to the demands of Christianity and we move on to perfection as we learn of Him daily. When Paul the apostle addressed this matter, he pointed out his desire for the brethren as follows.
a. Their love for God will continually wax strong on daily basis
b. knowledge in the things of God and its application in their daily lives should increase
c. Fight manfully onward knowing that God’s judgment at the end of time is fierce not respecting any man 2 Cor. 5:11
d. Hold fast to that which we already have Rev. 2:25-26 else another wave of falsehood penetrate and overtake our faith. Gal. 1:6-13; I Thess 5:1-6.
Will you be steadfast and faithful to the end?
HYMN 393 – FOR THY GOODNESS
-
Redemption Ministries Bible Study -Steadfastness And Faithfulness To The End
TOPIC: STEADFASTNESS AND FAITHFULNESS TO THE END (2)
TEXT: MATT. 24:13; LUKE 19:13; JOHN 6:66; 2 TIM. 4:9-10; HEB. 3:12-14; JUDE 9-12; REV. 2:25-26; REV. 3:11-12.
“Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas HATH FORSAKEN me, HAVING LOVED this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.” 2 Tim. 9-10.
“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.” Heb. 3:12.
God is neither fascinated nor enthusiastic about the CROWD (multitude) that come to church as He is with the QUALITY of the heart of worshippers who are genuine and determined to stay to the end. In the scenario that played out in John 6 where multitude abandoned all and followed Him, ordinarily, one would have been contented as the latest G.O. with the largest single congregation in just two programmes.
However, in order to authenticate true membership, Jesus told His audience that they sought Him not because of the word and miracles but because of food. In an attempt to ascertain true membership, Jesus often confronted His audience and followers on their attitude until in John 6:66, the Bible records that many of his disciples left Him after one of such confrontations. Church attendance in thousands is not the issue. As good as it is, the quality of spirit that can drive a man to the end has always been and is still the focus in Christ’s ministry.
Hypocrites, sycophants and praise singers are not part of the congregation He came to raise. After many of his disciples had left Him, He turned to the twelve and asked “will ye also go away?” John 6:67. Truly, Jesus desired and designed the formation of a church that is pure without wrinkle. Eph. 5:27.
POSSIBLE HINDRANCES FROM BEING STEADFAST AND FAITHFUL TO THE END:
1. AN INSATIABLE CRAVING AND AVARICE FOR MATERIALISM. 2 Kings 5:20-27; 2 Tim. 4:9-10; 1 John 2:15-17. Love NOT THE WORLD is neither a complex statement nor an ambiguous command subject to further explanations. It is simple to be understood by anyone. Gehazi and Demas were two fortunate young men who were familiar with sacred things and yet were strange to the methods of accomplishing them.
Their motive and mission in ministry was clearly defined by their degree of greed and quest for personal gain and that alone they were ready to risk everything including their future prospects, sacrifice their pastoral training and to commit sacrilege if doing so will satisfy and gratify their immediate avaricious desires. They two bear record that they LOVED THE WORLD.
It is worth noting from Gehazi’s perspective that his skillful construction of the lies he told Naaman that made Naaman’s boys to even escort him with the gifts his master had rejected portrays the level of the appetite he had for the things of this world. His fearless and desperate move for gold and garments earned him his disease, affected his health and compromised his future (probably, he was to become a prophet with a triple fold anointing). Beware of your actions. They account for who you are and what you become.
HYMN 428 – THOU MY EVER LASTING PORTION
(STANZA 1, 2, 6, 9 & 12)
TOPIC: STEADFASTNESS AND FAITHFULNESS TO THE END (2) Continuation
TEXT: MATT. 24:13; LUKE 19:13; JOHN 6:66; 2 TIM. 4:9-10; HEB. 3:12-14; JUDE 9-12; REV. 2:25-26; REV. 3:11-12.
MARRIAGE. 1King 21:2-14; Prov. 14:1-2; 31:10. Who you marry, either MAKE or MAR you. How come that Jezebel was so proficient in managing wickedness even where the level of her husband’s wickedness has reached its limit. She planned, plotted and master minded the killing of Naboth and the subsequent possession of his land by Ahab her husband.
Why will Herodias make such a ridiculous demand of John the Baptist’s head from Herod her so called husband? If only Saphhira was spiritual, she would have advised her husband against the plan trick to lie to the Holy Spirit and death would have been averted. One school of thought rightly asserts that next to our salvation is our MARRIAGE. Despite the unquestionable earth shaking revival that John Wesley the father of Methodism had in his days, his marriage was a disaster and in no way represented a Christian home.
Though he was mightily blessed, he was maritally bound. His wife was a specimen of a wicked woman and partnered with Satan to make his marriage a nightmare. He divorced her at a time: an act John referred to as “finally, she left for good.” Many have missed heaven because of who they married and many made it because of who they married also.
WRONG COMPANY OF BRETHREN. Rom. 16:17-20; 1Cor. 15:33-34; Gal. 1:8-9; 2 Thess. 3:6-8; 2 John 10-11; 3 John 1:9-11. “Mark them and avoid” is not borne out of hatred but out of a burning desire to make heaven at last and at all cost which is more precious than any temporal relationship and alliance. Why join the company with fraudsters to defraud the church or arrange your kidnap to rip off your company or family? Read Matt. 18:7-9.
BEWARE OF THE CHARM OF CHARISMA AT THE EXPENSE OF CHARACTER. Matt. 7:21-24; 2 Tim. 3:4-10, 14-17. No virtue can be so deceptive and destructive as charisma. Charisma is a compelling attraction or charm that can inspire and attract followership. Many young girls met their Waterloo at the silent invitation of charisma. Young men in the early days of their university ventured into cultism because of what thy felt they will gain in addition to their certificate but sadly, they lost all.
Charisma vacillates with time thus leaving its spectators in utter wonder and amazement as to what has become of their mentor. Character sustained by Christianity is enduring, forbearing and lasting. It may not be as vocal, fast and outspoken as charisma but it obviously has a lasting end and will certainly ensure you do not end up on the way.
2. AN UNCARING CONGREGATION. Exo. 17:1-7; Num 16:1-8; 20:1-13. An uncaring, unholy and prayerlessness congregation is the worst thing that can ever happen to a man who is the pastor of such an assembly. There are countless times that Moses was ready to die for his church thus asking God to blot out his name from the book of life instead of the congregation. Yet we do not read that the congregation once gathered to pray for Moses and his ministry. He was always remembered when there was a need and such remembrance was with a painful reminder that the Egypt they left behind had better graves, cucumber, onions etc.
This character pushed Moses beyond his limits in ministry and he paid dearly for it. He died without stepping into the Promise land. Even at death, it took God to release an angel to fight for his body. See Jude 9. Some Pastors have become victims of their profession through the scourge of the tongue from the members they pastor.
These Pastors dedicated their members’ cars, babies, prays for them and above all minister salvation that will lead them to heaven. Yet no member can sacrifice for him. One member of a church once said. My Pastor is not worth eating my one Naira. How do you esteem your Pastor? Are you praying that he too remains steadfast till the end?
Redemption Ministries Bible Study -Steadfastness And Faithfulness To The End
TOPIC: STEADFASTNESS AND FAITHFULNESS TO THE END (3)
TEXT: ECCL. 7:8-10; PHIL. 1:8-10; 4: 9; COL. 2:5; 1 TIM. 6:14; 2 TIM 2:1-2; 2 PET. 3:17; REV. 2:25-26.
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Matt.24:13
The ungodly philosophy and wicked theology of once saved forever saved has done a lot of damage to the body of Christ. Many brethren have presumptuously held to this dubious claim that has no scriptural backing to continue in their old sinful life after confession with this idea as a defense mechanism. The scripture opines that better is the end of a thing than the beginning which implies that after our salvation, we are expected to grow in grace unto perfection and continue to be steadfast and faithful to Him till the end.
In the past two studies, we spent time to analyze the various hindrances that can make a man not to endure to the end. Today, we shall look at ways through which we can remain focused in our Christian race, steadfast and faithful to the end:
1. CONTINUE IN REGULAR FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST. John 8:30-32; 15:8-10; Acts 13: 42-44; 1 Tim. 4:16; 2Tim. 3:12-14; Heb. 10:25. One of the most viable ways through which you can daily examine yourself and be assured of your relationship with Christ that will strengthen, equip and build you up to be faithful and steadfast to the end is to make it a priority to continue with Him in His teachings and way of life.
We live in a day that presents disturbing options to those who can simply be identified as fans of Christ, deceivers, apostates, etc. who profess Christ but do not present the Christlikeness in their way of life at all. This worrisome development prompted Christ to declare that on that final day such will cry unto Him but He shall deny them. Matt 7:21-24; Luke 13:24-28.
2. UNDERSTAND THE NATURE AND DEMANDS OF THE RACE. 1 Cor. 9:24-27; Heb. 12:1-5. Every race has laid down rules of “DOs” and “DON’Ts”. It does not matter how proficient, qualified and well tutored an individual may be or knowledgeable in that race. If the laid down operational principles are not adhered to, he is automatically disqualified.
The rules of the Christian race have no exceptions for certain people. We are under biblical injunction to comply. Our law courts have been empowered to sentence fellow humans to life imprisonment or death depending on the gravity of the offence. If rules set up by human beings for their fellow humans can be so stringent, unbendable and cannot be easily compromised then God expects more from us.
HYMN 444 – YOU HAVE LONGED FOR SWEET PEACE
JULY 14, 2020
TOPIC: STEADFASTNESS AND FAITHFULNESS TO THE END (3) Continuation
TEXT: ECCL. 7:8-10; PHIL. 1:8-10; 4: 9; COL. 2:5; 1 TIM. 6:14; 2 TIM 2:1-2; 2 PET. 3:17;
REV. 2:25-26.
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Matt.24:13
We shall continue look at ways through which we can remain focused in our Christian race, steadfast and faithful to the end:
3. PERSONAL CONVICTION, COMMITMENT AND CONSECRATION TO CHRIST. LUKE 6:46; John 13:13-17; Acts 9:6; Phil. 3:7-8. At the point of conversion, the personal conviction of Paul the Apostle was so overwhelming that he immediately addressed the issue of his commitment and consecration by asking God what He wants him to do. Very few Christians make such requests and continue in the instructions given.
Paul’s exemplary lifestyle stands distinct and unique as he bears record that he served the Lord from the day of his conversion faithfully until his day of departure. 2 Tim. 4:1-7. The evidence of our discipleship is easily assessed in our level of loyalty to Him. Jesus personally disqualified three (would be disciples) applicants at the point of recruitment because of their attitude to service. Luke 9:57-62.
No political party harbours any chieftain who shows signs of being apolitical. Their loyalty cannot be compromised otherwise; they are shown the way out.
4. KEEP HIS DOCTRINE. Deut. 32:1-2; Prov. 4:1-2; John 7:14-18; 14:15-17; 15:10; 2 Tim. 3:10. Doctrine is the articulated teaching of the undiluted message of Christ to His followers. It is the central focus of what Christ stood for and not subject to the popular opinions and views of men. Even when the entire Pharisees rose up against Christ and quoted from Moses’ writing, He who was before Moses and the one on whom the truth revolves stated what was expected from the beginning. Matt. 19:7-9.
HYMN 444 – YOU HAVE LONGED FOR SWEET PEACE
Redemption Ministries Bible Study -Steadfastness And Faithfulness To The End
JULY 21, 2020
TOPIC: STEADFASTNESS AND FAITHFULNESS TO THE END (4)
TEXT: 1 COR. 9: 24-27; 1 TIM. 6:12-14; 2 TIM. 4:7-8; HEB. 4:11-14; 10:22-25; 12:1-4; JAMES 2:5; 5:7-9; REV. 2:10.
“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
Our calling is a sacred one and is likened unto the physical race.
Recently, there was a race involving old men and women ranging from 80 to 100years. As the race began, the organizers were not too interested in getting the first person to brace the tape but were rather interested in who braces the tape. Overwhelming applaud with a standing ovation was focused on the 100 years old woman who despite her speed ALSO, FINALLY crossed the line after her fellow competitors had longed done so.
As it is in every race where only the faithful competitors who sustain the tempo of the race TO THE END despite obvious obstacles that may lead to a fall, pressures that may incur wounds and temptations to bow out without bracing the tape etc, are often rewarded so it is too with the Christian race where faithful followers and steadfast disciples who CONTINUE IN CHRIST TILL THE END.
“STRIVE to enter in at the strait gate: FOR MANY, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Luke 13:24.
May you never end the journey half way.
There can be no greater price that can be paid for steadfastness and faithfulness than the one Christ paid at Calvary (take note of the pains, wounds and agony). There were several options but despite all, he opted to suffer the worst humiliation and most cruel shameful death ever experienced by humanity. Gal.3:13; Phil. 2:7-8;
CLOUD OF WITNESSES THAT FOUGHT TILL THE END:
1. CONTEMPORARY WITNESSES: Heb. 12:1-7. The early missionaries who despite the comfort of their nations forsook all the comfort including families, crossed the deserts, seas into the mosquito infested Africa to establish schools, clinics which they used as avenues to evangelize the dark continent. Many of them died of malaria, others were killed by our wicked cruel great grandparents who loved darkness and had embraced witchcraft as an acceptable societal value or norm.
Some of them were buried in graves that could never be traced by the family members. The Christians in Romania, Russia, China and all the communist countries suffered untold hardship from the tortures of the communist police with many dying in their prisons. For some, the condition for their release was just to say Jesus is not Lord. Others were put in cold refrigerators and monitored to the point of death and quickly rushed to a heat chamber to resuscitate them, some were mercilessly beaten for conducting devotions in prison cells etc. Yet in all, they remained FAITHFUL, STEADFAST and CONTINUED to the end.
HYMN 269 – FAIREST OF ALL THE EARTH BESIDE
- Redemption Ministries Bible Study -Steadfastness And Faithfulness To The End
JULY 28, 2020
TOPIC: STEADFASTNESS AND FAITHFULNESS TO THE END (4) Continuation
TEXT: 1 COR. 9: 24-27; 1 TIM. 6:12-14; 2 TIM. 4:7-8; HEB. 4:11-14; 10:22-25; 12:1-4; JAMES 2:5; 5:7-9; REV. 2:10.
“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
2. BIBLICAL WITNESSES: The Bible is replete with a host of heavenly witnesses who fought to the end not minding anything whatsoever that jeopardized their physical wellbeing, safety and existence. A few examples include:
i. MOSES. Exo. 2:10- 11; Heb. 11:24-29. He rejected the prestigious position of the Prince of Egypt with all the attendant pleasures attached and chose to serve God at the expense of his own life. Despite the stiff opposition he encountered, he fought to the end.
ii. ELIJAH THE TISHBITE. 1 Kings 17:1-3. He appeared in the scene without any prior notice as a spiritual superstar. He took charge of affairs in the entire nation as he willed uncommon authority before kings and humanity. Without any human assistance, he subdued, subjected and humiliated to death an amalgamation of 850 wicked prophets. He was faithful to the end until God deemed it fit to safely whisk him away while yet alive.
iii. STEPHEN. Acts 7:54-60. Ordained as a Deacon, he soon graduated to an Evangelist. He was opposed and resisted by the enemies. In all, he made up his mind either to live or die FOR CHRIST. He was stoned to death and he died while praying for those who master minded the act.
HYMN 269 – FAIREST OF ALL THE EARTH BESIDE
-
Redemption Ministries Bible Study -Steadfastness And Faithfulness To The End
August 4, 2020
TOPIC: STEADFASTNESS AND FAITHFULNESS TO THE END (5)
PAUL THE APOSTLE: A STERLING EXAMPLE OF BEING STEADFAST AND FAITHFUL
TEXT: Acts 23:1-3; Rom. 7:7-25; 8:35-39; 2 Cor 2:3-11; 11:23-28; 12: 1-10.
“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
The Holy Spirit carefully chronicled the life of this emissary, exposing his areas of weakness, strength and display of humanity i.e. A man subject to like passion to demonstrate to us that in the race for spiritual supremacy that culminates with each believer making heaven at last, we must fight manfully onward.
There is no doubt whatsoever, that Paul stands unique in human history as one man that had a perfect mastery of his profession either as a believer or an unbeliever. Before his conversion, he had an intimidating resume of being a veritable anchor man and a spice for the devil as he voluntarily championed his course without recourse. Recall that one of his last assignments for the devil was the supervision of the killing of Stephen. An assignment he handled with zeal and zest. Acts 7:58
We shall briefly explore his weaknesses and strengths.
1. HIS WEAKNESSES AS AN APOSTLE: Acts 23:1-3; Rom. 7:7-25; 2 Cor. 12: 1-10. Paul’s revelation of his inner struggles and weakness through the witness of the Holy Spirit points to all that we are saved and sustained by Grace. When Paul was brought before the High Priest Ananias to defend the gospel for which he was accused of, faced with pressure, he suddenly remembered one of those old abusive words. Listen to Paul. “Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?”. However, he sincerely apologized afterwards. In the quest for success, you must keep your body under subjection. 1 Cor. 9:27.
2. HIS STRENGTHS: Rom 8:35-39; 2 Cor 2:3-11; 11:23-28; Phil 2:3; Col. 3:12. We cannot attempt to quantify on paper, the suffering for Christ that Paul passed through. It is interesting to note that at the point of conversion, he was specifically told that he will suffer many things for heaven’s sake. “For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake” Acts 9:16. In spite of all these, Paul remained resolute, steadfast, faithful and undaunted (not intimidated or discouraged by difficulties, dangers and disappointments) until the end. Beloved, let us not faint. We are bound to come across trials, tests and temptations but God will give us the enabling grace we must overcome. 1 Cor. 10:13
HYMN 319
Thanks for studying Redemption Ministries Bible Study -Steadfastness And Faithfulness To The End (Complete Study Manual) .
Read Daily Devotional & Bible Study Here
