Young People's Group

STEADFASTNESS OF FAITH IN CHRIST

by Pastor Mitch
April 24, 2005

Beware Of Being Cheated Through Worldly Wisdom

Did you know that you could be “cheated” through human philosophy and deceit? That is the nature of worldly wisdom. It can be used as a powerful tool to deceive and entrap us into its labyrinth of human reasoning and questions. Once we are drawn into this “sphere of darkness”, we could be constantly haunted by pervasive doubts. The apostle Paul was very concerned that some of the Colossians were being led astray by such wisdom.

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world…”
Colossians 2:8

The word “cheated” means to be “taken away as a spoil of war”. We can be “carried away” by false teachers through intricate sophistry and vain deception. These are according to man-made traditions and the basic rudiments of worldly wisdom. Young people, we must careful that we are not deceived by such fallacious arguments.

Steps Towards Steadfastness Of Faith

The challenge for us is to learn to acquire steadfastness in our faith.

“Rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.” 
Colossians 2:5

It is vital that we learn to have such faith. How do we go about it?

1. Check The Reception Of Jesus As Our Saviour And Lord

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord…” 
Colossians 2:6

The Colossian Christians had received the Lord Jesus as their wonderful Saviour and sovereign Lord. Paul was able to see the reality of Christ in their lives. He was truly real and precious to them. Young people, have we truly received the Lord Jesus into our lives? Is He real to us?

2. Determine To Practise Our Faith

“So walk in Him…” 
Colossians 2:6

There must also be the determination to want to practise our faith in life. Very often, we do not practise our faith in Christ. Let’s seek to walk in Him. If we do not want to be led astray, our challenge is to put our faith into action.

3. Plan To Cultivate Our Faith In Christ

“Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith…”
Colossians 2:7

There is the use of “planting” and “building” imageries. Our spiritual roots must go deep into the Lord. We are to build on the foundation of the Lord Jesus and His word. We are to be established in our faith in the Lord Jesus that we may not depart from it.

Finding A Good Teacher To Help Us

“As you have been taught…” 
Colossians 2:7

In order to achieve such steadfastness of faith, we need to be taught further. It is vital for us to find a good teacher who can do this. There are Pastors and Sunday School teachers who can help us grow. Let’s learn to take the trouble to relate to them. God will use them to enable us to be steadfast in faith.

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