In what ways can we strengthen our faith to avoid turning away? Facing the Warning of John 6:66 “From that time on, many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him.” (John 6:66) The verse sounds a sober alarm: even those who once followed Jesus can drift away. Below are practical, Scripture-anchored ways to keep our hearts steady and strong. Fix Your Eyes on Jesus • Hebrews 12:1-2 calls us to “run with endurance” by “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” • When disappointment, doubt, or difficulty arises, immediately shift attention from circumstances to Christ’s finished work and present reign. Immerse Yourself in the Word • Romans 10:17: “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” • Daily intake: read, listen, memorize, and meditate. • Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Stay Devoted in Prayer and Worship • Jude 20-21 urges us to build ourselves up “praying in the Holy Spirit.” • Prayer and worship realign the soul to God’s greatness, keeping affections warm and doubts small. Cultivate Christ-Centered Community • Acts 2:42 shows early believers “devoted…to fellowship.” • Hebrews 3:12-13 warns against an “unbelieving heart” and commands, “exhort one another daily.” • Share meals, confess struggles, celebrate victories—consistent, honest fellowship guards against isolation. Put On the Armor Daily • Ephesians 6:10-11: “Be strong in the Lord…Put on the full armor of God.” • Helmet of salvation for secure identity, shield of faith for fiery darts, sword of the Spirit (the Word) for lies and temptations. Walk in Ongoing Obedience • John 15:4-5: remain in the Vine and bear fruit. • 2 Peter 1:10: “Strive to make your calling and election sure…you will never stumble.” • Obedience isn’t legalism; it’s love expressed in action, confirming our relationship with Christ. Remember God’s Past Faithfulness • Throughout Scripture, God tells His people to recall His works (e.g., Deuteronomy 8). • Keep a journal of answered prayers and providences. Rehearsing God’s track record fuels present faith. Guard Against Spiritual Drift • 1 Corinthians 10:12: “So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.” • Evaluate: What habits, media, or relationships tug you from wholehearted devotion? Remove or redeem them promptly. Live Filled with the Spirit • Galatians 5:16: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Dependence on the Spirit is not occasional emergency help but moment-by-moment reliance. Keep Eternity in View • Colossians 3:2: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” • Present trials shrink when weighed against the “eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Strengthened by these practices, we answer Jesus as Peter did moments after many walked away: “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68) |
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