How can we "continue in your faith" as instructed in Colossians 1:23?

A Steadfast Call from Colossians 1:23

“if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm,”

“not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard,”

“which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven,”

“and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.”

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Understand What “Continue in Your Faith” Means

• Ongoing, active allegiance to Christ, not a one-time decision

• Evidence of genuine new birth (Matthew 24:13; Hebrews 3:14)

• Perseverance that springs from the Spirit’s work, not mere willpower

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Grounded and Firm: The Foundation Is Christ

• 1 Corinthians 3:11—only one foundation, Jesus Christ

• Colossians 2:6-7—“rooted and built up in Him”

• Stability comes from His literal death and resurrection, not shifting feelings

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How to Keep from Being Moved

• Compare every idea with Scripture (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1)

• Refuse philosophies “based on human tradition” (Colossians 2:8)

• Stay in covenant community (Hebrews 10:24-25)

• Rehearse the gospel daily (1 Corinthians 15:1-2)

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Daily Practices That Anchor the Soul

• Word: let it “dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16)

• Prayer: “devote yourselves” (Colossians 4:2)

• Obedience: be “doers” (James 1:22-25)

• Fellowship: mutual encouragement (Galatians 6:2)

• Witness: sharing reinforces belief (Philemon 6)

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Encouragement from Other Scriptures

• Hebrews 10:23—hold resolutely to hope

• 1 Corinthians 15:58—be steadfast, immovable

• 2 Peter 1:5-10—add virtues so you will not stumble

• Jude 20-21—build yourselves up, keep in God’s love

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Living Out the Hope of the Gospel

• Its universal proclamation assures unchanging truth

• Perseverance rests on God’s faithfulness (Philippians 1:6)

• Standing firm showcases Christ’s worth to a shifting world (Philippians 2:15-16)