Sermon by Pastor Nathan Johnson, May 25, 2025
In a world of constant change and fleeting commitments, there’s a powerful message that resonates through the ages: stay with it. This simple phrase carries profound implications for our spiritual lives and our walk with God. It’s a call to perseverance, to unwavering faith, and to a deep-rooted commitment that withstands the tests of time and trials.
Too often, we hear people proudly proclaim, “I used to…” When it comes to matters of faith, this statement is particularly troubling. “I used to go to church,” “I used to read my Bible,” “I used to believe.” These declarations of past devotion reveal a sad reality – many have allowed circumstances to derail their spiritual journey.
But what if we chose a different path? What if, instead of succumbing to the pressures of a world that often devalues and disparages faith, we decided to stand firm? This is the challenge presented to us – to be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord.
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, exhorts believers with these powerful words: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
This verse serves as a rallying cry for Christians facing a world full of strange ideas and constant distractions. It’s a reminder that our faith is not built on shifting sands, but on the solid rock of Christ’s resurrection and the promises of God.
To truly “stay with it,” we need four essential elements:
- A Settled Head: This refers to having a firm grasp on what we believe. In a world of conflicting ideologies and watered-down spirituality, it’s crucial to know and hold fast to the truth of the Gospel. We must have a “no doubt” mentality when it comes to the fundamental truths of our faith – the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- A Stable Heart: An unwavering faith isn’t just about intellectual assent; it’s about emotional resilience. A stable heart remains steadfast in the face of challenges, criticisms, and even when others walk away. It’s the ability to say, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15).
- Surpassing Hands: This speaks to our actions and service. The Greek word for “abounding” used by Paul implies doing more than expected. It’s a call to go beyond the common, casual, and convenient in our service to God. It’s about rejecting a “that will do” attitude and instead striving for excellence in all we do for the Lord.
- A Satisfying Hereafter: This is the promise that sustains us – the assurance that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. While we can’t guarantee the outcomes of our efforts in other areas of life, we can be certain that what we do for God has eternal significance.
Staying with our faith doesn’t mean life will always be smooth sailing. We’ll face challenges, criticisms, and moments of doubt. But it’s in these very moments that our commitment is tested and strengthened. As the old hymn reminds us, “Time is filled with swift transition… Hold to God’s unchanging hand.”
The beauty of steadfast faith is that it mirrors God’s own faithfulness to us. Just as He is “guilty” of always doing more than we expect, we’re called to go above and beyond in our devotion to Him. When we look back on our lives, many of us can testify to moments when God showed up in ways we never anticipated, bringing solutions to impossible situations and comfort in our darkest hours.
In the face of a rapidly changing world, where values shift like sand and truth seems increasingly relative, the call to “stay with it” becomes even more crucial. We’re reminded of Jesus’ words about building our house on the rock (Matthew 7:24-27). A life built on the unchanging truths of God’s Word and a steadfast commitment to Him will withstand any storm.
This steadfastness isn’t just about personal spiritual survival; it’s about being a beacon of hope and consistency in a world desperate for something real and lasting. When we stay true to our faith, we become living testimonies to the power and faithfulness of God.
So, how do we cultivate this kind of unwavering faith? It starts with a decision – a commitment to build our lives on something eternal rather than the temporary. It involves daily choices to prioritize our relationship with God, to immerse ourselves in His Word, and to remain connected to a community of believers.
For those who feel they’ve strayed or those who’ve never truly committed their lives to Christ, the invitation is always open. God’s love, as expressed in John 3:16, is a constant offer of eternal life to all who believe. It’s never too late to start building your life on the solid foundation of faith in Jesus.
For believers who find themselves disconnected from a church community, the call is to re-engage. Faith isn’t meant to be a solitary journey. We need the support, accountability, and opportunities for service that come from being part of a local church body.
In conclusion, the message is clear: stay with it. In a world of quick fixes and easy outs, choose the path of steadfast faith. Let your head be settled in truth, your heart stable in commitment, your hands surpassing in service, and your hope set on the satisfying hereafter promised by God. Remember, nothing done for the Lord is ever wasted. Every act of faith, every moment of perseverance, is noticed and valued by God.
As we face the challenges and changes of life, may we be found faithful, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain. Stay with it, for the One who calls you is faithful, and He will surely do it.