Endurance in Faith

Colossians 2:18-19 and the Danger of Being Beguiled The message focuses on Colossians 2:18-19, warning against being beguiled and losing one’s reward. Colossians 2:18-19: “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshiping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding the head from which all the body, by joints and bands having nourishment, ministered and knit together, increases with the increase of God.” Being beguiled is likened to Eve being deceived by the serpent in Genesis. The serpent beguiled Eve, leading to consequences. The reward at stake is salvation. Matthew 10:22: Enduring to the end is necessary for salvation. “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Endurance is crucial, like in an Enduro motorcycle race, requiring persistence to reach the destination. Enduring means continuing to do what one should, even when facing opposition. Example: Continuing to profess Jesus even when facing opposition. The Colossian church faced various theories about God and worship, including Gnosticism. Gnostics believed Jesus was not truly a man but a spirit. Many churches today are not focused on the blood of Jesus, salvation, sanctification, or separation from the world. Instead, they seek worldly things. If there is no discernible difference between the behavior of the world and that of church members, something is wrong. Those walking with God should hate what they once loved and love what they once hated, with Jesus being central. Revelation 2 and the Church of Ephesus Revelation 2:1-7 is referenced, focusing on God’s potential “awe” (displeasure) against the church. Revelation 2:1-7: Addresses the church in Ephesus, acknowledging their works, labor, and patience, but noting they have forsaken their first love. The church in Ephesus is commended for not tolerating evil and for exposing false apostles as liars. Many who start strong in faith eventually fade away, leaving behind only the faithful members who were already committed. Example: Some television ministries and churches initially appear to have revivals but later prove to be superficial. It’s important to make the Bible personal, as if God is speaking directly to the individual. This involves recognizing God’s word, mind, and character and assessing whether one is aligned with them. Works alone are not enough; faith with works is essential. Being “washed in the blood” makes one a “first draft pick” and puts them on the front line. Being on God’s team requires prioritizing His business and what He considers important. It’s not comfortable when the world hates you for your faith. One must endure and be found faithful, not compromising with worldly influences. Attending church should be a purposeful act of seeking heavenly manna to sustain the soul. Heavenly food (God’s word) clears the mind and encourages one to persevere in prayer, even when the world is discouraging. Jesus cleansed the temple, driving out the money changers and declaring it a house of prayer. He then healed and ministered in the temple, and children praised Him. Those who didn’t leave or get run out questioned Jesus about the children’s praise, but He did not answer, acknowledging their praise. Revelation warns to “let him that hath an ear hear what the spirit saith unto the churches.” Overcoming leads to eating from the tree of life in paradise. One must surrender to God as their master and not be beguiled by the world. The remedy for losing one’s first love is to repent and return to it. If one has not been born again, these concepts may be a mystery. Born-again believers need to return to their initial zeal and get right with God. Remembering one’s former state helps one appreciate the transformation God has made. The Example of Eli and His Sons The story of Eli and his sons in 1 Samuel 4 is used as a cautionary tale. Eli was beguiled and profited from his position, while his sons were ungodly. God will intervene if people do not address unrighteousness. Eli’s sons took the Ark of the Covenant into battle, thinking it would solve their problems, but they were defeated and died. Relying on religious rituals or leaders without personal righteousness is futile. One must personally repent and get right with God. The news of the defeat and the death of his sons led to Eli’s death. Eli’s daughter-in-law named her son Ichabod, meaning “the glory has departed.” It’s a dire situation when God’s glory departs from someone. One needs to rekindle the fire of their initial salvation experience. David prayed, “Restore to me the joy of my salvation.”