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Man's final blessedness depends on —

I. HIS UNSWERVING CONTINUANCE IN THE FAITH. There is implied a continuance in —

1. The doctrines of the faith. What a man believes has a powerful influence in moulding his character. Unbelief lures the soul from its confidence, sets it adrift amidst the cross currents of doubt, and exposes it to moral shipwreck. The soul's safety is ensured not by an in fatuated devotion to mere opinions, but by an intelligent and constant faith in Divine verities.

2. In the profession of the faith. The believer is a witness for the truth, and it is imperative that he should bear his testimony (Romans 10:9, 10; Matthew 10:32).

3. The practice of the faith. Faith supplies the motive and rule of all right conduct.

4. Continuance in the faith must be permanent. "Grounded and settled." In order to permanency in the faith, the truth must be —

(1)  Apprehended intelligently.

(2)  Embraced cordially.

(3)  Maintained courageously.

II. HIS UNCHANGING ADHERENCE TO THE GOSPEL HOPE.

1. The gospel reveals a bright future.

2. The gospel to be effectual must come in contact with individual mind. "Which ye have heard." Epaphras had declared to them the Divine message.

3. The gospel is adapted to universal man. "Which was preached to every creature which is under heaven."

4. The gospel invested the apostle with an office of high authority. "Whereof I, Paul, am made a minister." There is an implied possibility of relinquishing our hold of gospel hope. The multiplicity and fulness of our blessings may prove a snare to us; prosperity tempts to relax watchfulness. Our retention of the gospel hope is rendered immovable —

(1)  By constant prayer;

(2)  Growing acquaintance with the Word of promise;

(3)  Continual anticipation of future bliss.

(G. Barlow.)

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KJV: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

WEB: if it is so that you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Good News which you heard, which is being proclaimed in all creation under heaven; of which I, Paul, was made a servant.