Steadfastness: Godliness Necessary To
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Steadfastness is a vital attribute in the Christian life, reflecting a firm and unwavering commitment to faith and godliness. It is the quality of being resolute and enduring, especially in the face of trials and temptations. The Bible emphasizes the necessity of steadfastness as an integral part of godliness, urging believers to remain faithful and immovable in their devotion to God.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of steadfastness is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it is often associated with perseverance and endurance. In 1 Corinthians 15:58 , the Apostle Paul exhorts believers, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." This verse highlights the importance of remaining steadfast in one's faith and service to God, assuring believers that their efforts are meaningful and rewarded.

Steadfastness in Trials

James 1:2-4 provides insight into the role of steadfastness during trials: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Here, steadfastness is portrayed as a necessary response to challenges, leading to spiritual maturity and completeness.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of steadfastness. Hebrews 12:2-3 encourages believers to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Christ's endurance through suffering and His unwavering commitment to God's will exemplify the steadfastness that believers are called to emulate.

Steadfastness and Godliness

Steadfastness is closely linked to godliness, as it reflects a life committed to living according to God's principles. In 2 Peter 1:5-7 , the Apostle Peter outlines a progression of virtues that culminate in love, beginning with faith and including steadfastness: "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love." This passage underscores the necessity of steadfastness in the development of a godly character.

Encouragement to Remain Steadfast

The New Testament frequently encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith. In Colossians 1:23 , Paul urges the church to "continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard." Similarly, Hebrews 10:23 exhorts, "Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." These passages emphasize the importance of maintaining a steadfast commitment to the truth of the gospel and the hope it provides.

The Reward of Steadfastness

The Bible assures believers that steadfastness will be rewarded. James 1:12 declares, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." This promise of eternal reward serves as a powerful motivation for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and devotion to God.

In summary, steadfastness is an essential component of godliness, enabling believers to endure trials, emulate Christ, and develop a mature and complete faith. Through steadfastness, Christians are encouraged to remain faithful to God's promises, assured of the eternal rewards that await those who persevere.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Job 11:13-15
If you prepare your heart, and stretch out your hands toward him;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Rejection of Errors
... though all though which are necessary to persevere ... constant in prayers and other
exercises of godliness. ... in various measure, with constancy and steadfastness. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/synod of dort/rejection of errors 4.htm

Chapter v
... as well as man's being quite necessary for the ... What a power for godliness that should
have ... living simultaneously and encouraging one another in steadfastness! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter v.htm

1 Thessalonians iii. 8-May
... us, as though by our own power or godliness we had ... great a good did he think their
steadfastness and love ... For it was necessary, the one remaining firm, that the ...
/.../homily iv 1 thessalonians iii.htm

Spiritual Culture.
... will suggest that it is not necessary to pray ... and to patience godliness, and to
godliness brotherly kindness ... the wicked and falling from our own steadfastness. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xi spiritual culture.htm

The Catholic Epistles.
... in and out of Palestine, but this is not necessary. ... and both of which are essential
to true godliness. ... the wicked so as to fall from their own steadfastness. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxi the catholic epistles.htm

The Hold Fast
... they cannot by any means be moved from their steadfastness. ... show no such zeal in
the pursuit of godliness. ... have had to struggle with, are necessary to make a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the hold fast.htm

Christ Bringing a Sword.
... of that work, it was necessary not only ... the confidence amidst dangers, the steadfastness
before temptations ... to be disciplined by them to godliness; well, let us ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/xvii christ bringing a sword.htm

Concerning Things Accomplished in the Synaxis.
... unmoved position and steadfastness; and illuminates ... flesh, beyond the most necessary
requirements of ... indomitable inclination towards godliness, the stability ...
/.../dionysius/ecclesiastical hierarchy/caput iii i concerning things.htm

Paul's Last Letter
... urged upon Timothy the necessity of steadfastness in the ... having a form of godliness,
but denying the power ... of some of his friends and the necessary absence of ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 49 pauls last letter.htm

Justification by Faith
... of this great mystery of godliness, I shall ... of justification; yea, and the "only
necessary" condition thereof ... Adam fell from his own steadfastness, and brought ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 5 justification by faith.htm

Resources
What does it mean to count it all joy (James 1:2)? | GotQuestions.org

Does God use frustrations in life to awaken and/or punish us (Haggai 1:6, 9)? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the Rechabites in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Steadfastness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Steadfastness

Steadfastness: A Characteristic of Saints

Steadfastness: Caleb

Steadfastness: Colossians

Steadfastness: Commanded

Steadfastness: Corinthians

Steadfastness: Daniel

Steadfastness: David

Steadfastness: Exhibited by God in all his Purposes and Ways

Steadfastness: Godliness Necessary To

Steadfastness: Job

Steadfastness: Joshua

Steadfastness: Josiah

Steadfastness: Ministers: Encouraged By, in Their People

Steadfastness: Ministers: Exhorted To

Steadfastness: Ministers: Rejoiced By, in Their People

Steadfastness: Ministers: should Exhort To

Steadfastness: Ministers: should Pray For, in Their People

Steadfastness: Principle of-Illustrated

Steadfastness: Saints Praise God For

Steadfastness: Saints Pray For

Steadfastness: Secured by The Intercession of Christ

Steadfastness: Secured by The Power of God

Steadfastness: Secured by The Presence of God

Steadfastness: Secured by Trust in God

Steadfastness: Shadrach

Steadfastness: should be Manifested in Cleaving to God

Steadfastness: should be Manifested in Continuing in the Apostles' Doctrine

Steadfastness: should be Manifested in Holding Fast Our Profession

Steadfastness: should be Manifested in Holding Fast the Confidence and Rejoicing of the Hope

Steadfastness: should be Manifested in Holding Fast What is Good

Steadfastness: should be Manifested in Keeping the Faith

Steadfastness: should be Manifested in Maintaining Christian Liberty

Steadfastness: should be Manifested in Standing Fast in the Faith

Steadfastness: should be Manifested in Striving for the Faith of the Gospel

Steadfastness: should be Manifested in the Work of the Lord

Steadfastness: should be Manifested: Even Under Affliction

Steadfastness: The Christians

Steadfastness: The Wicked Devoid of

Steadfastness: Those Who Overcame Satan

Steadfastness: Want of-Illustrated

Related Terms

Stability (6 Occurrences)

Steadfastly (19 Occurrences)

Steadily (11 Occurrences)

Unprincipled (4 Occurrences)

Observed (84 Occurrences)

Lystra (6 Occurrences)

Lawless (16 Occurrences)

Timothy (28 Occurrences)

Truth (380 Occurrences)

Euodia (1 Occurrence)

Backbone (1 Occurrence)

Assurance (16 Occurrences)

Absent (15 Occurrences)

Stedfastness (17 Occurrences)

Rejoicing (90 Occurrences)

Beware (51 Occurrences)

Secure (78 Occurrences)

Perseverance (27 Occurrences)

Beforehand (38 Occurrences)

Conduct (93 Occurrences)

Error (90 Occurrences)

Nevertheless (153 Occurrences)

Lose (59 Occurrences)

Patience (59 Occurrences)

Jude (4 Occurrences)

Carried (327 Occurrences)

Wicked (476 Occurrences)

Position (189 Occurrences)

Peter (181 Occurrences)

Beloved (117 Occurrences)

Loved (249 Occurrences)

Habakkuk (3 Occurrences)

Messiah (9 Occurrences)

Lest (282 Occurrences)

Follow (267 Occurrences)

Hezekiah (124 Occurrences)

Fall (522 Occurrences)

Epistle (13 Occurrences)

Steadfastness: Exhibited by God in all his Purposes and Ways
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