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Answer
First Timothy 4:16 encourages us to maintain our faith: “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them.” When Paul visited the newly established churches in Asia Minor, his aim was to “strengthen the disciples and encourage them to remain faithful” «confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. », (Acts 14:22). Other passages urging us to uphold our faith are Hebrews 12:1 and Ephesians 6:13. The Bible also provides guidance on how to achieve this.
Maintaining faith involves recalling what led us to faith initially. We must purposefully remember God’s grace in our lives. Hebrews 12:1b–3 states, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” In practical terms, this entails remembering the incredible gift of God’s salvation and emulating our Savior’s example, who “endured” the trials of this life. We must “fix our eyes” on Jesus. Many individuals find prayer and journaling beneficial in this aspect. The Old Testament saints frequently illustrated the significance of remembrance. The Israelites were instructed to establish memorials, and numerous Jewish feasts were instituted to commemorate and rejoice in God’s deliverance. Deuteronomy 4:9 advises, “Be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” Psalm 103:2 declares, “Praise the LORD, my soul.”
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” When we praise God, we recall His past goodness, making it easier to continue trusting Him now.
Keeping the faith requires a love of truth and a commitment to the Word of God. First Timothy 4:1 states that in the latter days, those who forsake the faith “follow deceiving spirits and teachings of demons.” Embracing “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6-7) leads to error. Paul urged Timothy to “fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience”; those who disregard this directive “have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith” (1 Timothy 1:18-19). We must “test the spirits to see whether they are from God” «Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. », (1 John 4:1). The Spirit of truth will never lead us into falsehood «When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. », (John 16:13).
Keeping the faith also involves growth in Christ. Jesus is the author of our faith (the one who initiated the relationship), and He is the perfecter of our faith (the one who will see it through to the end). From start to finish, Jesus is the foundation of our faith. We remember what He has accomplished, and we anticipate what He will do. Practically, this entails maintaining an active prayer life, studying God’s Word, and delving into His truth.
Keeping the faith is also about community. The Christian life is not solely between God and the individual; it is experienced in community.With other Christians. Hebrews 10:23–25 states, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Fellow believers can encourage us to keep the faith. They can exhort us when we are going astray. They can join in our gladness and in our sorrow “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”, (Romans 12:15).
We will face trials and temptations in life (John 16:33; James 1:2-4). Our faith will be challenged. But it is not only in the difficult times that we dig in our heels and fight for our faith. No, we contend for our faith always. What we do today prepares us for what is in store tomorrow. God is always at work in our lives. Our faith should be ever-growing. Second Peter 1:3–11 states, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. . . . For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. . . . My brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” We keep the faith by remembering God’s faithfulness and contin
continuing to grow in a relationship with Him.
