In Colossians 1:23, Paul encourages us " if you indeed continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclamied in all creation under heaven...."
Not shifting from gospel hope. I find it interesting that Paul, to encourage us toward holiness, doesn't advise us to not shift from "quiet times, personal morality, or even good works", but don't shift from the hope of the gospel.
Shifting is really picking up your house and moving
If you look at the word "shift" in Greek you will find that it's used only once in the whole N.T. It's a very peculiar word, and Paul uses it here intentionally. The picture you get from this word, is just like the picture I have posted here. Moving. It's " moving away from", and in this case, it's moving away from the gospel. Packing up our bags and moving from the house that is built on the hope of Christ, and His gospel, and moving out and finding residence on a house built on the sand, which is foolish.
As a church planter I see myself tempted to check out other "real estate". The temptation is to not be steadfast and clinging to the hope of the gospel, but rather cling to and hope in my abilities, people's responses, money, or my own spirituality. I've written some responses to myself to help me continue to find residence and make my home in the hope of the Gospel, instead of packing my bags and moving to the beach.
When you want to place your worth and identity in what kind of church planting resident you "should" be, don't shift from the hope of the good news that Christ has spoken justification over you, based on His righteousness and not yours.
When you get frusterated at the seemingly slow pace of life, don't shift from the good news that Christ is your master, and not you. He is sovereign and you aren't. Trust His pace.
When you think people don't measure up to your standard, repent(!), and don't shift from the good news, that only Christ has ever "measured up"" and we all have missed it big time.
When you get bogged in your own sin, look up at Christ(!), and don't shift from the good news that His death and resurrection not only paid for your rebellion against Him, but also empowers you to overcome sin.
When you are drawn away by the lure of the city, or the lure of the American dream, repent, and don't shift from the good news that in Christ we have an inheritance, and all spiritual blessing. Also that in this good news, He has given us the kingdom of God, and one day will make all things new, which will be for us to enjoy forever.
Don't shift from the great news, that He really does love you. He really does like you. He doesn't just "stand you" or is "using" you as a means to an end, but in Christ He's adopted you and called you out. Believe this and don't shift to finding your love in yourself, or in your work.
Brothers, let us not shift from this gospel. Don't ftry and find residence in your work, ministry, or even your family, but find residence in Christ and His Gospel.
Not shifting from gospel hope. I find it interesting that Paul, to encourage us toward holiness, doesn't advise us to not shift from "quiet times, personal morality, or even good works", but don't shift from the hope of the gospel.
Shifting is really picking up your house and moving
If you look at the word "shift" in Greek you will find that it's used only once in the whole N.T. It's a very peculiar word, and Paul uses it here intentionally. The picture you get from this word, is just like the picture I have posted here. Moving. It's " moving away from", and in this case, it's moving away from the gospel. Packing up our bags and moving from the house that is built on the hope of Christ, and His gospel, and moving out and finding residence on a house built on the sand, which is foolish.
As a church planter I see myself tempted to check out other "real estate". The temptation is to not be steadfast and clinging to the hope of the gospel, but rather cling to and hope in my abilities, people's responses, money, or my own spirituality. I've written some responses to myself to help me continue to find residence and make my home in the hope of the Gospel, instead of packing my bags and moving to the beach.
When you want to place your worth and identity in what kind of church planting resident you "should" be, don't shift from the hope of the good news that Christ has spoken justification over you, based on His righteousness and not yours.
When you get frusterated at the seemingly slow pace of life, don't shift from the good news that Christ is your master, and not you. He is sovereign and you aren't. Trust His pace.
When you think people don't measure up to your standard, repent(!), and don't shift from the good news, that only Christ has ever "measured up"" and we all have missed it big time.
When you get bogged in your own sin, look up at Christ(!), and don't shift from the good news that His death and resurrection not only paid for your rebellion against Him, but also empowers you to overcome sin.
When you are drawn away by the lure of the city, or the lure of the American dream, repent, and don't shift from the good news that in Christ we have an inheritance, and all spiritual blessing. Also that in this good news, He has given us the kingdom of God, and one day will make all things new, which will be for us to enjoy forever.
Don't shift from the great news, that He really does love you. He really does like you. He doesn't just "stand you" or is "using" you as a means to an end, but in Christ He's adopted you and called you out. Believe this and don't shift to finding your love in yourself, or in your work.
Brothers, let us not shift from this gospel. Don't ftry and find residence in your work, ministry, or even your family, but find residence in Christ and His Gospel.