His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, in this sermon, speaks about the importance of steadfastness in spiritual life, explaining that beginning with God is not enough; what matters is to continue and remain firm to the end. Life with God is not moments of emotional zeal but a steady journey built on true love and continuous union with Him.

The essence of abiding in God

• Christ called believers in John 15 to abide in Him as the branch abides in the vine, for whoever does not abide withers and dies.

• Abiding is the sign of living unity with Christ; those who remain in Him bear much fruit, while those who separate lose their spiritual life.

• True faith is not in fiery beginnings but in continuity and growth in love, knowledge, and strength.

Examples of losing steadfastness

• Demas abandoned Paul because he loved the present world.

• Nicolas the deacon began in the Spirit but fell into heresy.

• Solomon the Wise received wisdom and glory but did not remain steadfast and turned away because of foreign women and idol worship.

• Samson received strength from God but did not remain faithful to his vow and fell.

Reasons for losing steadfastness

• Loving God’s gifts more than God Himself; those who love blessings more than the Giver cannot remain firm.

• Corrupt surroundings that weaken faith, as with Lot in Sodom.

• Formal worship without inner love; God desires the heart, not outward rituals.

• Fear and inner weakness like Peter who denied Christ out of fear.

• Having multiple goals; the one who abides in God has only one goal—God Himself—not self or mere intellectual knowledge.

How to abide in God

• By abiding in His love, for “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God and God in him.”

• By keeping His commandments, for the Word of God dwelling in the heart gives victory over the evil one.

• By standing firm in faith without fear or doubt.

• By continual prayer and repentance, for the righteous may fall but rises again.

• By receiving the Holy Communion, for “he who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.”

Conclusion
His Holiness concludes by calling believers to a life of steadfastness in God—through love, action, and faith. The one who abides in God does not waver but bears much fruit, for his roots are planted in divine love. Spiritual life is not a momentary impulse but a constant abiding that leads to perfect union with Christ.

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