Be Steadfast and Unshakable

Main Idea of the Lecture

This lecture revolves around the command of Apostle Paul: “Be steadfast and unshakable”, as a divine call to remain firm in faith and doctrine, in the love of God, and in practical spiritual life, regardless of pressures, trials, or spiritual and intellectual battles.

Spiritual and Educational Message

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that lack of steadfastness results from weak faith, fear, doubt, lust, or distancing oneself from the means of grace. He presents many biblical examples of people who were shaken and fell, such as the people of Israel in the wilderness, Solomon the Wise, Demas, and Lot’s wife.
In contrast, he highlights models of firmness and steadfastness, such as the apostles after receiving the Holy Spirit, and the saints and martyrs, whom neither tribulations nor persecutions could separate from the love of God.

Important Spiritual Dimensions

• Steadfastness in doctrine: so that heresies and strange ideas do not shake a person.
• Steadfastness in love: a love that does not change due to circumstances or personal interests.
• Steadfastness in repentance: true repentance with continuity and without returning to sin.
• Steadfastness in spiritual life: through perseverance in prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments.

Conclusion

God desires His children to be strong inwardly, firm in faith, not shaken by doubts nor frightened by trials. The steadfast person is the one who places God before him at all times, thus living a life of victory, firmness, and spiritual continuity that pleases God.

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