Wednesday, July 31 Hold fast to what you have.​—Rev. 2:25.

[Áine]

Wednesday, July 31

Hold fast to what you have.—Rev. 2:25.

 

We must reject the teachings of apostates. Jesus reproved some in Pergamum for promoting divisions and sects. (Rev. 2:14-16) He commended those in Thyatira who had steered clear of the “deep things of Satan,” and he urged them to “hold fast” to the truth. (Rev. 2:24-26) Weak Christians there who had allowed themselves to be seduced by false teachings needed to repent. What about us today? We must reject any teaching that is opposed to Jehovah’s thinking. Apostates may have “an appearance of godliness,” but they prove “false to its power.” (2 Tim. 3:5) It is easier to identify and reject false teachings when we are diligent students of God’s Word. (2 Tim. 3:14-17; Jude 3, 4) We need to make sure that our worship is acceptable to Jehovah. If we are doing something that could make our worship unacceptable, we need to take immediate action to make things right.—Rev. 2:5,16; 3:3, 16. w22.05 4 ¶9; 5 ¶11

[dljbsp]

The exhortation to "hold fast to what you have" (Revelation 2:25) emphasizes the importance of maintaining steadfast faith and adherence to true teachings, especially in the face of challenges and false ideologies. This principle is illustrated in the messages to the congregations in Pergamum and Thyatira, where Jesus addresses issues of apostasy and false teachings.

 

In Pergamum, some individuals were promoting divisive teachings, deviating from true Christian doctrine (Revelation 2:14-16). Jesus reprimanded them and stressed the necessity of repentance. Similarly, in Thyatira, He commended those who avoided the "deep things of Satan" and remained faithful to the truth (Revelation 2:24-26). The counsel to "hold fast" was specifically directed at those who remained loyal, encouraging them to persist in their faith despite surrounding pressures.

 

For contemporary believers, this counsel remains crucial. Apostates often present their teachings in a seemingly pious and convincing manner, but these teachings lack true spiritual power (2 Timothy 3:5). Identifying and rejecting such falsehoods requires diligent study of God's Word. Regular engagement with the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:14-17) enables us to discern true teachings from false ones. Jude also exhorts believers to "contend earnestly for the faith" (Jude 3, 4), highlighting the active effort needed to maintain doctrinal integrity.

 

Additionally, ensuring that our worship is acceptable to Jehovah is paramount. Revelation 2:5, 16, and 3:3, 16 underscore the necessity of repentance and vigilance in our spiritual practices. If we find ourselves straying or adopting practices that could render our worship unacceptable, immediate corrective action is essential. This might involve personal reflection, seeking guidance from mature Christians, and making necessary changes to align our worship with Jehovah's standards.

 

In summary, "holding fast to what you have" involves both rejecting false teachings and ensuring our worship aligns with Jehovah's will. This requires continuous effort, regular Bible study, and a humble willingness to make adjustments in our lives. By doing so, we safeguard our relationship with Jehovah and strengthen our faith amidst a world filled with misleading influences.
 

[wingslikeeagles]

The WT makes it very clear that we have a personal responsibility for our faith. 

 

"We must reject any teaching that is opposed to Jehovah’s thinking"

 

"We need to make sure that our worship is acceptable to Jehovah. If we are doing something that could make our worship unacceptable, we need to take immediate action to make things right"

 

Those who fall to make a stand are described as weak and they they have allowed themselves to be seduced

 

We simply cannot be passive in our faith and just appear for the fun times. Our service is enjoyable but we are at war and under constant attack.