Rom. 15:14-21, Timothy: Continue!

The word “continue” means to stay at or with, to tarry still, still to abide, to continue, remain.  Let’s glean what we can from the 18X the word is used in the NT.  The last is from 1 Tim. 4 and will let us consider its application in ministry.

·       Jn. 8:7: The Jews kept (continued) bugging Jesus with their trick question.

·       Ac. 10:48: After baptizing the new believers asked Paul to stay a few days.  New Christians need “continuing” ministry.

·       Ac. 12:16: Peter continued knocking on the door until someone answered.

·       Ac. 13:43: Believers need to continue in the grace of God.

·       Ac. 15:34: Silas remained, stayed on, at Antioch after delivering the letter from the council at Jerusalem.

·       Ac. 21:4,10: Finding disciples in Tyre Paul stayed there, then again at Caesarea.

·       Ac. 28:12,14: Landing at Syracuse Paul and group stayed three days, then for another seven days with brethren at Puteoli.

·       Rom. 6:1: Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Of course not!

·       Rom. 11:22: God’s goodness is on believers if you continue in His goodness.  Note that this “continue” is not about a person losing his salvation or some such thing.  It is the Church which, if it becomes apostate, will be cut off as was/is Israel in this time of her blindness.

·       1 Cor. 16:7,8: Paul hoped to stay a while with the Corinthians if the Lord permitted.  But for this time he would tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.

·       Gal.1:18: After 3 years Paul went to Jerusalem and remained with Peter 15 days.

·       Phil. 1:24: Paul concluded the Lord intended him to remain in the flesh so that he could continue in ministry.  In this list look at how often Paul is concerned with staying in or going to places.  These are MINISTRY decisions.  His ministry required frequent travel (Rom. 15:14-21).  He had to know when it was necessary to stay for a while.

·       Col. 1:23: continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard. Did you see that?  Earlier, continue in grace. Now, continue in faith.  Of course: if it is not of faith it is not grace, and vice versa.

·       1 Tim. 4:16: Which brings us to Timothy.  Not only must he take heed to himself and his doctrine; he must continue in these things.  Why?  Look at the words and consider them: for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.  Paul is not the Savior.  But as a preacher of the gospel, and one who stands on the gospel, he must continue and not become side-tracked in the ministry.  The salvation (point of faith) and saving (daily working out of salvation in your life) depends on faithful continuance.