The word “continue” reveals the work of God.

Romans 11:22-23 Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God's kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. I want to direct your attention today to the word “continue” in these two verses. If they continue in His kindness of if they continue in unbelief. If they don’t continue in His kindness or don’t continue in unbelief, God works accordingly. Which comes first? God’s work or our continuing or not continuing? I suggest from Paul’s use of this word to the Colossians that whatever the current spiritual condition is of the person, it reveals what God is doing. Colossians 1:21-23 “And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach — if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard,” Those who continue in the faith and don’t move away from the gospel are the ones God has reconciled in Jesus. He has firmly established them in Christ. They show what God has done. If one doesn’t continue in the faith, then it shows what God has not done. Those who continue in kindness are the ones God has justified, and those who don’t continue in kindness are those God has not justified. But if someone doesn’t continue in unbelief, it is clear that God has worked in a redemptive way. He has placed them in the root of His Tree, Jesus Christ. This encourages us as we continue living to love with Jesus, we demonstrate God’s kindness to us and testify of our salvation. We show the gracious work of God in our lives for His glory. That’s why I say we have been called to live to love with Jesus—it’s our purpose in life. It’s how God is glorified through Christ in our lives, and it’s a continual lifestyle for all who are His. Faith always acts through love, and it never fails if it is a life and a love born of God. Are you encouraged by this? I hope so. Let’s give God thanks for his keeping power at work in our lives. If you are continuing in faith and holding firm to the gospel another year, give God glory by thanking Him for this kind work of grace in your life. Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com