Introduction

It is God’s will that we continue in the Lord, trusting in His grace until we finish the race. He does not want us to get lost. But this does not happen automatically. He created us and the universe in such a way that it’s possible to get lost. In fact, if we do not make the effort to guard our faith, we can get lost. Based on 2 Peter 1:1-11, there are three crucial efforts that we must practice constantly to guard our faith so that we will not get lost.

Three Crucial Efforts

1. Place a high value on faith (2 Peter 1:1-4). Sometimes we forget to appreciate faith. We forget it’s a gift from God. We also forget that it’s the only way we can experience complete salvation, from beginning to end. If we don’t place a high value on faith, we will take it for granted. and that’s what the enemy wants. Our salvation is by grace but we need to work it out by faith through the power of the Holy Spirit.
2. Practice a rule of faith (2 Peter 1:5-9). Our spiritual growth and maturity, which is the key to our spiritual stability, will not just happen automatically. We need to exert effort to participate in the life of God that He is inviting us to experience. Just like in the natural realm, we won’t grow unless we eat well and exercise our muscles. In the same manner, unless we pursue our growth in the Spirit intentionally, it won’t happen.
3. Press on to finish the goal of faith (2 Peter 1:10-11). The Christian life is a race. There is a beginning and an end. We are called by God to fight the good fight of faith and finish our race faithfully and victoriously. It won’t happen unless we press on. If we don’t focus on the goal of our calling, we will get sidetracked. We must persevere and press on until we finish the race. The Lord will help us because it is His will that we finish well.

Conclusion

1. Main Idea: “Avoid getting lost by guarding your faith at all cost.”
2. Salvation is a precious gift that must not be taken for granted.
3. Examine your lifestyle and see whether you are still guarding your faith.

Discussion

1. Why are some believers not guarding their faith?
2. What will happen if we don’t guard our faith?
3. How will you start guarding your faith this week?