Gal 1:22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:
Gal 1:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
Gal 1:24 And they glorified God in me.
In the prior study, we looked at the “faithful” in the “faith” Lord’s time here on the earth, and the Lord’s desire that His Apostles would remain steadfast “in the faith.” But now, we will look at what we are taught in this dispensation concerning our faith in “the faith,” and that we ought to “stand fast in the faith.” And the moment we trust and believe the redemption that is in the Redeemer Himself Jesus Christ, we are justified by our faith alone. This gospel “of faith,” has been “preached since the world began,” this is what Paul referred to when he says that he preached the “faith which once he destroyed.” Paul also says, “saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come.” This was “the faith” concerning justification unto eternal life, not the Ministry concerning the doctrine of ‘sanctification unto holiness.’
Rom 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
1Co 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
2Co 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
And so, we will see that those in “the faith,” (the Ministry concerning sanctification unto holiness), can be either “strong” in the faith, “weak in the faith,” they can “depart from the faith,” but we are beseeched to “stand fast in the faith.” And notice in the verses above, Paul says “whether ye be in the faith,” Paul knows they are justified, but he questioned their ‘faithfulness’ to the Ministry. He wants them to desire more than just being “in Christ,” but to know what it means to have Christ “in” us. And there are those who are “in Christ” who can be “weak in the faith,” there are those who can “depart from the faith,” this is why Paul says, “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.”
1Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1Ti 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
1Ti 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
1Ti 1:6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
Moreover, “holding faith,” is what they who are “strong” in the faith are accomplishing in the Ministry. Once someone is “in Christ,” they cannot “depart” out of their justified standing in Christ. But, they could depart from the faith concerning our sanctification unto holiness, but the Saints who desire to live unto the Lord and the Ministry, these are they who have “faith unfeigned.” And have not “swerved,” and have stood fast in the faith, these are they who are called the “faithful.” And as we see Paul say, “to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus.” Paul greets the Saints AND the “faithful” Saints in Christ, and our Father desires that we all be “in the faith,” and “faithful.” And noy only so, but that these faithful Saints teach other Saints who are in the faith.
1Ti 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
1Ti 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
1Ti 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
Finally, just as the Lord “counted” Paul faithful, Paul also exhorted Timothy by the will of God to also ‘count’ others faithful who are “in the faith” to teach others also. The household of Stephanas was “strong,” and as Paul said that they have “addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints.” These were operating upon the godly love for the Father’s Ministry, and their desire is to be “a living sacrifice.” This selfless heart of those faithful Saints is what our Father desires from them who are “strong,” “perfect,” and “blameless.” However, being faithful, perfect, blameless, strong, and a living sacrifice are all part of being “the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.” What we must understand and appreciate is that not all Saints are “the faithful in Christ,” but we must understand is that those Saints who live unto this world, and unto themselves, are still “in Christ,” but they are “counted” by God as a ‘vessel’ to “dishonour,” instead of being the faithful in the faith of our Father’s “house” as “vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”
2Ti 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2Ti 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
2Ti 4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
2Ti 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
2Ti 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Rod Jones
SUPPLY OF GRACE 
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