Careful Following

Aim: To carefully follow Christ—even through many trials.

Doctrine: Careful followers of the truth triumph over the many forces arrayed against them, but this requires a relentless faith that produces victories which are the result of God's grace.

Exegesis: The places careful following takes faithful Churchmen: from doctrine, to difficulty (vv. 10-11a); from deliverance, to determination (vv. 11b-12); from discernment, to dogma (v. 13).

Further application: How to succeed at carefully following Christ: first, we must have a Church framework of discipleship; then, we must commit to persevering in our holy faith.

Key verse: v.10 ''But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance...''