Continuing in the Faith
“The journey of faith passes through narrow places—but it leads into the fullness of God’s kingdom.”
Scripture Focus: Acts 14:21–22; 1 Timothy 1:3–4
Theme: Continuing in the Fullness of Faith—Not Just Grace, but God’s Entire Economy
Devotional Credit: Excerpt and insight from eManna
Photo Credit: Unsplash
This morning’s devotional guides us into a deeper understanding of spiritual progression. In Acts 13, Paul encouraged new believers to continue in the grace of God—meaning to remain in the enjoyment of the Triune God as their source of life. But by Acts 14:22, the message matures: Paul and Barnabas now entreat these same believers to continue in the faith.
What changed? Time and growth. These disciples, though only a year or less into their walk, had begun learning about God’s New Testament economy—the vast, glorious plan of God to dispense Himself into man for His corporate expression. What they once tasted as grace, they now begin to comprehend as faith—not just faith in God, but the entire content of what has been revealed about Christ’s indwelling life and the Father's eternal purpose.
So Paul’s encouragement shifts from “enjoy grace” to “continue in the faith”—because they’ve grown in understanding. This faith isn’t merely about belief, but about the deepening awareness of what it means to live from Christ’s life within. It includes the experience of tribulation, not as punishment, but as part of the process of entering fully into the reality of God’s kingdom here and now.
Personalized Journal Entry – In the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture:
I have placed you in Christ and seated you with Him in the heavenly places. You are no longer your own—you were bought with a price, and now My Spirit lives within you. I am the one who began this good work in you, and I will carry it through to completion.
You began this journey by tasting grace, learning to receive My life with joy and rest. But now I draw you into the fullness of faith—not just what you believe, but how you live. Faith is more than understanding; it is My life expressed through you in each moment. I have made you a participant in My divine nature, and I continue revealing My plan, not only to you but through you.
I entrust you with My kingdom—not one of talk but of power. You will pass through tribulations, not because I am absent, but because I am forming the image of My Son in you. Even in the pressing, I am your life. The foundation of your faith is secure because I am the Author and Finisher of it.
Do not give ear to distractions—genealogies, myths, or speculations. These are not of My economy. I have made known to you the mystery once hidden but now revealed—Christ in you, the hope of glory. Continue in this faith, rooted and built up in Him, established in what you have received.
Let My peace rule in your heart. Let My Word dwell in you richly. Let your life now be the visible evidence of the invisible reality: that I, the living God, dwell in you by My Spirit.
Scripture References: Ephesians 2:6; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; Philippians 1:6; Galatians 2:20; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; Romans 14:17; Colossians 1:27; Colossians 2:6–7; Colossians 3:15–16
Prayer:
Father, thank You for not only drawing me into grace but for inviting me into the fullness of faith—into Your very economy of life in Christ. I trust You to continue revealing more of what You’ve already placed within me. I don’t need to beg for understanding or for Your presence. You’ve already made Your home in me.
Thank You for making me part of something eternal, something larger than my circumstances. Tribulations do not unsettle me, for I know they are part of the journey into the experience of Your kingdom. As I walk through each day, I trust You to express Christ’s life in me and through me. I rest in the unshakable truth that faith is not something I muster—it is Your Son living in me.