---

It is interesting to notice how much anxiety St. Paul spends on the normal and permanent character of his Christian converts. He is not satisfied with having won their first confession of faith, nor is he content that now and again they should flash out with some brilliant display of spiritual energy. His chief concern is with their life throughout, his chief desire for the strength and persistence of its higher character. It is important for all of us to bear in mind that salvation is not an isolated act, that it is a chronic condition. We are always in danger of failing unless we are kept in a continuous Divine security.

I. THE TWO ELEMENTS OF SECURITY.

1. Internal stability. We are in danger of falling through our own weakness. Badly built houses do not wait for an earthquake to throw them down; they crumble to pieces.

(1) The first requisite for security is a good foundation. Christians should see to it that they are building on Christ, and not on their own doings and habits.

(2) The next requisite is compact, solid building. The building of wood, hay, and stubble is fragile, though it may be erected on a foundation of rock. We want firm principles, sound habits, decided convictions.

2. External protection.

(1) We are in danger from the evil one. In estimating our measure of security we have to take into account the character of our environment. The ship may be well built and yet it may not be able to withstand the pressure of ice floes. The strongest house may give way before an avalanche. The. Christian is beset by temptations. It is not enough that he is firm in his personal will to do right; he needs protection from external inducements to go astray.

(2) To be secure against this danger we need to be guarded. We can never be strong enough to withstand the whole force of an attack of Saran. Some providential warding off of the fiercest blows seems to be necessary.

II. THE GREAT GROUND OF SECURITY. St. Paul does not wish, or hope, or pray for the security of his friends. He knows and is confident that they have a good ground of security. Our fears are due to our unbelief. Faith has her feet on an immovable rock.

1. The ground of our security is Christ.

(1) He strengthens us with internal stability. The indwelling Christ is the source and secret of Christian vigour. Weak, wavering Christians have too little of Christ in their lives.

(2) He guards us against external assaults. Christ has faced and met and defeated the tempter. He interposes the presence of his Holy Spirit between the evil spirit and our hearts.

2. The reason for trusting in Christ for security is his faithfulness. It should be sufficient for us to have confidence in his goodness. He is so gracious, so kind, so generous to help, that we may be sure that he will aid his people in their greatest dangers. But we have more than this assurance. He has promised help (Matthew 28:20); he is appointed by God as our Saviour, and therefore, in fulfilment of his great mission, fidelity leads him to see to the security of his people. W.F.A.

---

---

KJV: But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

WEB: But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you, and guard you from the evil one.