DEAR DISCIPLE – “HOLD FAST TO WHAT IS GOOD”

One of the most critical principle we must have for a successful Christian life is, the ability to scrutinise things properly and thoroughly, and then to tenaciously hold on to that which is tested and proven good. The Bible speaks about such an approach to life in multiple places. The same principle is being advised to the new Christians of Thessalonica by the LORD through the words of the apostle Paul.
– “21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:21

The LORD our God is urging Christians, through Paul, His servant and “mouthpiece” to do two things…
1- “TEST ALL THINGS”
2- “HOLD FAST WHAT IS GOOD”

Yesterday we looked at the first point. For our meditation this morning, we will look at – “HOLD FAST WHAT IS GOOD” – the second point. 

“HOLD FAST TO WHAT IS GOOD”
The words of Paul are simple and easy to understand. We are called to always test everything, and identify what is good and what is not…what is useful and what is not…what is from God and what is not. After testing all things, the Christian is encouraged and instructed to hold fast with all what he has, to what is proven to be good.

The Greek word used in the Bible for “hold fast” is KATECHETE – κατέχετε – meaning – “to hold on to something with a firm grip” indicating that what is good should be held on to tenaciously.
– “Evil and deception can show itself even in a spiritual setting, so it is important for Christians to test all things. When the test has been made (according to the standard of God’s Word and the discernment of spirit among the leaders), we then hold fast to what is good.” – David Guzik
– “Once the examination is complete, Scripture commands a tight grip on whatever passes the test…“Hold fast” suggests tenacity – like clinging to a lifeline in rough waters (Hebrews 10:23). The world, flesh, and devil all tug at that line; believers must not let go.” – Berean Study Bible Notes

The principle that is being proposed here has practical and real life application, as found in Romans 12:9b. It is all about how a Christian should behave, or what is an appropriate Christian conduct, and not merely a theory accepted in our minds. It is expected to be seen by all, very clearly.
– “9…Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” – Romans 12:9

Berean Study Bible Notes, observes that the “…concept of “good” in this context is not merely moral goodness but [all that] aligns with God’s will and [God’s] character.” To gain an insight into this “good” and to identify it properly, Paul gives us a list of virtues that a Christian ought to pursue and hold on to with all our heart, mind and soul, in Philippians 4:8-9. To “HOLD FAST TO WHAT IS GOOD” is the practical application part. We are called not only to “HOLD FAST TO GOOD” but actually “TO DO” all which is tested and proven to be good.
– “8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.” – Philippians 4:8-9

The following words of the LORD our God through His servants, as recorded in the Bible, testify to the principle of to “HOLD FAST TO WHAT IS GOOD” and “TO DO THEM” with all our heart, mind and soul.
– “11 Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.” – Acts 17:11
– “9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve [or test and prove] the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” – Philippians 1:9-11
– “13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” – Hebrews 5:13-14

Dear brothers and sisters, let us invest quality time and effort towards discerning the truth of the LORD, and to “HOLD FAST TO WHAT IS GOOD” and “DO THEM” with all our heart, mind, strength and soul. Even so, the LORD help us.