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Stand Fast
One cannot be a Christian and be timid for long. A soldier of Christ is expected to hold his or her ground. If we run and retreat, we do a disservice to Christ and our fellow soldiers. Therefore, we must stand fast.
Paul said, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13). We are not to stand fast in our own strength (Prov. 3:5). If we try this, we will fail (Jer. 10:23). We are not to stand fast in the philosophies and wisdom of men (1 Cor. 1:18-31). This will only lead to ruin. Rather, we are to “stand fast in the faith.” The faith, God’s Word, is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psa. 119:105). In it we may take a firm stand for truth and righteousness. In it we stand against Satan and the temptations he hurls at us (1 Pet. 5:8, 9). To hold our ground in the faith, we must know the faith. Hence, we must give time and attention to learning the Word of God and then be determined to live by it. Brethren, stand fast in the faith.
Christians are to stand fast in their liberty. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” (Gal. 5:1). Other translations say, “For freedom Christ has made us free; stand fast therefore, and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Since Christ has made us free from sin and death, we are to stand fast and not be drawn away. Can you imagine citizens of our nation going back to being subjects of the king of England? Would any of us willfully submit to slavery or advocate a return to it? The spiritual freedom we have in Jesus is worth taking a stand for. No false doctrine or fleshly pleasure is worth forfeiting our freedom. Therefore, stand fast in your freedom.
Unity is to be prized and cherished by the children of God. Paul said, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27). When we stand fast in the faith and freedom of Christ, we do not stand alone. We are side by side with other soldiers of like precious faith. Not only that, but we stand in the Lord—with the Lord (Phil. 4:1). Truly, when we stand fast in the Lord, we automatically stand fast with all others in the Lord (1 Jn. 1:1-3). What a blessing it is to share with others the struggles of faithful living; to see them valiantly fighting the good fight of faith. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalms 133:1). This unity is not to be taken lightly. In fact, the Lord says He hates “one who sows discord among brethren” (Prov. 6:19). Stand fast in one spirit, one mind.
Let us stand our ground and uphold truth and righteousness. If we give a little here, we will end up giving up much there. Therefore, stand fast. |
