Standing Fast in the Lord
Central Thought: The Christian faith requires patience, courage and steadfastness.
Text: Ephesians 5:1-21, 6:10-18
As we draw closer to end times, many believers are troubled in heart at the local and global events happening daily. Many of these events are direct threats to our faith, while some others are threatening our very existence as humans. In another sense, the devil is using subtle means to mount pressure on believers to lower the standards of morality and holy living, and to distance humanity from true fellowship with the living God. Satan knows fully well that his time is running our; and has therefore put in place several measures to distract the church with ungodliness.
For the believer to succeed in his Christian race, he must know why he is in the race, desire to remain in the race and be sure what to do to accomplish the race. Being a spiritual race, he must fully rely on God for strength and must be determined to forge ahead in the face of stiff opposition. He must be rooted and built up in Christ so that he can stand fast at all times.
This study is therefore aimed at encouraging us to be resolute, unwavering and tenacious in our pursuit of kingdom goals.
-
What does it mean to stand fast in the Lord? 1 Corinthians 16:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:15
When an individual accepts the Lord Jesus as his Savior, he gives up his old way of life and begins to live a life that is pleasing to God. Usually there are new challenges that confront this man which must be resolved daily as a child of God.
To stand fast in the Lord means to give up every habit and manner that is not pleasing to God and to be determined not to fall by the way. It means being courageous and patient to know the word of God and to live by it. It is a call to focus attention on the Lord Jesus Christ who becomes our mentor and master.
Standing fast in the Lord involves drawing strength from the word of God, trusting in His promises and learning positive lessons from the recorded accounts of Bible characters. It includes the need to be in communion with the heavenly Father, and in true fellowship with other believers. It means to be resolute and tenacious in our pursuit of the goals of God’s kingdom.
-
Why is it necessary to stand fast in the Lord? 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Philippians 3:18
It is necessary to stand fast in the Lord because Jesus Christ is coming soon; the exact time we do not know. In order not to be caught unprepared, we need to stand fast in the Lord.
Furthermore, there are enemies within in form of deceivers and counterfeit leaders who are agents to Satan. We must watch out against such by standing fast. To maintain stability of faith and not tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine, we need to stand fast in the Lord. Moreover, the Christian race is not a carnal one. The enemies of our faith are not in human form, they are spirit beings of various demonic ranks. Standing fast in the Lord will put us in better position to confront them victoriously. Our weapons are not natural weapons. It is only by standing fast in the Lord that we can access them.
Finally, salvation and eternal life are invaluable everlasting treasures that must be guarded continuously. It behooves on us to stand fast in the Lord to achieve both.
-
What are some of the things that may hinder our steadfastness in the Lord?
There are many factors that could hinder a believer from standing fast in the Lord, some of which are discussed below.
-When a child of God is drawn away by lust and greed, his firmness in the faith is not guaranteed. He begins to develop a double-mind, doubts set in and compromise surfaces.
-Non-participation and slackness in spiritual activities reduces the faith to a social adventure with no commitment and no hope.
-Prayerlessness, not-participation in the regular study of the world of God and lack of fellowship with the brethren will definitely hinder steadfastness of a believer.
-Inability to share the word with the unsaved by way of evangelism due to shame, ignorance or disobedience is another hindrance.
-The type of friends we keep can hinder our steadfastness in the things of God, 1 Corinthians 15:33.
-Other hindrances are indulgences – food, drinks, entertainment, leisure and social psyche – economic difficulties, and sometimes our vacation or trade.
-Faithlessness, unbelief and fear are also hindrances to steadfastness.
-
Give some scriptural examples of people that stood fast in the Lord.
The Bible is full of accounts of men and women who were determined to stand fast in the Lord. Some examples are:
-Noah (Genesis 6:9), was a preacher of righteousness in a wicked world, but who through faith and obedience was saved by God.
-Joseph (Genesis 39:7-9), rebuffed an offer of sinful pleasure, preferring rather to suffer for his integrity and faith in God.
-Job (Job 1 & 2), held unto god in the face of calamity. He refused to surrender to pressure from misfortune and from friends.
-Daniel and the three Hebrew boys (Daniel 1 & 2), who chose to die for their faith in god and to suffer the fury of the earthly kings than offend the laws of God.
-Peter and John (Acts 4:1-4, 18-21), who declared emphatically that they rather obey God than men.
-Others are Paul (Philippians 3:8-10), Timothy (1 Timothy 6:11-12), Esther (Ester 4:15-16), and Ruth (Ruth 1:16)
All these are servants of God, who had reasons to compromise their Godly heritage, but they were determined to persevere, and they made it.
-
How can we stand fast in the Lord today?
To stand fast in the Lord today, a believer must be rest assured and certain of his salvation in Christ. He must devote himself to the study of God’s word, and must be a doer also. In this word of god, we have the guideline for victorious Christian living. Moreover, the current dispensation calls for fervency in prayers so as to be in communion and cordial relationship with Christ. It calls for vigilance and sobriety.
We must also stand for the truth in the word of God, and give no room for compromise. We must reprove every unfruitful work of darkness and must not share in their sinful proceeds. We must always remember that the way to eternal life is narrow and not a popular highway. So we must never be swayed by crowd movement, but be led by the Spirit of God. We should give more Godly attention to our families and our vocations so as to make a positive impression for the Lord. In the face of decay in moral values and Godly norms, we should not give up or succumb to evil.
Finally, we must be ready to testify of the love and grace of God to a society in confusion and in need of salvation through our own conduct and our words.
-
What are the benefits in standing fast in the Lord? James 1:12; Revelation 22:12
There are enormous benefits when we are able to stand fast in the Lord. Faithfulness attracts the attention of God. Ge will focus on us as we stand for Him. We will be blessed with His abiding presence and guidance to instruct, teach, lead and protect us. We will experience supernatural breakthrough that brings enduring blessings without sorrow. It ushers us into the privileged class of those who are counted worthy to suffer for Christ, and who will also share in His glory. It will qualify us for eternal life if we do not faint but endure to the end and make us fit to wear the crown of glory, and be rulers over nations.
Daily Living Application:
Standing fast in the Lord can be difficult if lived carnally and without regeneration. After salvation, the practice of the faith calls for patience, courage and dexterity. It calls for a closer walk with God, full obedience to His word and spiritual consciousness at all times.
The choices we make on a daily basis are the inputs and process-factors of our steadfastness. We must be godly in our decisions and practices. We must look beyond the now to the hereafter. We must learn valuable lessons from Biblical characters and draw relevant inspiration for victorious Christian living in our time.
Memory Verse:
1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”