Stand Firm

Philippians 3:20-4:1 ESV

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Therefore, my brothers (and sisters), whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.”

Paul is saying, because we are citizens of Christ’s heavenly Kingdom on earth, we should stand firm in the Lord, stand firm in our faith. What does Paul mean by this?

Paul uses the phrase “stand firm” several times. 1 Corinthians 16:13; “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men (women), be strong. Galatians 5:1; “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Ephesians 6:13; “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” (be vigilant, courageous for the cause of Christ). 2 Thessalonians 2:15, “…stand firm and hold to the traditions (ways of Christ) that you were taught by us…” 

Standing firm is to not be easily swayed or shaken. When the people around us are acting foolishly we are to remain wise. When people around us are compromising, we are to hold to the values, standards, and morals taught to us by Christ and His words. When the people around us are falling away, we remain strong, vigilant and true to our faith and belief in Jesus and who He wants us to be.

Prayer:

Lord, we were lost until we accepted You as Lord and Savior. When we began walking with You, You taught us as disciples to follow You, to do as You do, to speak as You speak and be still when You say be still. We want to stand firm for You, we want to stand firm for our beliefs and values, help us Lord, Amen!