Standing Firm

Standing Firm

by David Brenneman 

"for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 3:8.

"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13.

"Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:14-17.

"Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved." Philippians 4:1.

"So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us." 2 Thessalonians 2:15.

"Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!" 1 Peter 5:12.

These are but a few found this morning but when you know that God is repeating something to you then you know it's something for you to pay attention to. 

Taking a stand in a wishy-washy world that's driven to self-indulgent behavior derived from an unrepentant sin nature isn't easy at times. There's times when you can't just cross the street to the other side and avoid the confrontation. There's times when you're pretty much cornered and must speak. 

But regardless taking a stand in Christ will never do you wrong. 

It may have consequences in this life but you will never go wrong in obeying God and leaving the consequences to Him. 

In the book of Hebrews there is the "faith chapter" where we read of the lives of those who stood their ground in Christ Jesus.  

While possibly dishonored among men and women, they are eternally honored before Jesus. 

Can life get difficult by obeying God over mankind? Absolutely.  

I am facing something of this today myself. Our worldly laws are just that-of this world. God's Word transcends any word offered by mankind. EVERY word of God is holy and true and will always be accomplished in His time.

I cannot in good conscience honor someone who is celebrating their life choice to shake a fist at God and God's will for them.  

I will, however, continue to pray that God will do whatever is necessary to bring them down to their knees before Jesus to be saved. To turn away from this intentional life of sinful rebellion. 

Jesus said that those who live Godly in Christ Jesus are going to be persecuted. Standing firm is going to have consequences in this world. 

But it's what we are called to do. Repeated so many times that we must take actions to support that command from our Savior and Lord. Even if it hurts or has earthly consequences.  

I should, we should, be more concerned about offending our Holy God than offending anyone on the Earth.  

Scripture says that where it be possible be at peace with all men. This easily implies that it's not always going to be possible. 

Pray up, get that whole armor of God on and keep it on. Stand firm in what God's Word has been teaching you. It may not make you popular among men or women but it will keep you right before Jesus. 

Jesus wasn't popular when He overturned the tables in the Temple. 

Jesus wasn't popular when He confronted the Pharisees and Sadducees. 

Jesus wasn't popular when He pointed out the true sinfulness of men.  

Jesus wasn't popular when He obeyed His Father. 

A life in Christ probably won't make anyone popular in a world that loves the darkness rather than the Light of Jesus Christ. 

My Dear Reader stand firm in the Word of God. Stand firm in the whole armor of God. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6.

We who are in Christ have a responsibility first to the Word of God and to Jesus Christ our Lord. The body of Christ is the Church of God. The body responds to what the head, Jesus, says is for us to do and say. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. Love your neighbor as yourself. Love...not compromise to make them happy in their sinfulness. 

Stand firm in the Lord. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.