Friday, 17th February 2023
Andrews Ampomah
TOPIC: STAND FIRM IN THE LORD
THEME SCRIPTURE: Philippians 4:1
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- What does it mean to stand firm in the Lord?
Many years ago, there was a friend of mine who was staunch in the things of God. Everyone admired his response to God’s work until he lost his beloved father. It was a big blow to him. Even though we were very young, this friend vowed never to step foot in a church again. Everybody wondered, “he is not the first to lose a dad in life, though painful how did this undermine his faith”? Sometimes one can be strong and firm in the things or activities of God and yet shallow in Christ. This is why Apostle Paul, having commended them for their stridency in the things of God, charged the Philippian believers by the Spirit to stand firm in the Lord.
It’s obvious from the preceding chapters that Paul spent a great deal of space handing to the believers at Philippi a set of teaching both to confirm their faith. He also provided a guide on how the Christian should conduct himself or herself in the community they find themselves. There is a sense of satisfaction in Paul about how progressive the faith of the believers of Philippi was. He talks about them being his joy and crown and that is remarkable. But the Apostle knew that is not enough. He urges them to stand firm in the Lord.
On one side, it is a charge to continue in the faith they have absorbed and to make full proof of it. On the other hand, the statement suggests that there will be contrary winds that will blow against them. Hence the need to stand firm in the Lord.
To stand firm in the Lord is to let God firmly be your foundation and also your covering. It is like you are standing in water (or swimming pool); it will be beneath you and over you. Beloved in the Lord, if you are not firm in the Lord, hardship and difficulties may force you to reconsider the many things you’ve believed in Christ. For instance, if a lady wants to settle down and age is not friendly to her she might be forced to consider a proposal from men of other faiths. Even though scripture warns that we should not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.
To stand firm also means to remain within the confines of the finished works of Christ. It takes our faith to appropriate the finished works of Christ. It is easy to slip off the grace of God, especially in desperate times.
Today, many Christians are moving from one place to the other in search of someone who can descend into the deep to bring Christ to them (Rom 10:7). Yet what they are looking for, is in the word of faith which is already in their mouth (Rom 10:8).
All through scripture, both in the Old and New Testament, there is ample evidence of God’s call to His people to stand firm in the Lord. It is an encouragement to take responsibility not to waiver at the sight of falsehood, persecution or any form of difficulty that the people of God are faced with, as they live their faith out.
Beloved in the Lord, the call to the church at Philippi is also to you and me. It is our Christian duty and responsibility to continually take a stand to live for Christ no matter what comes our way. There are moments in our daily lives when situations seek to sweep us off our feet in matters of holiness at home, at work and even at church.
It behooves today’s Christian to apply himself or herself to the intense study of the word and exposure to sound teaching, with faith in the Lord Jesus alone, to be able to stand firm in this dark world.
Like Paul, Dudley Atkins Tyng at the time of dying, encouraged the brethren with these “Tell my brethren of the ministry, wherever you meet them, to stand up for Jesus”. Dear friend in Christ, this is our charge - to stand firm in Him and for Him in our daily lives to the glory and praise of the name of Jesus. Amen.
FURTHER READING – Daniel 11:32
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- From today, what are you going to practically do differently to stand firm in the Lord daily?
CONFESSION
I affirm this day that by the power of the Holy Spirit that enables me, I will stand firm in the Lord and not compromise in any way to the glory of God, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Exodus 28; Psalm 83; Psalm 84; Mark 13
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