If ever there was a time for a call to sit up and take notice of an old saying that is quite true, it is today: “If you fail to stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” Can you see how that applies in every aspect of life today? It’s especially hard to see people stand firm for anything because the criticism arises from everywhere. So, people will wain from taking a stand and the result will be that they fall for anything that comes along.
The Bible is very clear about the need to stand up and be counted. The apostle Paul in writing to the church at Corinth gave them plenty to think about in things that needed to change. In other words, Paul set forth the way of God and in his concluding words reminds them to stand firm and be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV) — 13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
Note: When you read of “standing firm” in the ESV it’s also translated “stand fast” in the KJV and other translations. For the sake of consistency, let’s stay with “stand firm.”
What is it like to stand firm? Let’s go to a perfect illustration from creation as Psalm 33 records it:
Psalm 33:6–9 (ESV) — 6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.
Notice the words, “For he spoke (that’s God), and it came to be; he commanded and it stood firm. We benefit from that fact today that God’s creation responded just the way He intended – it stood firm, which is how we are to stand against the criticism and the doctrine of the world.
Notice the comparison of standing firm on the word of God versus not standing firm and falling for anything:
2 Timothy 4:1–4 (ESV) — 1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
If we are not standing firm upon the word of God, we’ll fall prey to false doctrine which will lead to falling prey to being taken captive by Satan to do his will. This is why Paul was so strong in emphasizing the need to stand firm and put on the whole armor of God. If you are not standing firm, you will fall prey because the enemy is out to take you captive. Notice:
Ephesians 6:10–12 (ESV) — 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
The hope we have in standing firm is the power of the Holy Spirit, as He takes the word of God and grants us grace to take up the whole armor. But notice upon doing so having done all to stand firm, the next words are “stand therefore…:”
Ephesians 6:13–18 (ESV) — 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. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
It’s not a joke, this is spiritual warfare that you are engaged it, whether you recognize it or not. The call is to stand up and be counted with the Lord Jesus Christ. Stand firm as God’s creation responded to His command so we stand firm at His command in His word.
Philippians 4:1 (ESV) — 1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker
