Weekly Lesson 43

STANDING FIRM

Philippians 1:6, And I am sure of this that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

What does that mean? Paul knows and refers to them as real Christians, and as we have learned in other lessons it is not because of any merit badges or actions that we have done but only and solely through the grace and work of Christ Jesus our Lord, we are saved and redeemed, and nothing can take that away from us.

He is talking to believing Christians; therefore, since Paul knows that they know about the Gospel, he is saying, “therefore – stand firm in the Lord!” Don’t you know that the one who began will finish it? No matter what trouble we will face, Christ will finish it! That is why Paul is giving his life-experiences showing them that he stood firm in the Lord what has happened and therefore calls them to imitate him.

We are Christians, and we have the promise of Christ, and we have already seen Him working in our brothers and sisters. All things may fall apart, but His Word shall stand forever! This is why we should stand firm in Christ – because there is nothing else to stand upon at this point if you understand the truth!

So, how can we stand firm in Christ?

We all should know standing firm is not being stubborn. It is about obeying and standing up for what we read in Gods’ Word. Which means it is a heart issue. But how can we live it out?

Rejoice and again rejoice.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, rejoice.
Paul is repeating this two times for a reason. Because without joy, it is hard for someone to stand firm in Christ. Paul does not just say, be happy, and that is it. “Don’t worry, be happy” is a famous part of a popular song, but we know that this is not that simple because this phrase misses one crucial point – why be happy? See, people just say be happy, ignoring the fact that true happiness can only be found in knowing Christ.

Do not worry about anything.
Why should we not worry? First, because God is watching over us, and second, He listens to us when we pray. These are important to remember. We can trust Him to do what is best for us, and we should know that without prayer we cannot rejoice, without prayer we cannot be gentle, without prayer we cannot be thankful. When we pray, we are showing God that we have put our trust in Him.

Have peace in all things
Philippians 4:8-9, Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Paul is telling us since God is with us and does all things for us, now just focus on the good and not the bad for we have peace in Him, we have life in Him, we have trust in Him.

See how all these things work out? Since God is unchanging in His Word, promises us forgiveness, and to be there in our times of trouble, we can place our trust in Him. We must have faith, trust, and prayer for more faith. We can then stand firm in Christ!
It is vital for our Christian life to stand firm in the Lord, for only then can we finish the race that He gave to us.
So, let us stand firm together in unity and give glory to God, who is our rock and foundation.

Are you standing firm?

Go to Romans Road to Salvation and/or Prayer of Rededication

Christ Centered Champions

Christ Centered Champions

We are more than champions through him who loved us. Romans 8:37